Rushdy Abaza Bio: Ethnicity, Age, Net Worth, Siblings, Parents, Height, Wives, Children, Cause of Death, Movies

Rushdy Saiid Bughdadi Abaza, known professionally as Rushdy Abaza, was an iconic Egyptian film and television actor celebrated for his charismatic presence and versatile performances in over 150 films.

Often dubbed the “Don Juan” of Egyptian cinema, he captivated audiences with his charm, good looks, and ability to excel in diverse genres, from romantic comedies like Wife Number 13 to political dramas like Jamila the Algerian.

Profile

• Full Name: Rushdy Saiid Bughdadi Abaza
• Stage Name: Rushdy Abaza
• Born: 3, August 1926
• Date of death: July 27, 1980 (Aged: 53 years)
• Birthplace: Sharqia, Egypt
• Nationality: Egyptian
• Occupation: Actor, Singer, Screenwriter, and Producer
• Height: 1.82m
• Parents: Saïd Abaza and Teresa Luigi
• Siblings: Ragaa Abaza, Mounira Abaza, Zeinab Abaza, Fikri Abaza, and Hamed Abaza
• Spouse: Taheyya Kariokka (m. ?–1955), Barbara Abaza (m. ?–1959), Samia Gamal (m. 1958–1977), and Sabah (m. 1977–1977)
• Children: Qismat Abaza
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: Unknown

Early Life and Education

Rushdy Saiid Bughdadi Abaza was born on August 3, 1926, in Sharqia, Egypt, to an Egyptian father, Saïd Abaza, a police officer from the wealthy Abaza family of Circassian heritage, and an Italian mother, Teresa Luigi.

He grew up with three half-sisters—Ragaa, Mounira, and Zeinab—and two half-brothers, Fikri (an actor) and Hamed, from his parents’ previous marriages.

Raised in an aristocratic family that initially opposed his acting ambitions, Rushdy attended Collège Saint Marc in Alexandria but did not pursue higher education; instead, he was drawn to bodybuilding and sports. His ethnicity was Egyptian, with Italian and Circassian roots, and his religion was Islam; however, he kept his personal beliefs private.  

Career

Rushdy Abaza began his acting career in 1948 when he was discovered by director Kamal Barakat while playing billiards at the Riviera Casino in Cairo, landing the lead role in The Young Millionaire (1948) for 150 L.E.

Despite early failures, his breakthrough came with The Second Man (1959), directed by Ezz El-Dine Zulficar, where he redefined the gangster archetype as a suave, intelligent criminal, earning widespread acclaim.

His early work included A Woman on the Road (1958) and international films such as The Ten Commandments (1956) and Valley of the Kings (1954); however, his 1950 attempt to break into Italian cinema was unsuccessful.  

Abaza’s career peaked in the 1960s and 1970s, starring in over 150 films across genres.

His romantic roles in Tamr Henna (1957), Saa’a wi Nos (1962), and Wife Number 13 (1962) showcased his charm, while his performances in political dramas like Jamila the Algerian (1958) and A Man in Our House (1961) highlighted his dramatic depth. He also excelled in comedies like Beware of Women and produced films such as Serr el Ghaeb and Ashour Kalb al-Assad.

Known for singing in films and speaking five languages, he turned down a Hollywood opportunity arranged by Eleanor Parker and a chance to play Lawrence of Arabia. This role went to Omar Sharif. His work with stars like Faten Hamama and Najat Al Saghira in My Dear Daughter (1972) cemented his status as a leading man.  

Until he died in 1980, Abaza remained a prolific figure, with his final role as Hamdi in Azkeyaa Lakken Aghbeyaa (Intelligent But Stupid). His sophisticated persona and bold performances earned him comparisons to Anwar Wagdi, with critics noting his adventurous, woman-attracting screen presence.

Posts on X reflect ongoing admiration, with fans recalling his magnetic roles and lamenting the lack of similar stars today. His legacy endures through his extensive filmography, which remains popular across the Arab world, and his influence on portraying complex, charismatic characters in Egyptian cinema.  

Social Media

Rushdy Abaza does not have social media handles.

Personal Life

Rushdy Abaza was married five times, reflecting his reputation as a “Don Juan.” His first marriage to dancer Taheyya Carioca ended after three years due to infidelity concerns.

He briefly married Lebanese singer Sabah for three days, followed by actress Samia Gamal, with whom he had his longest marriage, spanning 18 years, although it ultimately ended in divorce.

His marriage to American Barbara produced his only child, daughter Qismat. His final wife, Nabila Abaza, from the Abaza family, remained with him until his death from brain cancer on July 27, 1980.

Filmography

•    The Young Millionaire (1948)
•    Valley of the Kings (1954)
•    The Ten Commandments (1956)
•    Mawad Gharam (1956)
•    Tamr Henna (1957)
•    Jamila the Algerian (1958)
•    A Woman on the Road (1958)
•    The Second Man (1959)
•    A Man in Our House (1961)
•    Wife Number 13 (1962)
•    My Dear Daughter (1972)
•    Je veux une solution (1975)
•    Azkeyaa Lakken Aghbeyaa (1980)

Net Worth

Rushdy Abaza’s net worth is not publicly documented, as financial details from his era are scarce. His wealth was primarily derived from his prolific acting career, which spanned over 150 films, and his production of projects such as Serr el Ghaeb and Ashour Kalb al-Assad.