Entertainment | Film & Cinema
An expensive hobby
Physical therapist Chadi Haddad is mobbed in the streets of Beirut when he goes to buy a coffee.
- By Kelly Crane, Staff Reporter
- Published: 23:06 October 16, 2007
- Chadi Haddad.
- Image Credit: Tracy Brand/Gulf News
Physical therapist Chadi Haddad is mobbed in the streets of Beirut when he goes to buy a coffee.
Not because there is a shortage of expert physical therapists, but because in his spare time he is an actor — and one of
Lebanon's most famous at that.
The 31-year-old, who was invited to the gala launch of the Middle East International Film Festival (MEIFF), made his name when he appeared in Iranian movie Who Loves Lebanon? in 1995.
He said: "I have been overwhelmed at the success of the festival in Abu Dhabi and I am thrilled to have been invited.
"It is very classy and has been and executed to an extremely high standard."
Having just finished a short series, Haddad says sometimes he forgets that everyone recognises him in Beirut.
Early age
He added: "I sometimes walk down the street and wonder why people are saying "help" or looking at me. It doesn't register that they have seen you on television and know who you are."
With dreams of being an actor from the age of 4, Haddad told tabloid! how it all began. He said: "I always knew I wanted to
act from as young as I can remember. I was always in the limelight and wanted to be the centre of attention. Then, at 14
years old, I remember getting a part in a play and I fell in love with the stage and screen."
Haddad, having never studied acting, learnt everything he knows on the job.
He added: "From a young age, I got a job in a recording studio doing voice-over slots and that's how it all began.
A guy recognised something in me and my voice and it went from there really.
"Acting isn't a steady career in this part of the world yet and so I decided to become a physical therapist to subsidise my
expensive hobby.
"I am attending MEIFF to support all the local and regional filmmakers. It is a competitive industry but also a difficult one
so I believe people need as much support as possible."
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