In the ever-changing world of entertainment, some journeys leave a lasting mark—and Aly El Tayeb’s story is one of them. With a career spanning over a decade, Aly has become a familiar face in Egypt’s film and television industry. From his early comedic roles in Hekayat Banat (2010), to the heartfelt “Osama” in Photocopy (2017), or his standout performance as “Wadie El Basaty” in Aho Da Elly Sar (2019), Aly embodies his characters with a rare blend of passion and precision. His role as the cybercrime officer “Abdel Rahman” in Qabeel (2019) was another major challenge—one he took seriously after the tremendous success of his earlier role in Aho Da Elly Sar.
He later portrayed “Hesham El Sawy,” an officer in El Ekhteyar 2 (2021), and delivered yet another memorable performance in Khali Balak Min Zezi (2021). These roles only added to his growing reputation. As a rising star with a unique approach, Aly’s ability to portray emotionally complex characters keeps audiences glued to their screens.
In an emotional interview with Reham Adel from Enigma, Aly shared the ups and downs of his career, his struggles, inspirations, and personal moments that shaped him into the actor he is today.
How a Talent Show Changed His Life Forever
Aly’s entry into entertainment wasn’t planned. He stumbled into it through stand-up comedy, without even knowing what it really was at first. He laughed as he recalled:
“I thought I was just trying to act.”
His big break came through Star Search, a talent program on MBC. At the time, stand-up comedy wasn’t widely accepted in the Arab world, making his journey even more challenging.
After being crowned Best Stand-Up Comedian on the show in 2004—the first to ever win such recognition on MBC—Aly’s raw honesty and natural talent made him stand out. He explained:
“I used to watch legends like Eddie Murphy and Jim Carrey to learn.”
Interestingly, Aly was on track to becoming a professional football player before acting took over his life.
But winning wasn’t enough for him. Aly took it upon himself to promote stand-up comedy in the Middle East, supporting emerging talents he believed had something unique to offer—such as Taha Desouky and Salah El Daly back in 2013.
Although acting is now his main focus, Aly has promised a return to stand-up. This time, he says:
“I want to bring something new and different.”
And yes—he’s already planning a stand-up show soon.
Turning Pain into Powerful Performances
One of Aly’s most emotional memories comes from the set of Aho Da Elly Sar. During filming, a foreign director on set received devastating news of his father’s death. While everyone was saddened, the moment struck Aly even harder—his own father was gravely ill at the time.
He recalled:
“I was scared I wouldn’t be there when my father needed me.”
Unfortunately, that fear came true. Shortly after wrapping the project, Aly’s father passed away. With a trembling voice, he shared:
“I buried him without saying goodbye.”
Just two days before, they had lunch together—his father opened up in a way he never had before. Aly now sees it as their final farewell, a memory that stays with him to this day.
Roles That Challenge and Transform Him
Aly doesn’t accept roles randomly. He seeks characters with depth and transformation.
“I don’t like flat characters. Even if I’m playing a villain, I want there to be a reason or a lesson.”
For Aho Da Elly Sar, he gained 15 kg to portray Wadie El Basaty—a character with no real-life reference.
“It was tough,” he admitted.
But with strong direction and support from co-stars like Ruby, Sawsan Badr, and Daoud, the role became one of his most celebrated performances.
His Biggest Source of Inspiration
Inspiration for Aly doesn’t just come from other actors or celebrities.
“Ordinary people inspire me the most,” he explained.
Their silent struggles, facial expressions, and resilience fuel his craft.
Yet, one personal influence remains unmatched—his father.
“He taught me patience and how to endure hardships. It’s a lesson I live by every day.”
Why Maliha Meant Everything to Him
Aly’s recent role in Maliha (2024), a series about Palestine, carried profound meaning. He hadn’t planned on acting in Ramadan that year, but after reading the script, he couldn’t turn it down.
“This was bigger than me. It was my duty to be part of a story that tells the truth.”
For Aly, storytelling isn’t just art—it’s resistance.
“If we leave the narrative to only one side, we lose history.”
He believes Maliha will help younger generations truly understand what happened in Palestine.
From Fashion Entrepreneur to Full-Time Actor
To support his early acting career, Aly ventured into business—specifically fashion.
“I used to trade clothes and introduce new brands to Egypt.”
He even opened a shop in Zamalek called Fishbone, featuring a German brand unknown at the time.
His business background taught him patience and perseverance—qualities that helped him survive the struggles of acting.
“Sometimes the pay was zero. But I knew I had to keep going.”
What’s Next for Aly El Tayeb?
Currently, Aly is working on two exciting projects:
- 220 Yom (220 Days), a series directed by Karim El Adl and written by Mahmoud Zaharan.
- Wada’an Hamdy (Goodbye Hamdy), a film starring Shereen Reda and Bayoumi Fouad.
He’s also developing a passion project—a new series called Oscar Team.
“It’s about athletes and football. It has a comedic side, but it’s also emotional.”
His goal? To give hope to anyone who’s ever felt like giving up.
Advice for Aspiring Artists
Aly has learned valuable lessons throughout his journey:
“First, make sure you actually have talent. Then, work hard on yourself. Don’t rush success—it’s never guaranteed. But if you can make people feel something, laugh or cry, you’ve succeeded.”
For him, true success lies in impact.
“When your work helps someone feel they’re not alone—that’s real success.”
A Story That Inspires All
Aly El Tayeb’s life is more than a list of roles—it’s a story of overcoming challenges, honoring his roots, and using art to make a difference. His journey, filled with tears and triumphs, reminds us all that success is rarely a straight road—but it’s always worth the effort.
Whether making us laugh, cry, or reflect, one thing is certain: Aly El Tayeb’s story deserves to be told.
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