Sadness prevailed in the Egyptian and Arab artistic community on Saturday morning, with the announcement of the death of the esteemed artist Somaya El-Alfy at the age of 72, bringing to a close a rich human and artistic journey, after a long and bitter struggle with cancer that lasted for about six years, during which she faced the pain with patience and courage.
Details of the death and funeral date
Ashraf Zaki confirmed the news of the death, which came as a shock to her fans, announcing that the funeral procession will take place today, Saturday, December 20, after the afternoon prayer, and the funeral will depart from the Mustafa Mahmoud Mosque in the Mohandessin area of Cairo, the same mosque that witnessed the farewell of many giants of Egyptian art.
A painful journey with illness
In her later years, the late actress suffered from deteriorating health due to cancer, specifically breast cancer, undergoing several surgeries and intensive treatment sessions. Somaya El-Alfy was forced to withdraw from the public eye and the artistic scene to focus on her treatment, but she remained present in the hearts of her fans. Her last public appearance was on the set of the film "Safah El Tagamoa," where she bravely endured her pain to be by her son, actor Ahmed El-Fishawy's , offering him moral support—a scene that reflected the deep bond between mother and son.
Golden Age drama icon
Somaya El-Alfy's career cannot be reduced to mere acting roles; she was a cornerstone of the golden age of Egyptian drama during the 1980s and 1990s. The late actress was distinguished by her serene features and refined performances, which often confined her to roles of aristocratic girls or dreamy romantic women, but she succeeded in breaking these molds in numerous works.
She contributed a vast artistic legacy to the Arab world, most notably her participation in the epic drama "Layali El Helmeya," the series "Bawabet El Halawany," and "El Attar Wel Sabaa Banat." These works helped shape the consciousness of the Arab viewer and made her a familiar and beloved figure in every Egyptian home.
An artistic family and an unforgettable legacy
Somaya El-Alfy's name was closely linked to the late artist Farouk El-Fishawy , as they formed a famous artistic and personal duo that produced their two sons, Ahmed and Omar. Despite their separation, their friendship and affection remained strong until El-Fishawy's death, as evidenced by her unwavering support during his illness.
With the passing of Somaya El-Alfy, the Egyptian screen loses one of its most prominent stars who left an indelible mark, and her artistic legacy will remain a testament to an authentic talent that respected the viewer's intellect and presented art with sophistication and creativity.
