Hesham Selim

Hesham Saleh Selim (January 27, 1958 - September 22, 2022) was a celebrated Egyptian actor, known for his significant contributions to both film and television. He completed his education at the High Institute of Tourism and Hotels in Cairo before further honing his craft at the prestigious Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London. Born to the legendary footballer Saleh Selim, who was also the former president of Al Ahly Sporting Club, Hesham had strong artistic influences in his family, including his sister-in-law, the renowned actress Yousra.

Selim's acting journey commenced at a young age when he appeared as one of Faten Hamama's children in the film Empire M (1972). His breakout role came in 1976 with Youssef Chahine's Return of the Prodigal Son, igniting a lifelong passion for performance. Over the years, he starred in numerous television series, including the acclaimed El Helmeya Nights (1987-1995), Arabesque (1994), and The White Flag (1988), alongside notable films such as Alexandria Again and Forever (1989) and The Puppeteer (1989).

In addition to his acting career, Selim made headlines in 2012 as the host of Hiwar Al Qahira (Cairo Dialogue), a talk show on Sky News Arabia that tackled pressing social and political issues following the 2011 Egyptian revolution. He garnered widespread support for publicly embracing his transgender son, Nour, in a country where discussions around gender identity are often stigmatized.

Hesham Selim's legacy endures through his impactful performances and his courageous stance on social issues. He succumbed to lung cancer at the age of 64, leaving behind two daughters and a son.