Hesham Saleh Selim, a renowned Egyptian film and television actor, was born on January 27, 1958, and passed away on September 22, 2022, at the age of 64, after a long battle with lung cancer.
Selim's journey in the acting world began at the tender age of 12, when he played one of Faten Hamama's children in the 1972 film Empire M. Four years later, he landed a lead role in Youssef Chahine's Return of the Prodigal Son (1976),which ignited a lifelong passion for acting within him.
Throughout his illustrious career, Selim appeared in numerous TV shows, including El Helmeya Nights (1987-1995),Arabesque (1994),and The White Flag (1988). He also starred in several notable films, such as Alexandria Again and Forever (1989),The Puppeteer (1989),and Land of Dreams (1993).
In addition to his acting work, Selim became the host of the talk show Hiwar Al Qahira (Cairo Dialogue) on Sky News Arabia in 2012, featuring live discussions on political, social, and economic issues following the 2011 Egyptian revolution.
Selim's personal life was marked by his unwavering support for his transgender son, Nour, whom he publicly acknowledged and accepted in a rare display of acceptance for LGBT+ rights in Egypt. This courageous move earned widespread praise on social media, with many commending Selim for his bravery and decision to speak openly about his son's identity.
Selim is survived by his two daughters and son, Nour, and will be remembered for his remarkable contributions to the Egyptian film and television industry, as well as his tireless advocacy for acceptance and inclusivity.
