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Doha – Naima Lamcharki, a towering figure in Moroccan cinema and television, passed away on Saturday, October 5, at the age of 81. Born in Casablanca in 1943, Lamcharki leaves behind a rich legacy of performances that shaped the landscape of Moroccan entertainment.
Lamcharki’s passing was confirmed by director and producer Ahmed Bouaroua in a post on his personal Facebook account. “The sister, companion, honest, and beloved artist Naima Lamcharki, who lives in the hearts of all Moroccans, is in God’s mercy,” Bouaroua wrote. “May God have mercy on her, forgive her, and grant her a place in His spacious paradise. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”
Throughout her illustrious career spanning over five decades, Lamcharki, often referred to as the “Lady of the Moroccan Screen,” starred in numerous acclaimed productions for television, cinema, and theater. She began her acting journey in the late 1950s and participated in a large number of radio plays, television series, films, and stage productions, as well as many educational and informative programs.
Some of her most notable works include “Allal Al Kalda” and “Tasqot Al Kheil Taba’an” (Horses Fall in Succession), which left an indelible mark on Moroccan culture. Lamcharki’s performances often tackled social and cultural issues, contributing to the enrichment of Moroccan culture and serving as a symbol of strength and inspiration for many young artists.
Lamcharki’s final television appearance was in the 2021 Ramadan series “Souk Delala,” directed by Jamila El Barji. The series, which aired on 2M TV, also featured a cast of prominent Moroccan actors, including Abdellatif Hilal and Houda Sedki.
In recognition of her outstanding contributions to the arts, Lamcharki was honored with numerous awards throughout her career. In April 2021, she received the Best Actress award at the Arab Film Festival in Malmö for her role in the feature film “Kharif Attouffah” (Apple Autumn) by director Mohamed Mouftakir.
Beyond her acting career, Lamcharki was appointed as a Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF, an advisor to the National Observatory for Children’s Rights, and an assistant president of the National Union of Theater Professionals, further cementing her status as a prominent figure in Moroccan society.
Read also: Renowned Moroccan Actress Saadia Louk Passes Away
Minister of Culture, Youth and Communication, Mehdi Bensaid, paid tribute to Lamcharki on Facebook, calling her “a symbol of Moroccan art” whose enduring works will stand as a testament to her creativity and dedication.
“We offer our sincere condolences and sympathy to the family of the deceased and to all her loved ones, asking the Almighty to embrace her with His vast mercy, to grant her a place in His spacious paradise, and to grant her family patience and solace. To God we belong and to Him we shall return,” Bensaid wrote.
Fellow artist Latifa Raafat also mourned Lamcharki’s passing in a Facebook post, saying, “What sad news to lose a lady of the Moroccan screen, the talented actress Naima Lamcharki, who has always delighted us with her elegant appearance and the portrayal of her roles with great skill and professionalism. Our deepest condolences to her entire family, both small and large. We say only what pleases God. To God we belong and to Him we shall return.”
Lamcharki’s passing has elicited an outpouring of grief from fans and fellow artists alike, as they remember her immense contributions to Moroccan culture and the indelible mark she leaves on the country’s artistic landscape.
