Aged 77
Renowned Iraqi actor Abdul Sattar Al-Basri dies after prolonged illness
NEWSROOM — Renowned Iraqi artist Abdul Sattar Al-Basri, a died Sunday evening at the age of 77 after a prolonged illness, leaving behind a legacy of television hits.
Born in Basra’s Al-Bajari neighborhood, Al-Basri completed his early education there before moving to Baghdad for higher education. He graduated from the University of Baghdad’s College of Fine Arts in the 1971-72 academic year with a specialization in theater.
Al-Basri joined the National Theater Team in 1974, delivering numerous performances in theater, cinema, and television.
“The Iraqi Artists Syndicate mourns the loss of Abdul Sattar Al-Basri, who passed away due to a prolonged illness,” the syndicate said in a statement.
“We ask the Almighty to envelop him in His vast mercy and grant patience and solace to his family, fans, and colleagues. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”
Among his enduring roles was the comedic character Aboud in the television series “Aalam Al-Sit Wa Heba.” He also portrayed prominent Iraqi poet Mohammad Mehdi Al-Jawahiri in a biopic on the poet’s life and work.
Al-Basri’s notable works include television series such as “Broken Diamond,” “The Sisters,” “Missing in the Land of Wonders,” “The Just Ones,” “Resides in My Heart,” “Fires of Destruction,” “Remnants of Love,” “Lost in the Depths,” and “Men and a Case.”
He received numerous accolades throughout his career, including Best Comedian in Iraq in 1980 and Best Tragic Actor in 1987, both awarded by the Iraqi Theater Center under the Ministry of Culture. He also earned Best Actor on World Theater Day in 2008 from the Iraqi Cinema and Theater Department, in addition to a Best Actor award in 2009 from the Al-Ruwaya Foundation for Culture and Arts, and recognition as the Best Artistic Personality in 2010.
Al-Basri was the first Iraqi actor to win three international awards consecutively: Best Actor at the Cairo International Film Festival in 2008, Best Actor at the Carthage International Festival in 2009, and Best Actor at the Erfoud International Festival in Morocco in 2010.
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