Somaya El-Alfy on Saturday, December 20th, in a scene steeped in grief and sorrow at the passing of one of the most prominent icons of Egyptian drama during the 1980s and 90s. The funeral procession departed from Mustafa Mahmoud Mosque in the Mohandessin district of Cairo, attended by a number of celebrities. However, the most notable absence, which sparked questions from the public and social media users, was that of her eldest son, actor Ahmed El-Fishawy , who did not accompany his mother's body.
The reason for Ahmed El-Fishawy's absence from the funeral
Dr. Ashraf Zaki, head of the Actors' Syndicate, revealed the real reason behind this absence, which some described as sudden. Zaki confirmed that Ahmed El-Fishawy is currently outside Egypt, specifically in the United States, on a pre-arranged work trip. Sources close to the family explained that El-Fishawy tried hard to find a flight that would allow him to return immediately upon hearing the shocking news, but flight conditions and distance prevented him from arriving in time to attend the funeral, which was held after the afternoon prayer.
In the absence of the older brother, the younger son, Omar El-Fishawy , took center stage, appearing deeply affected as he accompanied his mother's body, accepting condolences from those present and burying his mother in the family cemetery, on behalf of his brother.
A harrowing journey with illness and a painful end
The passing of Somaya El-Alfy at the age of 72 was not a surprise to those close to her, but it was deeply painful. The late actress had waged a fierce and protracted battle with cancer for nearly six years. Her treatment journey began with the discovery of cancerous tumors, which led to several delicate surgeries and intensive chemotherapy sessions. Despite her withdrawal from the public eye in her later years, she remained an example of patience and perseverance, occasionally appearing to reassure her fans. Her last notable appearance was on the set of the film "Safah El Tagamoa" (The Tagamoa Killer) to support her son Ahmed, reflecting the deep bond she shared with her children.
An unforgettable artistic legacy
Somaya El-Alfy is considered one of the faces that shaped the consciousness of Arab viewers, her name synonymous with timeless dramas. She formed a formidable artistic and personal duo with the late Farouk El-Fishawy, captivating the artistic community for many years. El-Alfy was distinguished by her serene features and refined performances, which cemented her place as a leading figure in romantic roles and nurturing mothers. Her passing is expected to leave a significant void in the artistic landscape, with numerous cultural and artistic institutions mourning her loss and affirming that her work will remain an integral part of Egyptian art history.
