Death Takes the Artist Adeeb Qaddoura

Adeeb Qaddoura

Syrian actor Adeeb Qaddoura passed away on Wednesday at the age of 76, concluding a long and impactful cinematic journey known for its daring films. His death prompted an outpouring of tributes from colleagues who remembered his admirable character and contributions to the arts.

The Syrian Artists Syndicate – Damascus Branch announced his passing, stating that Qaddoura, who was of Palestinian origin, died after a prolific career in cinema, television, and theater. Details regarding the time and place of the funeral were not disclosed.

Born in 1948 to a Palestinian family that had settled in Aleppo, Qaddoura had been suffering from a severe illness in recent weeks, which confined him to his home, according to the syndicate.

A Distinct Presence

Qaddoura was a prominent figure on television screens, in films, and on theater stages. He famously portrayed the popular hero "Abu Ali Shahin" in The Leopard (Al-Fahd), considered one of the most iconic films in the history of Syrian cinema.

Before entering the world of acting, Qaddoura worked as a fine arts teacher in intermediate and high schools in Aleppo. He later transitioned to theater production work, focusing on set design, makeup, costume design, lighting, and advertising.

Although his academic background was in the fine arts, his natural talent caught the attention of directors, and he soon became a stage actor. He was discovered by director Nabil Maleh, who gave him his first acting role in 1972.