Khaled Al-Sawy at the age of 62.. “The acting ghoul” fights disease with creativity

Today, the distinguished Egyptian artist Khaled Al-Sawy blows out his 62nd birthday candle. Despite being clearly affected by signs of illness, the “acting ghoul” maintains a different appearance and a strong artistic presence that enabled him to impose himself as a shining star in the skies of drama and Egyptian cinema for three consecutive decades.

Disease…and its effect:

For more than two years, Al-Sawy has been facing a difficult health challenge, which is evident in the signs of weakness that have begun to appear on him. But the “acting ghoul” insists on conquering his pain, maintaining his artistic and social presence. The latest manifestation of this determination was his remarkable appearance at the opening and closing ceremonies of the Cairo International Film Festival, in its thirty-sixth session, in addition to his starring in the film “The Pain of Parting,” which was directed by the young woman Jamila Sameh Abdel Aziz. In honor of the name of her late director father.

The story of the illness began to appear clearly on El-Sawy since the movie “Why Do You Live It Alone,” where he appeared leaning on a crutch, accompanied by a noticeable weight gain and swelling in the face and hands. This was due to his severe herniated disc, as a result of which he underwent surgery that was not fully successful. Al-Sawy was forced to resort to medications, including cortisone, which – as is known – causes fluid retention, increases appetite, and increases fat accumulation, which directly affected his external appearance and his metabolism.

• 

A strong return is expected in Ramadan 2026:

After a marginal and influential participation in the Ramadan 2025 drama, through the series “Sayyid Al-Nas”, with the star Amr Saad and director Mohamed Samy, Khaled Al-Sawy is preparing, today, for a strong and pivotal dramatic appearance in the Ramadan 2026 series season, where he stars in the series “The Shepherd”, alongside Majed Al-Masry and Ahmed Eid. “The Shepherd” tells the story of three brothers, whose late father leaves them a huge inheritance, and each of them seeks to monopolize the largest share of it, which promises the audience a season full of suspense.

Immortal roles:

The story of the artist Khaled Al-Sawy (born 1963) begins with a radical transformation. After he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Law and practiced law for a short period, he realized that his true passion lay behind the scenes, to follow the call of art, and obtain a Bachelor’s degree in “Film Directing.” This solid cultural background was the base from which he set out to become a unique artist. His start was not traditional; He started at Cairo University Theater, where he participated in establishing the “Egyptian Society for Theater Amateurs,” and wrote and directed plays that won important awards, such as “The Crazy Party.” It did not take long until his first appearance on both screens coincided in 1990, combining cinematic and television drama.

• 

The “charismatic” presence and high artistic ability that El-Sawy possessed made him an indispensable creative force in the Egyptian scene. His brilliance was not limited to the main roles, but rather he shined in supporting roles that stole the spotlight in huge works, such as: the movie “The Pasha Student” with the star Karim Abdel Aziz, “Keda Reda” with the star Ahmed Helmy, “Money” with the star Tamer Hosni, and “The Yacoubian Building” with the stars: Adel Imam, Nour El Sharif, Hend Sabry, Yousra, Ahmed Ratib and others, and the series “Mahmoud El Masry” with the star Mahmoud Abdel Aziz. And “Al-Maddah” with the star Hamada Hilal. But the pinnacle of his artistic genius was evident when he presented a very complex character in the movie “The Blue Elephant”, where he brilliantly penetrated the depths of the viewers, proving that this “ghoul” still possesses a unique ability to present completely different roles, which makes his presence in any artistic work an unforgettable creative value.

• For more: Follow Khaleejion 24 Arabic, Khaleejion 24 English, Khaleejion 24 Live, and for social media follow us on Facebook and Twitter