Samir Chamas – A Lebanese Icon of Arab Cinema & Theatre
Lebanese Syndicate of Theatre, Cinema, Radio & Television Actors
Samir Chamas is considered one of Lebanon’s most distinguished actors and a pioneering figure in Arab cinema and theatre. He holds the honor of being the first Lebanese actor to work in Egyptian cinema and the first to sign a contract with the National Theatre alongside legends Chouchou and Nizar Mikati.
Chamas began his career as a journalist and screenwriter, penning numerous scripts for radio, television, and the stage. His acting debut came in the early 1960s, and he quickly rose to fame with key roles in landmark films such as:
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Safar Barlik
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Bint Al-Hareth
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Al-Asal Al-Murr (Bitter Honey)
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Al-Shareedan
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Shari’ Al-Dabab (Street of Fog)
He went on to appear in acclaimed Lebanese and Egyptian television series including:
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Al-’Inab Al-Murr (Bitter Grapes)
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Rajul Min Al-Madi (Man from the Past)
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The Egyptian hit Imra’a Min Zaman Al-Hob (A Woman from the Time of Love) starring Samira Ahmed
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Wajh Al-Qamar (Face of the Moon) alongside the legendary Faten Hamama
In 2005, he played a role in Searching for Freedom by Egyptian director Inas El Degheidy, and had previously starred with Najla Fathy in The Best Days of My Life, and with Mohamed Awad, Rushdy Abaza, and Georgina Rizk in Bye Bye Ya Helwa.
In 2006, Chamas published his first novel, At the Edge of the Universe—a rare Lebanese science fiction work.
Known for his charismatic presence and elegance, Chamas combined timeless good looks with exceptional talent, opening doors across the Arab world. He collaborated with the most prominent artists of his era, including:
Fairuz, Sabah, Mervat Amin, Faten Hamama, Duraid Lahham, and many others.
Over his career, Samir Chamas has acted in over 27 films across Lebanon and Egypt, and performed in numerous acclaimed theatrical productions with the National Theatre.
He is widely regarded as a pillar of Lebanese performing arts, whose work has transcended borders and generations.