Doha – Renowned Moroccan actor Mustapha Zaari passed away on Tuesday, December 3, at the age of 79, following a prolonged battle with prostate cancer. The veteran performer had been receiving treatment at the Military Hospital in Rabat and had recently returned home after his condition stabilized.
Actor Mohamed Choubi confirmed the news on social media, stating, “God is great. May God have mercy on artist Mustapha Zaari.”
Born on November 5, 1945, in Casablanca’s Derb Sultan neighborhood, Zaari overcame early hardships after losing his father at the age of three. His mother, who raised him in challenging circumstances, inadvertently launched his artistic journey by sending him to a theater club to channel his childhood energy.
Zaari began his artistic career in the 1960s, joining the Brothers Troupe led by Abdeladim Chennaoui. Despite lacking formal academic training in the arts, he honed his craft under the mentorship of prominent figures such as Tayeb Saddiki and Ahmed Tayeb Lalj. His entry into professional acting came through his work as a youth camp counselor and trainer.
His breakthrough came in the 1980s when he formed a successful comedy duo with Mustapha Dassoukine. Zaari’s television debut was in the 1967 play “Nouakssia.” Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous theatrical productions, including “Bent El Haraz” and “Daba Tji Daba.”
His television repertoire included notable works such as “Setta men Settin” and “Saadi B Bnati,” while his film credits encompassed both Moroccan and international productions, including “Childhood Stolen” and “The Message.”
In April, Zaari publicly disclosed his cancer diagnosis and sought assistance from the Ministry of Culture to facilitate his access to specialized medical care. His final television appearance was in the recent series “Rihlat Al Omr,” directed by Lamisse Khairat, which aired on Al Aoula channel. The series featured him alongside Fadila Benmoussa, Tarik Boukhari, Raouia, Malika El Omari, Hassan Foulane, Ahmed Al Naji, and others.
Beyond acting, Zaari worked behind the scenes in film production and artistic coordination, contributing to his comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry.
He leaves behind a rich legacy in Moroccan cinema, television, and theater, having dedicated several decades to enriching the country’s cultural landscape through his diverse roles and contributions to the arts.
