Hussein Fahmy: Psychologists Help Me Build Up New Characters

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
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Hussein Fahmy: Psychologists Help Me Build Up New Characters

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy
Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy

Egyptian actor Hussein Fahmy said that he relied on psychologists during his career to develop characters.

In an interview with Asharq Al-Awsat, he confirmed that he will return to the big screen with three new works after a hiatus of 18 years. He also indicated that the Egyptian cinema is suffering due to the COVID-19 pandemic and producers’ reluctance to take risks during these uncertain times.

On why joined the cast of "Fares" movie, Fahmy said he decided to join the cast after hearing encouraging facts about the project from his friend, artist Ahmed Zaher.

"I think it’s essential for me and our generation of artists to support the new generation, just as the previous generation had done for us,” he noted.

“The events of the movie are very exciting. The author, Hussam Moussa, with whom I have also collaborated before, is very well known for his unique writing style and ability to create suspense. I will also get the chance to work again with director Raouf Abdel Aziz," added Fahmy.

He further explained how he has portrayed different roles throughout his career, saying: “an actor isn’t just someone reciting a role written for them in a script. An actor is a creative person who adds new dimensions to the character he’s playing to draw in the viewer, and I systematically practice my roles."

"As an actor, I must add new psychological dimensions to the character that I’m playing, so I always consult a psychologist before playing a particular role. If I don’t have enough time to consult with one, I resort to online research about the nature of the character I’m going to play."

Regarding his new film, Fahmy said that the Egyptian cinema will be making a comeback with the film, as a large number of stars in the Arab world are part of it, most notably Jamal Suleiman, Eyad Nassar, Dorra Zarrouk, Mahmoud Hemida and Fathy Abdel Wahab.

"The film will have a novel and original plot, the details of which won’t be revealed, to maintain the element of surprise for the viewers.”

Fahmy pointed out that he had no control over his absence from the screen in recent Ramadan drama seasons, saying due to certain circumstances some of the works he took part in were not aired on time.

He concluded by pointing out that the film industry is among the most afflicted by the pandemic, stressing that some producers are reluctant to make films under the current circumstances, mainly due to the Egyptian government’s decision to allow only 50 percent capacity in movie theaters. However, TV series are still profitable as they can be aired during Ramadan season and well beyond then.



World’s Most Popular TikTok Star Khaby Lame Leaves the US after Being Detained by ICE

Khaby Lame poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film "Oppenheimer" in London, July 13, 2023. (AP)
Khaby Lame poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film "Oppenheimer" in London, July 13, 2023. (AP)
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World’s Most Popular TikTok Star Khaby Lame Leaves the US after Being Detained by ICE

Khaby Lame poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film "Oppenheimer" in London, July 13, 2023. (AP)
Khaby Lame poses for photographers upon arrival at the premiere of the film "Oppenheimer" in London, July 13, 2023. (AP)

Khaby Lame, the world’s most popular TikTok personality with millions of followers, has left the US after being detained by immigration agents in Las Vegas for allegedly overstaying his visa.

The Senegalese-Italian influencer, whose legal name is Seringe Khabane Lame, was detained Friday at Harry Reid International Airport but was allowed to leave the country without a deportation order, a spokesperson for US Immigration and Customs Enforcement confirmed in a statement.

Lame arrived in the US on April 30 and “overstayed the terms of his visa,” the ICE spokesperson said. The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment Tuesday to the email address listed on Lame’s Instagram account. He has not publicly commented on his detainment.

His detainment and voluntary departure from the US comes amid President Donald Trump’s escalating crackdown on immigration, including raids in Los Angeles that sparked days of protests against ICE, as the president tests the bounds of his executive authority.

A voluntary departure, which was granted to Lame, allows those facing removal from the US to avoid a deportation order on their immigration record, which could prevent them from being allowed back into the US for up to a decade.

The 25-year-old rose to international fame during the pandemic without ever saying a word in his videos, which would show him reacting to absurdly complicated “life hacks.” He has over 162 million followers on TikTok alone.

The Senegal-born influencer moved to Italy when he was an infant with his working class parents and has Italian citizenship.

His internet fame quickly evolved. He signed a multi-year partnership with designer brand Hugo Boss in 2022. In January, he was appointed as a UNICEF goodwill ambassador.

Last month, he attended the Met Gala in New York City, days after arriving in the US.