Iraqi actor Hammoudi Al-Harithy, affectionately known as "Abousi," passed away at the age of 88 in the Netherlands
Abousi
Iraqi acting pioneer Hammoudi Al-Harithy passes away
NEWSROOM — Iraqi renowned actor Hammoudi Al-Harithy, affectionately known as “Abousi,” passed away on Thursday in a hospital in the Netherlands. Al-Harithy, a pioneering figure in Iraqi television, was celebrated for his work during the 1960s and 1970s, a period marked by modesty and simplicity in production. His death marks the loss of a significant acting icon in Iraq.
Jabbar Al-Mashhadani, Director General of the Department of Musical Arts, mourned Al-Harithy’s passing, reflecting on his legacy during a time when Iraqi television productions were characterized by their unedited, live broadcasts. “Abousi belongs to the generation of pioneers, those who worked with limited resources in the 1960s and 1970s,” Al-Mashhadani told 964media. He explained that during this period, there were no editors or editing processes; episodes were broadcast live, requiring actors to memorize their roles as if they were performing on stage.
“This simplicity and the spontaneity in the performances were key reasons why these productions have remained beloved among Iraqis, who often compare them fondly to more modern television productions,” he added.
Al-Harithy became a household name with his portrayal of “Abousi,” in the popular television series “Under the Barber’s Razor,” in the 1960s. He spent many years in Europe, away from the Iraqi artistic scene. Al-Mashhadani lamented that Al-Harithy, like many other prominent Iraqi artists and poets, was lost to the diaspora, with Iraq deprived of his full artistic potential.
“Abousi returned to Iraq after 2003, only to find a new generation unfamiliar with his work. Platforms like YouTube helped reintroduce his legacy to younger audiences, along with that of his contemporaries, such as Rassim Al-Jumaily, Khalil Al-Rifa’i, and Salim Al-Basri,” Al-Mashhadani noted.
Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia Al-Sudani expressed his condolences on Saturday to the family of the late actor, as well as to his fans and the broader Iraqi cultural and artistic community. Al-Sudani acknowledged the significant loss to Iraqi art, describing Al-Harithy as a “remarkable figure” and a “distinguished cultural personality” who touched the spirit of the Iraqi people and “expressed their artistic and creative essence.”
The Prime Minister also directed that Al-Harithy’s body be transported from the Netherlands to Iraq, where he will be laid to rest in his homeland.
Born in 1936 in Baghdad, Hammoudi Al-Harithy became a household name known for his comedic roles and contributions to Iraqi television. Al-Harithy’s career spanned several decades, during which he became beloved for his role as “Abousi”. He also appeared in numerous plays, television series, and radio productions, solidifying his place as a key figure in Iraqi entertainment history.
