Ismail Yasseen

Biography

Ismail Yasin Ali Nakhla was born in Suez (15 September, 1912) where he led a miserable unstable childhood, and had to leave primary school when his mother died and his father went to prison. His first job was a chanting salesman assistant in front of a shop. In so doing, he trained his voice and decided to become a singer, as he was very fond of the legendary musician Mohamed Abdel Wahab. He sang in weddings and cafés and then moved to Cairo to join the Badee’a Massabny acting troupe. Hence, filmmakers recognized him. It was Fouad al-Gazayerly who gave him his first role in “Khalaf el Habayeb" (Lover’s offspring) in (1939). Ismail joined Aly al-Kassaar troupe and became a brilliant monologist. When he rose to fame, he was one of the few actors who had a series of films bearing his name: "Ismail Yasin fel-Police" (Ismail Yasin..Policeman), "Ismail Yasin fel-geish" (Ismail Yasin..In the army), “Ismail Yasin fel-tayaraan" (Ismail Yasin.. In the Airforce), ...etc. In the 1950’s, he formed a troupe with Abul –So’oud al-Ebiaary. Among his famous plays are; “Habeeby Koukou" (My darling Koukou), "Al-mofattesh al-aam" (The Inspector General)”, among others. When film industry underwent a downfall in the the late sixties of last century, he left to Lebanon where had to play small roles, something that he did also upon his return to Egypt before dying of a heart attack. Ismail Yasin is considered a very special and unique case among Arab comedians. He was famous for mocking himself and his looks in his films. Although considered a farcical clown by a number of critics and audience, the admiration of his performance throughout generations of Egyptians and Arabs maintains his phenomenal status to this day. He died in May 1972. His son Yassin was a film and television director (1949 – 2008).

Most Known For

Ismail Yassine in the Mental Hospital

as Hassouna

Banat Hawaa

as Ananas

The Millionaire

Son of Hamido

as ابن حميدو

Gang of Women

The 7th Wife

Journey to the Moon

as اسماعيل السائق

Ismail Yassine in Prison

as Mahmoud

Agaza Fi Gohanam

as حسن شطّا

The Wedding Night

as بلابيعو

Miss Hanafi

as Hanafi

Eid Night

as سوسو اخو ياسمينه

El Mazaher

as Samak

Ismail Yassine in the Air Force

as Ismail Al-Ghandour / Hussein Al-Ghandour

Casino el latafa

Afrita Hanem: The Genie Lady

as Bou'ou

Fatma, Marika & Rachel

as Humus

Alforsan Althalatha

as Taher Abu Huda

Anbar

My Heart is My Guide

as اسماعيل ياسين