MUSCAT: The Gulf artistic scene suffered a significant loss on Tuesday with the passing of the Kuwaiti actress Hayat al Fahad at the age of 78 after battling an illness. She leaves behind a remarkable legacy of artistic works that spans over six decades.
Known as the 'Lady of the Gulf Screen', the late actress was one of the region’s most prominent media icons. She delivered numerous memorable performances in television, theatre and cinema, contributing to the shaping of a rich Gulf artistic heritage.
Talib al Balushi, an actor and director of drama, television serials, short films and cinema, expressed, "Hayat al Fahad is a star who is irreplaceable. She dedicated 59 years of hard work to the field of drama as an actor and writer."
Although Talib never had the chance to work with her, he mentioned that Hayat closely followed Omani drama and commended his work in the film 'Goat Life'. "The last time I saw her was in Kuwait in November 2024, and she expressed how proud she was of my performance in 'Goat Life'. Today, we mourn the loss of a significant and renowned star in our Gulf region — one of the greatest icons in Arab drama," Talib added.
Al Fahad entertained different generations, as noted by Mohammed al Kindi, an Omani film director. "Regardless of the era, Hayat has been a part of people's lives from the 50s all the way to the present day. She was not only an actress but also a writer. I have admired her acting in both theatre and on screen for a long time. She has visited Oman multiple times and participated in theatre festivals here. Her popularity extends beyond the GCC to all Arab countries," Al Kindi emphasised.
Al Kindi mentioned that she has left behind a legacy of acting that has influenced even the current generation. "Hayat al Fahad was known for her humility and generosity. She had a unique acting style, and we will miss that school of acting," Al Kindi added.
Zuha Qader, an actress and writer, described Hayat as a leading figure in acting. "I watch her dramas, especially the older ones from 15 to 20 years ago, to learn from her. She is one of the pioneers of the drama industry in the Gulf. She started at a time when there was only one television channel airing for a few hours, and then theatre emerged," she explained.
Hayat began her career with the series 'The Bu Jassoum Family', later appearing in the play 'The Victim' and making her film debut in 'Bass Ya Bahr'. Throughout her career, she collaborated with some of the Gulf’s finest actors, including Abdul Hussain Abdul Redha, Saad Al Farraj, Suaad Abdullah, Ghanem al Saleh, Khaled al Nafisi, and Mohammed al Mansour, solidifying her position as a cornerstone of the Gulf artistic landscape until her final days.
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