Curiosidades

He originally studied mechanical engineering before becoming an actor.

Egyptian President Mubarak granted Ahmed Zaki the Merit of Arts award for his work in over 50 movies in 2001.

At Zaki's request, his funeral was filmed, the footage to be used in his final movie, a biography of famous Egyptian singer Abdul Halim Hafez, who died in 1977. The ailing actor insisted on leaving his hospital bed to shoot more scenes. His 21-year-old son Haitham plans to film the remaining scenes, playing Hafez in his youth.

He broke the color barrier in Egyptian films by being the first Black actor to play leading roles usually reserved for light-skinned actors.

He is known for portaying prominent characters in Egyptian history like Taha Hussien, Gamal Abdel Nasser and Anwar Sadat.

He was diagnosed with lung cancer in January 2004, after which he was treated at a Paris hospital before he returned to Cairo to continue chemotherapy.

Announced that he is ready to act after recovering from lung cancer. (janeiro de 2005)

On February 2004, he was diagnosed with lung cancer after undergoing tests in France. French doctors have concluded that his condition is not terminal, and can be easily treated.

Pictured on a £2 Egyptian commemorative postage stamp issued 27 November 2016.