Grief swept through Morocco’s artistic and media circles following the announcement of the passing of Moroccan journalist and actress Kawtar Boudarraja at the age of 37, after a long battle with cancer that had confined her to bed in recent months.

Her death came as a profound shock to her fans and colleagues, particularly as she had chosen to face her illness in silence, away from the public eye and media attention—favoring privacy over publicity, which made her sudden passing all the more heartbreaking.

A Distinctive Presence

Kawtar Boudarraja began her media career at an early age, quickly gaining recognition for hosting various cultural and entertainment programs on Moroccan and Arab channels. She was known for her calm, professional demeanor and her graceful connection with audiences.

She rose to wider fame after hosting the Maghreb version of Star Academy, and later became a familiar face on Tunisia’s Nessma TV with shows like Nass Nessma and Mamnou' 'Ala Al-Rijal ("Forbidden for Men"). Her success continued on Medi 1 TV with Jari Ya Jari, and she made a notable appearance in the Arab talent show Medi' Al-Arab, broadcast on Abu Dhabi TV and Egypt’s Al-Hayat channel.

Boudarraja’s career extended beyond broadcasting, as she found success in acting, starring in well-received TV dramas such as Al-Madi La Yamout (The Past Doesn’t Die), Solo Dmoo’i (Tears Solo), Ahlam Banat (Girls’ Dreams), and Salamat Abou Al-Banat. Her final artistic appearance was in the 2025 Moroccan sci-fi film Atoman (The Moroccan Fantasy).

A Private Farewell

According to a source cited by Moroccan news outlet Hespress, Kawtar Boudarraja was laid to rest in a private funeral on Friday morning, in accordance with her own wishes and her family's desire to bid her farewell away from the cameras, with only a few close relatives in attendance.

Kawtar Boudarraja departed this world quietly—just as she had spent her final days—leaving behind a professional and human legacy that will be remembered in Moroccan and Arab media history.