Damascus - Hala Shawkat, Syria's most famous actress died Saturday at the age of 75 after a struggle with brain cancer, Syria's official newspaper reported Sunday. Shawkat, whose real name is Fatima Tourkan Shawkat, died in al- Saadeh house for elderly, where she had spent her last days.
She was known by television viewers through her portrayal of a tender and good-hearted mother in the programme "Om Nassar."
She began her career in the 1950s with the Egyptian director Atef Salem and Egyptian actor Omar Sharif. She also performed in many plays on the Syrian stage.
Survived three sons, Shawkat is to be buried Sunday in Damascus.
