Log on to Google today, and you’ll be greeted by a beautiful portrait of Karima Mokhtar.
In fact, the reason that today’s Google Doodle celebrates the Egyptian actress is that it would have been her 89th birthday.
Considered the “Mother of Egyptian Cinema”, Mokhtar was known for depicting maternal characters with depth and humbleness, a prolific entertainer who starred in many films, TV shows, and plays throughout her career.
Karima came into this world on this day in Sahel Selim, Egypt in 1934. While her parents initially disapproved of a career in acting, went through following her dream anyways, graduating with a bachelor’s degree in theater from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts before entering the world of movies.
Karima Mokhtar: An Egyptian legend
Known for her effortless charisma, Mokhtar first was a presenter on “Baba Sharou,” a children’s radio program, which aided her in landing her first film role in Thaman El-Horeya (The Price of Freedom).
After starring in Al-Hafeed (The Grandson) as a young mother of seven children, Karima established her ability to depict maternal characters, which she’d soon become famous for, according to Google.
Karima also found success in Amira Hobi Ana (Amira My Love) and Al-Shaytan Ya’ez (The Devil Preaches) before moving to television and theater, receiving acclaim for starring as a wife and mother dealing with familial turmoil in the play El-Eyal Kebret (The Kids Have Grown Up).
One of her most famous roles came later in her career, as she starred in the popular Egyptian soap opera Yetraba Fi Ezo (May He Grow Up Prosperous).
She found success throughout her career, even winning Best Actress at the Cairo Arab Media Festival in 2007.
Sadly, she passed away in January 2017, survived by her children Moataz Al-Demerdash, Heba Al-Demerdash, Ahmed Al-Demerdash, Sherif Al-Demerdash who she had with her souse Nour El Demerdash, the Egyptian director who she was with until his death in 1994.
“Leaving behind a legacy of strong and sympathetic performances, Karima helped revolutionize the Egyptian film industry and paved the way for future generations of actresses,” according to Google.
Happy 89th birthday, Karima Mokhtar!