Illness forced the artist Youssef Fawzi to stay at home and prevented him from performing the character of the world-class swimmer Abdul Latif Abu Heif in any work about his life.
Cairo – Ahmed Al-Ridi
Published on: September 18, 2023: 02:11 AM GST Last updated: September 18, 2023: 02:41 AM GST
Forced retirement imposed by illness on Egyptian artist Youssef Fawzi, who suffered from Parkinson’s disease and was forced to stay at home, unable to perform any artistic roles.
In a television interview with the Egyptian “Sada El Balad” satellite channel, artist Youssef Fawzi spoke about his artistic career, noting that he started with major actors.
He narrated that at first he owned a restaurant, and then he went to director Niazi Mustafa and asked him to act. He found his opportunity in the movie “Monsters in the Enamel.” He also said that when Farid Shawqi met him for the first time, he embraced him and told him: “You must love the profession for it to love you.”
Youssef Fawzi revealed the reaction of his family, which was opposed to his work in art, as he went to film his scenes without their knowledge, and when they learned of this, his father asked him to obtain a university degree in the first place and then do whatever he wanted.
Regarding his unfulfilled wish, the Egyptian artist confirmed that he was a friend of the international swimmer Abdel Latif Abu Heif, stressing that the latter requested that Youssef Fawzi present his life story if it was presented, but illness ultimately prevented him from achieving this dream.
Regarding his memories with the late Ahmed Zaki, Fawzi confirmed that he made the movie “Black Panther” with him, and during filming in Germany they had to re-enact one of the scenes 9 times, and behind the scenes Ahmed Zaki told him, “After 3 years of experience, Rushdi Abaza will still be number two.”
During his artistic career, Youssef Fawzi played a role in the series “Opera Aida” with Yahya Al-Fakharani, and he appeared in the role of a doctor suffering from Parkinson’s disease, which is what actually happened after that.
He revealed that he is suffering from complications of the disease, and said that his symptoms are currently similar to “Alzheimer’s,” which greatly affects him during prayer, as he struggles to concentrate and remember the verses in the short surahs.
