Youssef Wahbi was a pioneer in Egyptian and Arab cinema and theater, leaving behind a monumental legacy that shaped the region’s cultural landscape. As an actor, director, writer, and producer, Wahbi enriched Arab theater and cinema with a depth of artistry, earning him the title “Dean of Arab Theater.”

Over his six-decade career, Wahbi collaborated with the biggest stars, launched many talents, and received numerous accolades. King Farouk I granted him the rank of “Bek,” and he was honored with prestigious awards, including the Order of Merit, First Class, in 1960 and the State Appreciation Award in 1970. 

Notably, Pope Pius XII awarded him the Medal for Defending Catholic Rights, making Wahbi the first Muslim to receive this honor. This article highlights the major milestones in Wahbi’s remarkable life.

Birth and Early Life

Youssef Abdullah Hudayb Wahbi Qutb was born on July 17th, 1898, in Fayoum, where his father worked as an irrigation inspector. He lived in a house located on the shore of Bahr Youssef, so he was named after it. 

Wahbi attended Sheikh Al-Asili’s kuttab before moving to Saidia School in Giza, followed by Agricultural School in Qalyubia. 

His passion for acting caused a rift with his father, who disapproved of his ambitions. Cast out, Wahbi went abroad to pursue his dreams, only returning after his father’s passing.

Youssef Wahbi and Theater

Youssef Wahbi's artistic beginning came after he saw the Lebanese artist Salim Al-Qardahi's troupe. He fell in love with acting and began his career by reciting monologues and performing skits at the Al-Ahly Club and school. Then he traveled to Italy after World War I to study acting at the hands of the Italian actor Chiantoni. 

In 1921, Youssef Wahbi returned to Egypt, where he joined the troupes of Hassan Fayek and Aziz Eid. Soon after, he founded the Ramses Theater Troupe, which performed more than 300 plays inspired by Arabic, French, Italian, and English literature. 

Wahbi challenged stereotypes, aiming to elevate Egyptian theater from mere comedy to serious art, and by 1933, he was chosen to establish what would become the National Theater.

Youssef Wahbi and Cinema

In 1930, Wahbi co-founded “Ramses Film” with director Mohamed Karim, producing Egypt’s first silent film, “Zeinab.”

In 1932, the film “Children of Dawat” was produced, which was the first Arabic-speaking film, in which Youssef Wahbi wrote and starred. Youssef Wahbi started directing films in addition to writing and acting in them, and he presented films such as “Defense,” “Eternal Glory,” and “The Hour of Execution.” 

After that, he presented a wide variety of successful cinematic films, in addition to theatrical work.

Artistic Duets

Wahbi also pioneered the concept of artistic duets in Egyptian cinema, most notably with Amina Rizk, which began in 1932. They participated together in 11 films, the most important of which were “Children of the Self,” “The Straight Path,” “Children of the Poor,” and “Berlanti.” 

He also presented an artistic duet with Laila Murad, which began in 1939, during which they presented 6 wonderful films, the most important of which were “Laila Bint Al-Rif, Shadia Al-Wadi, Ghazl Al-Banat, and Laila Bint Al-Madares.” 

In 1946, he collaborated with Faten Hamama, and together they presented 6 films, including “Angel of the Most Merciful,” “Bayoumi Effendi,” “The Great Love,” and “The Confession Chair.”

A Film that Gave Him the Title of “Bek”

In 1944, Youssef Wahbi directed, wrote, and starred in “Love and Revenge,” co-starring Asmahan and Anwar Wagdy. This film is considered one of the most important films of Youssef Wahbi and Egyptian cinema in general. 

When King Farouk attended its premiere, he was deeply impressed by the film’s tribute to the Alawite dynasty and honored Wahbi with the rank of “Bek,” an esteemed title that he would carry in his film credits until civil ranks were abolished in 1953 due to the outbreak of the July 23rd Revolution.

Moving from Melodrama to Comedy

Throughout his career, Wahbi used his art to address social, cultural, and moral issues in Egyptian society. In 1953, he presented “The House of Obedience,” which marked his shift from melodrama to comedy. 

This change of genre was well-received, leading to successes in films like “Rumor of Love” and “Confessions of a Husband,” which added humor and romance to his socially conscious themes.

Youssef Wahbi and Television

In 1966, Youssef Wahbi made his television debut with the series “The Genius,” starring alongside Saeed Saleh, Boussy, and Mahmoud El-Meliguy. Following this, he appeared in other notable series, including “How to Lose a Million Pounds,” “Days That Never Fade,” and “Fasting, Fasting.”

His Final Works

In 1972, Youssef Wahbi staged his last play, “Mr. Bayoumi,” which he wrote, directed, and starred in, alongside Amina Rizk, Gamal Madhet, and Karima. This play was inspired by an earlier film he had created under the same title.

By 1975, Wahbi performed his final starring role in the film “The White Gown,” co-starring Naglaa Fathy, Ahmed Mazhar, Magdy Wahba, and Zahrat El-Ola. 

Following this, he took on a series of guest roles and minor parts, with his last appearance in 1982 as a guest star in the film “The Slaughterhouse,” alongside Samir Sabri and Adel Adham. This was his final role before he passed away.

His Personal Life

People often wondered about Youssef Wahbi’s children. Though he was married three times, Wahbi never had children. His first marriage took place while he was studying at the Academy of Acting in Rome, where he met and fell deeply in love with Italian actress Elena Lunda. They returned to Egypt together, but after four years of marriage, they separated in 1925.

Wahbi’s second marriage was to Aisha Fahmy, Egypt’s wealthiest woman at the time. A friend of Wahbi’s family, Aisha was sixteen years older than him, and her father, Ali Pasha Fahmy, was a close friend of Wahbi’s father, Abdullah Pasha Wahbi. However, Wahbi’s intense dedication to acting eventually led to their separation.

His third and final marriage was to Saida Mansour, a union that lasted 40 years until his passing.

The Passing of a Theater Icon

Youssef Wahbi was admitted to the Arab Contractors Hospital after a fall that fractured his hip. During his recovery, he suffered a sudden heart attack, passing away on October 17, 1982, at the age of 84.

Youssef Wahbi’s legacy is a testament to his visionary approach to cinema and theater in Egypt. His lifelong dedication not only uplifted Arab art but also encouraged audiences to reflect on societal issues.