Moroccan artist Mohamed El Khalfi died yesterday, Saturday, December 21, 2024, at the age of 87, after a long illness.
Al Khalfi is considered one of the pioneers of theater and drama in Morocco, as his artistic career spanned more than 6 decades, during which he presented works that left a clear mark on the Moroccan artistic scene.
The late artist was born in Casablanca in 1937, and his relationship with theater began in 1957 with the amateur theatre, where he worked alongside prominent names such as Al-Tayeb Al-Siddiqi and Ahmed Al-Tayeb Al-Alj.
In 1959, he founded the “Popular Theater” troupe, then co-founded the “United Artists” troupe, which presented 7 plays, including “The Intellectual Family” with the participation of the artist Soraya Gibran.
Al-Khalfi’s activity was not limited to the theater only, but also extended to television and cinema. In television drama, he was famous for his roles in series such as “The Sacrifice,” “The Bread Seller,” and “Maluk Al-Tawaif,” where he portrayed the character of Abu Al-Hazm bin Jahour. He also left his mark in the series “Lalla Fatima” in the role of Hajj Kaddour Ben Zizi.
In cinema, he collaborated with directors such as Abdullah Al-Mesbahi in the film “Silence, Forbidden Direction,” and Muhammad Ismail in the film “Here and Lahiya,” in addition to other films such as “The Green Light,” “The Betrayed Blood,” and “The Fifth String.”
In recent years, the artist’s artistic appearance has declined due to his advanced age and deteriorating health. In October 2024, he was transferred to a private hospital in Casablanca after suffering a severe health illness. Although he was discharged from the hospital after receiving treatment, his health condition continued to deteriorate, until he passed away at his home in Casablanca.
Mohamed El Khalfi is considered one of the most prominent pioneers of Moroccan art, as he contributed greatly to the development of theater and drama in the country. He was distinguished by his ability to embody various characters, from comedic to dramatic, which earned him wide popularity and the love of the audience. His artistic legacy will remain a source of inspiration for future generations, and an everlasting memory in the history of Moroccan art.