Remembering Kawsar Ramzi: Egyptian Cinema Icon and Key Witness in Thekra Murder Case
- On September 2, 2018, Egyptian actress Kawthar Ramzy passed away at the age of 87, according to sources.
- She launched her professional career early through Egyptian radio before moving into cinema.
- Despite that early opportunity, Ramzy rarely pursued leading roles.
On September 2, 2018, Egyptian actress Kawthar Ramzy passed away at the age of 87, according to sources. Her death marked the end of a six-decade career in film, television, and radio, while also closing the life of the sole surviving witness to a high-profile 2003 murder case.
A Six-Decade Legacy in Egyptian Cinema
She launched her professional career early through Egyptian radio before moving into cinema. Her first cinematic appearance came in the 1954 film “Nida al-Hob” (“Call of Love”) opposite actor Hussein Riad, where she secured a near-leading role.
Mastering the Art of the Supporting Role
Despite that early opportunity, Ramzy rarely pursued leading roles. Instead, she established a prolific career specializing in secondary characters, most notably playing traditional cinematic mothers. According to sources, her filmography eventually expanded to include more than 70 films and roughly 100 television series, alongside roughly 35 theatrical productions.
From ‘Mama Kawthar’ to Presidential Recognition
Ramzy earned the affectionate nickname “Mama Kawthar” from industry colleagues who recognized her warmth and closeness to fellow cast members. Her extensive credits spanned major works across Egyptian entertainment. In film, she appeared in “Bakhit wa Adeela,” “Al-Mawled,” “Mohamma fi Tel Aviv,” “Abu Kartouna,” and “Tuyour al-Zalam.” Her television work included prominent drama series such as “Raafat al-Hagan,” “Layaly al-Helmeyya,” “Yawmiyat Wanees,” and “El-Zeini Barakat.” On stage, she collaborated with actor Adel Imam, appearing in theatrical productions including the play “Al-Zaeem.” Throughout her career, she also received a certificate of appreciation from late Egyptian President Anwar Sadat, as noted by sources.
The Final Witness to a Tragic Night
Outside her acting credits, Ramzy remained linked in public memory to the 2003 murder of Tunisian actress Dhekra. Ramzy was Dhekra’s close friend and the sole eyewitness present in the apartment hours before the fatal shooting took place. In subsequent years, the trauma and physical decline associated with a stroke left Ramzy dealing with paralysis in her right arm and leg. She ultimately died from a sharp drop in blood pressure following a prolonged illness in her later years.
