Sultanate of Egypt
•
2 views
Layla Murad
Cairo (El Daher), Sultanate of Egypt
Archival Overview
One of the greatest singing superstars and actresses of the Golden Age of Egyptian Cinema, who starred in twenty-seven blockbuster musical films and recorded over 1,200 songs.
Biographical Record
Born Lillian Zaki Mourad into a prominent Egyptian Jewish musical family in Cairo, her father was the respected composer and cantor Zaki Mourad. Mentored by Mohamed Abdel Wahab, she made her film debut in 1938 in Yahya al-Hubb (Long Live Love), instantly captivating the nation with her silvery, velvety voice and radiant screen presence.
Partnering with actor-director Anwar Wagdi (whom she married), Murad became the highest-paid actress in the Arab world, starring in an iconic series of musical comedies bearing her own name (Layla, Daughter of the Poor; Layla, Daughter of the Rich). In 1946, she converted to Islam, performing the Hajj pilgrimage and composing celebrated religious songs. She retired at the height of her glory in 1955.
Key Life Milestones
Film Debut in Long Live Love
Starred opposite Mohamed Abdel Wahab, launching the most successful female cinema career in Arab history.
Layla, Daughter of the Poor (Layla Bint al-Fuqara)
Premiered the smash hit musical that solidified her title as the undisputed Cinderella of the Arab screen.
Memorial Guestbook & Tributes
0 messages recordedLeave a Respectful Tribute
Final Resting Place
Perpetual MemorialCairo, Egypt