Mona Wassef

Mona Wassef, born in 1942 in Damascus, Syria, is a celebrated actress renowned for her contributions to both film and theatre in the Arab world. Often referred to as “The First Star of Syria,” “Star of the Arab World,” and “Lady of the Syrian Screen,” she has become a prominent figure and an inspiration for many in the arts. One of her most notable performances came in the iconic 1976 film “Al Ressala” (The Message), where she portrayed Hind, a role that solidified her status in Arab cinema.

Throughout her illustrious career, Wassef has portrayed the character of Bassam Kousa’s mother over ten times in various cinematic and television productions, showcasing her versatility as an actress. In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, she was awarded the Syrian Order of Merit-Excellent Degree in 2009, making her the first Syrian woman to achieve this honor.

Her extensive body of work includes over 25 theatrical productions and more than 30 films, alongside nearly 200 television series. Wassef has also been the recipient of multiple lifetime achievement accolades from prestigious events such as the Damascus Film Festival, the Alexandria Film Festival, and the International Arab Film Festival in Oran. She was married to the late director Mohammed Shaheen, and they share one son, Ammar.