CAIRO, June 3: The Egyptian Actors Syndicate announced on Tuesday the passing of acclaimed actress Samiha Ayoub at the age of 93, marking the end of a towering legacy in Arab theater and Egyptian performing arts.

In a statement mourning the loss, the syndicate described Ayyoub — widely known as the "Lady of Arab Theater"—as "an icon of Egyptian art," emphasizing that her contributions remain a milestone in the history of theatrical and television performance.

Head of the Actors Syndicate, Ashraf Zaki, along with the board of directors, extended heartfelt condolences to her family and fans across Egypt and the Arab world.

Egyptian Minister of Culture Ahmed Heno also expressed sorrow over her death, stating that "artist Samiha Ayoub passed away after a rich artistic career that spanned decades, during which she influenced cultural and artistic life in Egypt and the Arab world with timeless works."

Heno described the late artist as "a model of a loyal and creative national artist who devoted her life to art and gifted her audience with an exceptional journey of creativity and uniqueness." He added that her works "will remain beacons illuminating the path of future generations, and her memory will live on in the hearts of her admirers."

He stressed that her death represents "a huge loss to Egyptian and Arab art," citing her significant artistic and humanitarian value and a distinguished career that left behind an enduring legacy.

Born in the Shubra district of Cairo, Samiha Ayoub graduated from the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts in 1953, where she studied under renowned theater director Zaki Tulaimat.

Ayoub’s prolific artistic career spanned nearly 170 theatrical productions, along with a wide array of acclaimed film and television roles. Her most notable films include Land of Hypocrisy, Between the Ruins, Dawn of Islam, With Happiness, and Teta Raheeba. She also starred in influential television series such as Stray Light, Awane El Ward, and Al Masrawiya.

Throughout her career, Ayoub received numerous honors, including presidential decorations from Egypt, Syria, and France, recognizing her exceptional contributions to the arts.