Hichem Rostom Biography: Net Worth, Age, Spouse, Death, Height, Movies, Career, Religion

Hichem Rostom was one of Tunisia’s most accomplished and versatile actors, with a career that bridged theater, television, and international cinema over five decades.

Best known for his memorable roles in films like The English Patient (1996), where he played Fouad, and Golden Horseshoes (1989), which earned a spot in the Un Certain Regard section at Cannes, Rostom brought depth and intensity to characters across Tunisian, French, and global productions.

Profile

• Full Name: Hichem Rostom
• Stage Name: Hichem Rostom
• Born: 26, May 1947
• Date of death: 28, June 2022 (Aged: 75 years old)
• Birthplace: La Marsa, Tunisia
• Nationality: Tunisian
• Occupation: Actor, Theater Director
• Height: Unknown
• Parents: Unknown
• Siblings: Unknown
• Spouse: Sana Ezzine
• Girlfriends: None publicly known
• Children: None
• Relationship: Married
• Net Worth: $2 million

Early Life and Education

Hichem Rostom was born on May 26, 1947, in La Marsa, a coastal town near Tunis, to a family of Turkish-Circassian descent.

Information regarding his parents and siblings is not publicly available. He completed his secondary education at Sadiki College in Tunis, earning his baccalaureate before relocating to France in 1967, where he resided until 1994.

During this period, he pursued advanced studies, culminating in a doctorate in literature and theater history from institutions affiliated with the Sorbonne and the Institut des hautes études cinématographiques. While of Turkish-Circassian heritage, details about his religious beliefs have been kept private.

Career

Hichem Rostom began his career in France, working as an animator and presenter at the National Popular Theater in Villeurbanne while honing his craft through formal training.

Back in Tunisia as a teenager, he had already made his stage debut in a 1964 production of Othello directed by Ali Ben Ayed, marking the opening of the International Cultural Center of Hammamet.

After years abroad, he returned home in 1988 when offered a lead role in the Tunisian film Golden Horseshoes, directed by Nouri Bouzid, which premiered at Cannes and launched his professional screen career.

Early roles showcased his range in dramatic Tunisian productions, blending local stories with universal themes.

Rostom quickly rose to prominence with over 70 film and television appearances, starring in acclaimed works like The Silences of the Palace (1994) and international hits such as The English Patient (1996), where his portrayal of Fouad earned widespread praise.

He collaborated with directors across Europe and the Middle East, including roles in The Count of Monte Cristo (1998 miniseries) and Black Gold (2011). On television, he featured in popular Tunisian series like Njoum Ellil, and he balanced acting with directing theater festivals, including sessions of the Carthage Theatre Days. His versatility spanned intense villains, historical figures, and nuanced dramatic leads.

Hichem Rostom left a lasting imprint on Tunisian and Arab cinema through his commitment to authentic storytelling and cultural preservation.

He organized the Rouhaniyet Festival for Sufi music in 2017 and continued acting into his later years, including a role in the Iranian series Salman Farsi. Rostom’s influence extended to mentoring younger artists and elevating Tunisian talent on global stages, cementing his status as a pillar of North African performing arts.

Social Media

• Hichem Rostom does not have verified official social media accounts.

Personal Life

Hichem Rostom married actress Sana Ezzine after they co-starred in the series Njoum Ellil, despite public criticism over their age difference; the couple faced verbal attacks but remained together until his death. They had no children.

Known for his intellectual pursuits and love of literature, Rostom lived quietly in La Marsa, focusing on theater workshops and cultural events.

He passed away on June 28, 2022, at his home, with reports suggesting natural causes amid some initial speculation of foul play that was not confirmed.

Filmography

• Golden Horseshoes (1989)
• The Silences of the Palace (1994)
• The English Patient (1996)
• The Count of Monte Cristo (1998)
• In Desert and Wilderness (2001)
• The Magic Box (2002)
• Black Gold (2011)
• The Flower of Aleppo (2016)

Net Worth

Hichem Rostom had an estimated net worth of $2 million at the time of his death. His wealth primarily came from a prolific acting career spanning Tunisian films, international productions, and television series, supplemented by theater directing and festival organization roles.