Adel Emam is an iconic Egyptian actor known for his film, television and theater work. Although he is primarily known as a comedic actor, he also excels in more serious roles, often blending comedy with romance, especially in minor roles in his earlier films, such as My wife, Director General and my wife’s dignity.
Over the course of her extensive career, Emam has appeared in more than 150 artistic productions, including films, plays and television series, spanning genres such as comedy, drama, social commentary and political satire. He is widely considered to be one of the leading figures of the second generation of comedy artists in Egypt and the Arab world.
contour
- Full name: Adel Mohammad Emam Mohammad al-Buharini
- Stage name: Adel Imam
- Date of birth: May 17, 1940
- Age: 84 years old
- Birthplace: Mansoura, Egypt
- Nationality: Egyptian
- Occupation: Egyptian film, television and stage actor
- Height: 1.7m
- Parent: Muhammad Imam
- Siblings: Essam Emam, Eman and Mona Emam
- Spouse: Hala al-Shalakani
- Children: Muhammad Imam, Sara Imam and Rami Imam
- relation:
- Net worth: $100 million
early life and education
Adel Muhammad Imam Muhammad al-Bukharini was born on May 17, 1940 in Mansoura, which was then part of the Kingdom of Egypt. He is the son of Mohamed Emam, a devout man who served as a “Shawish” in the police force. Details about his mother’s identity remain unknown. Adel has three siblings: a brother, Essam Emam, who is a producer, and two sisters, Eman and Mona.
During his childhood, Adel’s family moved several times, living first in the Sayeda Aisha district, then to Hermia, Omraniya, Giza, and later to Mohandersin. He began his education at Helmiya School, then transferred to Benbaqdgan Secondary School, and subsequently to Marqosiya Secondary School in Alexandria.
After completing his secondary education, he attended Cairo University’s Faculty of Agriculture, where his classmates included such notable figures as actor Salah Sadani and former Syrian Prime Minister Mahmoud Zubida. Adel Emam is of Egyptian origin and believes in Islam.
Profession
Adel Emam began his acting career in the 1960s, appearing in small film roles and theater productions for the first time. His breakthrough comes Anna Hova Haia (1962), a stage play with Fouad El-Mohandes and Shwekar.
In the film industry, he is known for films such as My wife, Director General (1966) and my wife’s dignity (1967). His first important role was my wife’s temptress (1968), and by the early 1970s, with ” looking for scandal (1973) and the hit drama madrasset el moshabin (1973).
The 1980s marked a key phase in Emam’s career, as he moved between genres, demonstrating his versatility. his role in it suspect (1981) marked the transition from comedy to action, while films like Human life is only once (1981) blends humor with emotional depth.
He continues to dominate the stage with his work Wad Saeed Shahar (1983) and in love in prison (1983) and street player (1983), which combined humor with social commentary.
In the 1990s, Emam reached the peak of her career and became the highest-paid actor in the Egyptian film industry. He has won critical acclaim for films such as Terrorism and kebabs (1992), Play with the big boys (1991), and Hermansi (1993). his role in the politically charged drama Alzaim (1993) earned him the title “The Leader” and cemented his reputation as an icon of Arab film culture.
In the 2000s, Emam continued to impress in the following roles: Inside the embassy building (2005), Morgan Ahmed Morgan (2007), and hassan and marcus (2008), co-starring Omar Sharif. Known for addressing social and political issues through humor, he remains a central figure in Egyptian cinema. his last film, terrorist (1994), in which he starred alongside Salah Zulfiqar in Zulfiqar’s final role.
Outside of showbiz, Imam has been an outspoken advocate for political and social reform in Egypt. He has made significant contributions to philanthropy, supporting health care and education programs in underserved communities. His humanitarian efforts earned him the title of Goodwill Ambassador of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).
In January 2024, Adel Emam officially retired after an extraordinary 60-year acting career. His son Rami Emam confirmed that the legendary actor decided to quit his job to focus on his family. As one of the most influential and popular figures in Arab entertainment, his legacy remains unparalleled.
Awards and nominations
Adel Emam has received numerous awards and nominations throughout her illustrious career.
cairo international film festival
- Best Actor (1995) terrorist
- Best Actor (2007) Yacoubian Building
Sao Paulo International Film Festival
- International Jury Award for Best Actor (2006) Yacoubian Building
Tribeca Film Festival
- Special Mention for Actors in Narrative Feature Films (2006) Yacoubian Building
dubai international film festival
- Lifetime Achievement Award (2005, 2008)
Marrakech International Film Festival
Carthage Film Festival
- Quintanette (2016) Career Achievement Award
El Gouna Film Festival
- Career Achievement Award (2017)
social media
- Instagram account: @adelemam
- Facebook account: Adel Emam – ¡
- Twitter account: @AdelEmamTW
personal life
Adel Emam married Hala El-Shalaqani. The couple has been together for many years, although the exact date of their wedding remains unknown. They have three children: Ramy Emam, a director; Sarah Emam; and Mohamed Emam, an actor known for playing Taha El-Shazli in the film Yacoubian Building.
film chronology
Movie
- terrorist (1994)
- Yacoubian Building (2006)
- hassan and mokus (2008)
- Alzheimer’s disease (2010)
- Bobos (2009)
- beggar (1983)
- street player (1983)
- Danish experience (2003)
- Inside the embassy building (2005)
- Morgan Ahmed Morgan (2007)
- Terrorism and kebabs (1992)
- Wonderful Hanafi (1990)
- half time (1984)
- Alwad Saeed Shagar (1985)
- Salam ya Sabi (1987)
- beggar (1983)
- lawyer (1983)
- love in prison (1983)
- Essabat Hamada Wa Tutu (1982)
- Minister’s door (1982)
- Omahat Fi Al Manfa (1981)
- Laila Sheita Dafia (1981)
- You only live once (1981)
- suspect (1981)
tv show
- Valentino (2020)
- hidden world (2018)
- The Ghost of Adli Alam (2017)
- mamun wa shuraka (2016)
- ostaz var rais kesim (2015)
- saheb el sada (2014)
- oracle (2013)
- Naji Atala’s Squad (2012)
- Alzheimer’s disease (2010)
- Bobos (2009)
net worth
Adel Emam is a legendary Egyptian actor and comedian with an estimated net worth of $100 million. His career spanned more than 50 years, appearing in more than 150 films and numerous stage productions.
Imam is known for his ability to blend comedy with social and political commentary, cementing his status as one of the most influential figures in Arab cinema.
