Renowned Moroccan actor Mustapha Zaari died on Tuesday at the age of 79 after a prolonged battle with prostate cancer, the national channel 2M announced. The established performer had been receiving treatment at the Military Hospital in Rabat and had recently returned home after his condition stabilized.
Born on November 5, 1945, in Casablanca’s Derb Sultan neighborhood, Zaari overcame significant early hardships, including the loss of his father at the age of three.
Raised by his mother under difficult circumstances, he began his artistic journey through theater, encouraged by his mother who sent him to a local theater club to channel his energy.
Zaari’s career began in the 1960s when he joined the “Brothers Troupe,” led by Abdeladim Chennaoui. Despite his lack of a formal art education, he refined his skills under the guidance of Moroccan theater legends such as Tayeb Saddiki and Ahmed Tayeb Lalj.
His early career included roles as a youth camp counselor, where he began to train and mentor others in acting.
Zaari’s breakthrough came in the 1980s, forming a successful comedy duo with Mustapha Dassoukine. Zaari’s television debut came in the 1967 play “Nouakssia,” followed by numerous theatrical works like “Bent El Haraz” and “Daba Tji Daba.”
His television credits included the popular series “Setta men Settin” and “Saadi B Bnati,” while his filmography featured roles in both Moroccan and international productions, including “Childhood Stolen” and “The Message.”
In April, Zaari publicly shared his prostate cancer diagnosis and sought assistance from the Ministry of Culture to access specialized medical care. His final television role was in the series “Rihlat Al Omr,” directed by Lamisse Khairat, which aired recently on Al Aoula channel.
In addition to acting, Zaari contributed behind the scenes in film production and artistic coordination, enriching his understanding of the entertainment industry.