Sumaya Al-Alfi, Egyptian Acting Icon, Dies at 72
The celebrated Egyptian actress Sumaya Al-Alfi passed away Saturday morning at age 72 in a Cairo hospital following an illness, according to reports from Egyptian media. Al-Alfi’s career spanned decades, marked by iconic roles in television and film, and a personal life often in the public eye.
Born July 23, 1953, in Sharkia Governorate, Al-Alfi pursued higher education at the Faculty of Arts, Department of Sociology in Cairo, despite a strict upbringing. She first explored her passion for acting through university theater, a formative experience that ultimately launched her professional career. A pivotal moment came during a performance of “Love of Egypt,” where she was noticed by Fatima Al-Ma’doul, who subsequently offered her a role in a play at the Children’s Culture Center. It was there she met the actor Farouk Al-Fishawy, beginning a personal and professional partnership that would define a significant chapter of her life.
Al-Alfi transitioned to television with a role in Mohamed Sobhi’s series “The Million Journey,” playing the character of Nesma. Sobhi publicly mourned her passing, stating, “The beautiful artist, my dear friend, Sumaya Al-Alfi, passed away today. I will never forget your role with me in the series The Million Journey (Nessma) and the movie Ali Bey Mazhar. Inspire your family and all your loved ones patience and solace.”
Her most enduring role came in the beloved Egyptian series “Layali Al-Helmeya,” where she captivated audiences as Princess Nourhan. Other notable works included “The White Flag,” “The Sweets Gate,” “The Attar and the Seven Daughters,” and “Ali Bey Mazhar and 40 Thieves.” Her final public appearance was approximately two months ago, on the set of the film “The Butcher of the Gathering,” where she supported her son, actor Ahmed Al-Fishawy.
Al-Alfi’s personal life was marked by four marriages. Her most well-known relationship was with Farouk Al-Fishawy, with whom she shared two sons, Ahmed and Omar. The marriage lasted 16 years before ending in divorce, a decision she described as “difficult,” and one they revisited three times. In a candid interview, Al-Alfi discussed the complexities of infidelity, stating that while she could forgive physical betrayal, emotional infidelity was a breaking point. “I did not consider physical infidelity to be infidelity, so I forgave him…but if he betrayed me with his feelings and loved another woman, this would be a difficult matter,” she explained. She admitted in 2022 that she had still not fully reconciled with the divorce.
https://fishawyofficial.com/ – This is the official Instagram account of Ahmed El Fishawy, where the initial news of his mother’s passing was shared.
https://www.youtube.com/@elseeraa – The YouTube channel “Al-Sirah” hosted a revealing interview with Al-Alfi, offering insights into her life and career.
The Syndicate of Acting Professions issued a statement extending its condolences to Al-Alfi’s family, praying for mercy and solace. Sumaya Al-Alfi leaves behind a rich legacy as one of Egypt’s most beloved and respected actresses, her contributions to the nation’s cultural landscape ensuring her memory will endure.