Jordanian artist Rubae Shihab, born on June 20, 1956, remains vivid in the memory of his fans and followers, continuing to symbolize comedic drama. His life story is one worth remembering, and his works still stand out amid the vast array of contemporary television productions, even during periods of absence from the screen. Known as the "Dean of Comedians," Shihab earned this title in recognition of his long career and significant contributions to the arts in Jordan.

His Artistic Signature Shihab’s work is distinguished by his ability to present comedy in a way that resonates closely with audiences, blending humor with realism. His achievements were formally recognized when King Abdullah II awarded him the Independence Medal, Third Class, honoring his efforts in enriching Jordan’s artistic scene.

Life and Career Shihab began his early years as a football player for Shabab Al-Hussein Club before traveling to Cairo to study photography, where he discovered his passion for acting and delved deeply into the world of art. He performed in numerous television roles and stage plays, carefully overseeing his projects to ensure they reached audiences in the best possible form

A Name Synonymous with Comedy His name became closely associated with comedy, and his nicknames such as "Azoz" and "Aliwa," along with his famous catchphrase "La ma howa al-sahih ya’ni" ("No, that’s not right") are still remembered fondly by audiences. He was also known for occasionally improvising on stage, giving his performances a lively and authentic touch. His time in Cairo allowed him to learn the behind-the-scenes secrets of the craft, and upon returning to Jordan, he quickly established himself as a skilled actor. His work in the series "Harat Abu Awad" became a vivid portrayal of Jordanian neighborhoods and brought his performances to a broad Arab audience

Throughout his career, Shihab remained close to the social concerns of the community, and his works are now part of Jordan’s artistic archive and collective memory. In 2003, he suffered a stroke that affected his mobility and speech. In May 2025, Jordanian Minister of Culture Mustafa Al-Rawashdeh visited him to wish him recovery and expressed his deep appreciation for Shihab’s artistic legacy and his place in the hearts of the Jordanian family

Notable Television Works Shihab captured attention over decades with his roles in many popular series, including ("Harat Abu Awad") ("Al-Manahil") ("Loqmat Al-Aish") ("Aliwa and the Days") ("A’ilat Abu Ayman") ("Maqadeer") ("Al-Shams Ba’d Al-Ghuyoom") ("Taxi Al-Habayeb")

Theatrical Contributions Shihab also made a clear mark on the stage, performing in several plays such as ("Al-La’ba") ("Aliwa and the Monster" for children) ("Ya Ana Ya Howa") ("Khadim Sayyadain") ("Al-Mohimma") ("Aliwa Private Tutor") ("Ali Aliwa")

Voice Acting He also worked in voice acting, performing the character "Murtah" in the animated series "Faris the Brave Boy"