The renowned artist Naeem Issa passed away after a long and arduous battle with illness. He passed away recently in one of the major hospitals in Alexandria at the age of 89, after his health rapidly deteriorated in recent days. He left behind a remarkable artistic legacy that spanned decades in Egyptian theater, drama, and cinema.
Naeem Issa was rushed to the hospital in critical condition after suffering from severe pneumonia, which caused his health to deteriorate quickly. Despite the intensive efforts of the medical team to save him, his condition did not respond to treatment, and he was placed on a ventilator in the intensive care unit. His vital signs continued to decline, especially after his heart stopped for about four minutes, before doctors were able to briefly revive it. His suffering continued with general weakness and pain.
In the final hours of his life, Naeem Issa fell into a nearly complete coma, with a continuous decline in his body's vital functions, including the gradual shutdown of his kidneys and liver, as well as severe circulatory and respiratory issues. His son made a heartbreaking plea to the public via media and social media, asking for prayers for his father, saying, "My father is not responding to treatment... his condition is very critical, and he is suffering from major complications... his heart stopped for 4 minutes, please pray for him."
Naeem Issa was one of the few artists who maintained a strong artistic presence despite his aging and gradual withdrawal from the public eye in recent years. He enjoyed widespread popularity across various generations due to his memorable comedic and human roles, which left a deep impact on the hearts of Egyptian and Arab audiences, whether through the famous plays he participated in with the late actor Adel Imam's troupe or his diverse roles in cinema and television, with his most recent appearance being in the early 2000s.
Issa belonged to a generation of artists who shaped the modern Egyptian theater. His artistic journey began on the stage of the National Theater before joining well-known theater troupes that produced works still performed today. He had a high artistic sense and the ability to portray complex characters with simplicity and ease. His charisma made him beloved by both comedy and drama audiences.
The late artist was known for his humility and kind spirit within the artistic community, and he earned the respect and admiration of all his colleagues. He also played a role in discovering and supporting young artistic talents throughout his career. In recent years, he faced several health crises that affected his general condition, prompting him to gradually withdraw from the artistic scene and limit his appearances to a few public events. His health deteriorated significantly in the final weeks.
The family is expected to announce the funeral arrangements and condolence details in the coming hours, as the artistic community and the public mourn the loss of the artist. Many fellow actors have quickly expressed their sorrow on social media, confirming that his death is a significant loss for Egyptian art and a talented artist who gave so much without seeking the spotlight.
It is worth noting that Naeem Issa was born in Alexandria in 1935 and began his artistic career in the 1960s. He became famous for his roles in plays such as "Shahed Ma Shafsh Haga," "El Wad Sid El Shaghala," and "Raya and Skina." He also made a notable appearance in numerous films and TV series where his presence, even in minor roles, left an unforgettable impression.
Despite his limited media appearances, Naeem Issa remained in the hearts of Egyptian audiences, especially with the continued airing of his old works on satellite channels, keeping his name alive in Egyptian and Arab homes. He is always remembered as one of the pillars of human comedy in Arab art.
With his passing, Egyptian art loses a symbol of kindness, whose spirit and talent enriched the artistic world. His legacy will remain forever in the memories of the public, and his name will be engraved in the hearts of all those who grew up enjoying his art. His death marks a sorrowful chapter in the life of a great artist who remained loyal to his craft and his audience until the very end.