Ma'ali Zayed (; November 5, 1953 - November 10, 2014) was an Egyptian actress who appeared in over 30 films, as well as numerous theatrical productions and television series in Egypt.
She studied at the College of Art Education and then the Higher Institute of Cinema. Her first artistic appearance on television was in the movie “The Promised Night.” Zayed gained prominence for her roles in the series "Tears in Shameless Eyes" and "Heat Wave," as well as her part in the theatrical production "Extra Sugar." Her career in cinema commenced in 1987 with her debut film "Life is Wasted, My Son." Notably, she rose to fame for her performances in "The Egg and the Stone" and "Those Gentlemen," the latter being a groundbreaking Egyptian film that addressed the subject of gender-affirming surgery (female-to-male) in Arabic societies.
She died on November 10, 2014, following a long battle with the Lung cancer.
Early life and education Zayed was born on November 5, 1953, on Champollion Street in central Cairo, into a family with a rich tradition in acting, writing scripts, and singing. Her mother, Amal Zayed, and her aunt, Gamalat Zayed, were both esteemed actresses. Zayed pursued her education at the College of Art Education and later attended the Higher Institute of Cinema, where she honed her skills in filmmaking. She graduated from the Faculty of Fine Arts with a focus on painting.
Early career Born on November 5, 1953, Ma'ali Zayed began her acting career with supporting roles in various movies and television series. Notable among her early works are her roles in the movie "We Daa Al Omr Ya Waladi" () (1978) and the TV series "Eilet El Doughry" () (1980). However, it was her ability to make bold and instinctive choices that distinguished her from her peers. Zayed soon started carving out her own niche in the film industry, delivering remarkable performances in television series such as "Bein El Quassrein" () (1987) and "Quasr El Shawk" () (1988), the latter being based on the works of renowned Egyptian author Naguib Mahfouz.
In 1987, she received the prestigious Best Actress Award from the Film Society for her exceptional performance in the movie "Those Gentlemen" (), solidifying her status as a respected figure in Egyptian cinema.
Personal life Beyond her acting career, Maali Zayed had a passion for drawing portraits and harbored a dream of holding her own art exhibition. During breaks between acting engagements, she devoted time to preparing her paintings.
She maintained a private farm along the Egypt-Alexandria desert road, where she sought solace and relaxation during breaks from her busy schedule. She was at one point married, but the relationship ended in divorce
Ma'ali Zayed was admired for her beauty and warm personality. She decorated her home with paintings and awards, and had a pet dog.
Selected works
Movies +YearFilmName TranslationRole1978We Daa Al Omr Ya WaladiLife is Wasted, My Son1980Darb al-FananeenThe Artists' Way1982Aroosa wa gooz ersanBride and Two Grooms1983Wala min shaf wala min duriNeither Seen, Nor Known1983El ArbagyThe Wagoner1984Bayt al-QadiThe Judge's HouseAfaf1984el-FornThe Bakery1984el-Armala w al-ShaitanThe Widow and the Devil1985 Qadeyet Aam Ahmed Uncle Ahmed's CaseFatma1985 Asal el-Hob el-MorLove's Bitter HoneyYasmine1985 Ana Ely Katlt El-HanashI Killed El-Hanash1985 El Shaqa Men Haq El ZoggaThe Apartment Belongs to the Wife1985 El halal yiksabHalal Wins1985 Estghaset Min Al-Alam El-AkharA Cry from Beyond1986 Li el-Hob Qesaa AkhiraLove Has A Final StorySalwa1986 E'mra'a MutamaredaA Rebellious WomanSafaa1986 Al-SakakeniKnives maker1987Shahed EthbatProsecution WitnessSalma1987Al-Ta'naThe Stab1987el-Sada el-AfadelThose GentlemenFawzia1987Al-Zawga Ta'arif AktharThe Wife Knows MoreWafaa1988Samak Laban Tamr HendyFish, Milk, TamarindQadara1989Katebet al-E'damExecution Squad1989 Sydaati AnisaatiLadies and Misses1990 Jahim 2Hell 21990Al-KhatarDanger1990Al-Baida Wal-HajarThe Egg and the Stone1991 Al-SarkhaThe Shout1992 Doctora Ma' Martabet el-SharafPhD with Honors1992 El-MutahmaThe AccusedLayla1992 El-Zaman El-Sa'abDifficult Time1993LolaakyIf It Weren't For YouSalwa1995El-MarakbiThe Ferryman1995 Aswar el-HobLove's Gates1996Ragol Mohem GiddannA Very Important Man1996El-Mokalma El-QatelaThe Deadly Call1996Abu El-DahabGold Owner2000 Qadr Emra'aA Woman's Destiny2001Anbar wal AlwanAnbar and the Colors
References
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