Kuwaiti actress Hayat Al-Fahad passed away early today, concluding a remarkable 78-year artistic career. She faced challenging circumstances during her childhood but managed to achieve great success in the world of art.
Born on April 15, 1948, Al-Fahad experienced a difficult childhood following the early death of her father. She endured her mother's harshness, which led her to leave school at an early stage. Nevertheless, she forged her own path, learning to read and write and mastering the English language, in an early journey of challenges that shaped her strong character.
Details of the Event
Hayat Al-Fahad's passion for art began in the 1950s after watching a film by the late artist Farid Al-Atrash. However, this dream faced severe rejection from her mother, reaching the point of physical punishment and a hunger strike, until her brother succeeded in convincing the family to allow her to enter the world of acting.
In her early career, Al-Fahad worked as a nurse before being discovered by artist Abu Jassoum, leading her to participate in the series 'A Family of Abu Jassoum' in 1964, which marked her entry into the world of art. Since then, she built an exceptional career with over 216 works, solidifying her status as one of the most important stars in the Gulf and earning the title of 'Lady of the Gulf Screen'.
Background & Context
Despite her fame, Hayat Al-Fahad kept the details of her personal life away from the media. She married for the first time in 1965 to Iraqi doctor Kousai Al-Jalabi, giving birth to her only daughter Suzan in 1967, but their marriage ended after three years due to disagreements over her continued acting career.
In her second marriage, she was linked to Lebanese artist Mohammad Hamdi, who had twin daughters (Mai and Maha), whom Al-Fahad took care of even after the relationship ended. She was also known for her humanitarian side, as she took in an orphan girl named Rozan and raised her alongside her daughter.
Impact & Consequences
In her later years, Hayat Al-Fahad entered a critical health phase, suffering from two strokes that occurred 15 days apart, following a catheterization procedure, which significantly affected her health. She traveled to London for further treatment before returning to Kuwait, where her health struggles continued under close medical supervision.
In the last 24 hours, Al-Fahad experienced a severe health setback, leading to her transfer to intensive care, before her condition gradually deteriorated, resulting in her passing early today, in a sad scene that marked the end of a long journey of giving.
Regional Significance
With the passing of Hayat Al-Fahad, Gulf drama loses one of its steadfast pillars, yet her presence will remain through her works that have shaped the memory of generations. Hayat Al-Fahad was a symbol of a strong woman who managed to create her glory despite the harsh beginnings and heavy endings.
Her works will continue to resonate in the memories of viewers, as she presented numerous timeless pieces that contributed to shaping the artistic culture in the Gulf.