Passing of artist Samir Chamas

Samir Chamas is one of Lebanon's most distinguished actors and a pioneer of Arab cinema and theatre — the first Lebanese actor to work in Egyptian cinema and the first to sign with the National Theatre alongside Chouchou and Nizar Mikati.

He began as a journalist and screenwriter, then shone in films such as "Safar Barlik," "Bint Al-Hareth" and "Bitter Honey," and appeared in Lebanese and Egyptian series alongside stars including Faten Hamama.

Over his career he acted in more than 27 films across Lebanon and Egypt and, in 2006, published his novel "At the Edge of the Universe." He is regarded as a pillar of Lebanese performing arts whose work transcended borders and generations.