Mohammad Bakri Passes Away After Struggling with Heart and Lung Diseases Mohammad Bakri Left a Lasting Mark on the Theater

The Palestinian and Arab artistic scene lost one of its most prominent figures on Wednesday with the passing of Palestinian actor and director Mohammad Bakri at the age of 72, after a long battle with illness.

His family told Agence France-Presse that he passed away following complications from heart and lung diseases.

Who Was Mohammad Bakri? Mohammad Bakri was a pioneer of Palestinian theater and cinema, leaving behind a bold artistic legacy deeply connected to the Palestinian cause. For him, art was not mere luxury but a tool for documentation and accountability, clearly reflected in his films that challenged mainstream narratives and presented a human-centered perspective.

Bakri made a significant impact in theater, performing on major stages such as Habima Theater, Haifa Theater, Al-Khan Theater, Qasba Theater, and Al-Midan Theater. He also taught at the Academy of Performing Arts, helping train a new generation of Palestinian artists.

He also appeared in several international works and series, including “Night of the Event” and “Homeland”, showcasing the diversity of his artistic experience and his seamless ability to move between cinema, theater, and television.

Reaction from the Artistic and Media Community Many artists, intellectuals, and journalists mourned Bakri with heartfelt messages. Director Yousry Nasrallah wrote on Facebook: "Mohammad Bakri has passed away. A huge loss for Palestinian and Arab art. May he rest in peace, and condolences to his family and loved ones."

Lebanese journalist Ricardo Karam commented: "He was not just an artist, but a voice and a witness who carried memory and paid its price," emphasizing that his legacy will live on because memory does not die.

Palestinian politician Hassan Asfour wrote on X: "Jenin bids farewell to its hero, the great artist Mohammad Bakri… Your film challenged a state, authorities, and institutions… Your immortality remains in the immortality of your cause and homeland."

Mohammad Bakri’s artistic and human contributions will remain in the Palestinian and Arab memory, as a courageous artist who never shied away from expressing the struggles of his people and his homeland.