On September 16, 2006, Egypt lost Fouad El-Mohandes, one of its most beloved and versatile entertainers. His passing came just ten days after his birthday, closing the curtain on a life devoted to laughter, wit, and art. Nineteen years later, the memory of al-Ustaz (the Professor) lives on through the films, plays, radio sketches, and Ramadan shows that continue to enchant audiences.
A Star Born to Perform
Born on September 6, 1924, El-Mohandes grew up in Cairo at a time when Egyptian theatre was flourishing. Captivated by the work of Naguib Al-Rihani, the pioneering actor and comedian, El-Mohandes joined his troupe in his early years. It was there he honed his skills, building the timing and stage presence that would soon make him a household name. He was not simply a comic; he was a complete artist, equally at home in satire, slapstick, and drama.
The Stage: A Playground for Genius
Theatre became the foundation of El-Mohandes’ career. His plays remain benchmarks in Egyptian comedic history, resonating with audiences long after their first performances. Works such as Al-Sekreter al-Fanni (The Technical Secretary), Ana w Howa w Heya (Me, Him, and Her), Sayedaty al-Gamila (My Fair Lady), It’s Really a Respectable Family, Sk Ala Banatak (Lock Up Your Daughters), Hala Habibty, and Alashan Khater Oyounik are still staged, quoted, and remembered as cultural treasures.
A Legendary Duo on the Silver Screen
If the theatre established his name, cinema made him immortal. With his partner in life and art, Shweikar, El-Mohandes formed one of the most iconic duos in Egyptian film history.
Together, they starred in a string of hits that remain beloved across generations: E’tirafat Zawg (Confessions of a Husband), Shanbo fi al-Masiada (Shanbo in the Trap), Motarada Gharamiya (Romantic Pursuit), Ard al-Nifaq (Land of Hypocrisy), Mr. X, Akhtar Ragol fi al-Alam (The Most Dangerous Man in the World), Viva Zalata, and Al-Beyy al-Bawab (The Doorman). Their chemistry was undeniable, balancing his sharp wit with her elegance and flair. Together, they shaped a golden age of Egyptian cinema.
A Voice That Carried Across Generations
Beyond stage and film, El-Mohandes was an institution in Egyptian radio. He began with the iconic troupe Sa’a le Qalbak (“An Hour for Your Heart”), then went on to present Kelmteen w Bas (“Just Two Words”), a satirical commentary program that ran for over 30 years.
Through these broadcasts, he reached millions, using humor to comment on social issues in ways that were both biting and relatable. His radio dramas — particularly during Ramadan, often alongside Shweikar — became staples of Egyptian households, blending entertainment with cultural tradition.
“Uncle Fouad” and the Ramadan Legacy
For children who grew up in the 1970s, 80s, and 90s, Fouad El-Mohandes was simply Amou Fouad (“Uncle Fouad”). His Ramadan fawazir (quiz shows), which he presented for over a decade, became a beloved ritual of the holy month.
He had a rare gift: the ability to speak to children without talking down to them, making them laugh while teaching kindness, imagination, and curiosity. Before the fawazir, he and Shweikar had already cemented their place in Ramadan culture with musical sketches like the iconic song El-Siyam Mesh Keda (This Isn’t How You Fast), which remains one of the most recognizable Ramadan tunes to this day.
A Lasting Legacy
What made Fouad El-Mohandes special was not only his range but his humanity. He could make audiences roar with laughter in one moment and reflect quietly in the next. He never relied on cheap gags; instead, his comedy was thoughtful, warm, and deeply connected to the realities of everyday Egyptian life.
Nineteen years after his passing, his works continue to play on television, radio, and digital platforms, proving that true artistry transcends time. Generations who never saw him live still grow up with his voice and face, while those who remember him firsthand continue to cherish the moments he gave them.
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