Adel Emam Biography: Age, Wife, Children, Net Worth, Movies, El Zaeem, Height

Adel Emam, often referred to as “El Zaeem” (The Leader), is an iconic Egyptian actor and comedian, celebrated for his extensive contributions to Arab cinema, theater, and television.

Born on May 17, 1940, in Mansoura, Egypt, he is regarded as one of the most influential figures in Egyptian and Arab entertainment, known for blending comedy with social and political commentary.

Profile

• Full Name: Adel Mohammed Emam Mohammed Bukhariny
• Stage Name: Adel Emam (also known as El Zaeem)
• Born: May 17, 1940
• Age: 85 years old
• Birthplace: Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt
• Nationality: Egyptian
• Occupation: Egyptian Actor, Comedian, Stage Actor, and Television Actor
• Height: 1.70 m
• Parents: Mohamed Emam (father, deceased, police “Shawish”); mother’s name not publicly disclosed
• Siblings: 3, Essam Emam (brother, producer), Eman Emam (sister), and Mona Emam (sister)
• Spouse: Hala Al Shalaqani (married since mid-1960s)
• Children: 3, Ramy Emam (son, director), Mohamed Emam (son, actor), and Sarah Emam (daughter)
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $100 million

Early Life and Education

Adel Emam was born on May 17, 1940, in Mansoura, Dakahlia Governorate, Egypt, into a modest farming family. His father, Mohamed Emam, was a religious man who worked as a “Shawish” (sergeant) in the police force, and Adel has spoken fondly of his mother, noting her profound influence on him until her death.

Raised in Cairo’s Sayeda Aisha district after his family relocated, he grew up with three siblings: brother Essam, a producer, and sisters Eman and Mona. His early life involved moving through various Cairo neighborhoods, including Helmiya, Omrania, Mohandiseen, and Mansouria.

Adel attended Helmiya School, Benbaqdgan Secondary School, and Marqosiya Secondary School in Alexandria. He later enrolled at Cairo University, earning a bachelor’s degree in agriculture in the early 1960s. During his university years, he became passionately involved in theater, performing in productions like Ana w Howa w Heya (1962), which sparked his acting career. His Egyptian ethnicity and Islamic faith are noted, though he keeps religious details private.

Career

Adel Emam began his acting career in the 1960s, debuting in theater with the play Ana w Howa w Heya (1962) alongside Fouad El-Mohandes and Shwikar. His early film roles were supporting parts in comedies like My Wife, the Director General (1966), My Wife’s Dignity (1967), and My Wife’s Goblin (1968), often starring alongside Salah Zulfikar. His breakthrough came in the 1970s with the hit play Madraset El Moshaghbeen (School of Rascals, 1971–1975) and films like Searching for a Scandal (1973), establishing him as a leading comedian.

The 1980s marked a shift to more serious roles, with films like Al-Mashbooh (The Suspect, 1981), blending action and drama, and Al-Irhabi (The Terrorist, 1994), addressing political extremism. His ability to combine humor with social commentary made him a cultural icon.

Emam starred in over 150 films and 10 plays, including notable works like The Yacoubian Building (2006), where he played a lead role, and The Fortune-teller (2013), portraying six characters. His television career includes series like Tears in Bold Eyes (1980), Dreams of Al-Tayer Boy, Nagy Attallah’s Squad (2012), and Valentino (2020).

After a 60-year career, he announced his retirement in January 2024, as confirmed by his son Ramy, to focus on family. Emam’s work often tackled societal issues, earning him both acclaim and controversy, including a 2012 lawsuit for allegedly offending Islam, which he successfully appealed. He was appointed a Goodwill Ambassador for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) in 2000, using his platform to advocate for refugees.

Awards and Nominations

• Won: Horus Award, Cairo International Film Festival, for Omaret Yakobean (The Yacoubian Building) and Al-Irhabi (The Terrorist)
• Won: Lifetime Achievement Award, Dubai International Film Festival (2005, 2008)
• Won: Honorary Award, Marrakech International Film Festival (2014)
• Won: International Jury Award, São Paulo International Film Festival (2018)
• Won: Career Achievement Award, El-Gouna Film Festival (2017)
• Won: Arab Art Leader Award, Joy Awards (January 2024)
• Won: State Prize for Arts, Egypt (2002)

No specific nominations are widely documented, but his extensive accolades reflect his monumental impact on Arab cinema.

Social Media

• Adel Emam’s social media account is unknown to the media

Personal Life

Adel Emam resides in Egypt, spending summers with his children and grandchildren at a villa on the North Coast. He has been married to Hala Al Shalaqani since the mid-1960s, a relationship that began despite their differing social backgrounds, as Hala came from a wealthy, land-owning family. They have three children: Ramy Emam (director), Mohamed Emam (actor), and Sarah Emam. His brother-in-law, the late actor Mustafa Metwalli, was married to one of his sisters.

Adel is a passionate reader with a large home library and enjoys planting, reflecting his agricultural background. His philanthropy, particularly in healthcare and education for marginalized communities, is conducted privately, and his UNHCR role highlights his commitment to refugee rights.

In 2012, he faced death threats for portraying radical Islamists and a brief jail sentence for allegedly offending Islam, which was overturned on appeal. He prefers a low-profile personal life, avoiding bodyguards and media fanfare.

Filmography

• My Wife, the Director General (1966) – Supporting role
• My Wife’s Dignity (1967) – Supporting role
• My Wife’s Goblin (1968) – Supporting role
• Searching for a Scandal (1973) – Lead role
• Al-Mashbooh (The Suspect, 1981) – Maher Al-Nemr
• Al-Irhabi (The Terrorist, 1994) – Lead role
• The Yacoubian Building (2006) – Zaki
• The Fortune-teller (2013) – Six roles
• Valentino (2020, TV series) – Lead role
• Over 150 films, including Hassan and Marcus (2008), Salam Ya Sahby, and Alaw.. ana alquta

Net Worth

Adel Emam’s estimated net worth is approximately $100 million, making him one of Egypt’s richest actors. His wealth stems from a 60-year career in over 150 films, numerous plays, and television series, with significant earnings from box-office hits like The Yacoubian Building and Al-Irhabi. Additional income comes from his advocacy work and private investments, though specific details are undisclosed.