Ahmad Rateb

Born January 23, 1949 · Cairo, Egypt

An Egyptian actor, born in the Sayyida Zeinab district of Cairo in 1949. He began acting while still a student. Although he initially enrolled in the Faculty of Engineering and joined its theater troupe, he did not complete his studies there; instead, he chose to attend the Higher Institute of Theatrical Arts, where he earned his bachelor's degree. He appeared in dozens of films in supporting roles starting in the 1970s, including *Wahda bi-Wahda* (Tit for Tat), *Al-Irhab wal-Kabab* (Terrorism and Kebab), and *Bakhit wa Adila*. He also distinguished himself in television series such as *Al-Seera Al-Hilaliyya* and *Hind wa al-Doctor No'man*. He worked with Adel Emam in the play *Al-Zaeem* (The Leader). Three films featuring Ahmed Rateb were selected for the list of the 100 best films in the history of Egyptian cinema—based on a 1996 critics' poll—namely: *Lil-Hob Qissa Akhira* (1985), *Al-Bari'* (1986), and *Al-Hob Fawq Hadabat al-Haram* (1986). He won the Best Actor award at the Radio and Television Festival for his role in the series *Umm Kulthum*.