Veteran Saudi actor Mohammed Al Towayan passes away

Dubai: Mohammed Al Towayan, a leading figure in Saudi television and cinema, has died at the age of 79, the Saudi Ministry of Culture confirmed on Friday.

Al Towayan, known for his roles in hit drama series such as Awdat Asweed, Ayal Qariah, and Ghashmshm, played a pivotal role in shaping the Saudi entertainment industry over nearly five decades.

His final film, Mandoub Al Layl (The Night Agent), was a major box-office success in Saudi Arabia and was screened internationally. Despite his long-standing presence in television, his transition to cinema marked a significant shift in his career.

Al Towayan began his acting journey in the early 1980s, gaining widespread recognition with Al Saad Waad (1982). He went on to star in some of the most popular series in the region, including Tash Ma Tash, Abu Al Malayeen, Loabat Al-Kibar, and Loabat Al Shaytan. He was also involved in scriptwriting, co-writing major productions such as Tash Ma Tashand Loabat Al Shaytan.

His work in Awdat Asweed, a 1985 comedy that featured a large ensemble cast of Saudi and Arab actors, remains one of his most celebrated achievements. Speaking about the show in a past interview, Al Towayan said, "The joy of 'Awdat Asweed' was that it brought everyone together—there wasn’t a single actor who didn’t take part in it."

In 2024, the Saudi Ministry of Culture honored Al Towayan with the Theater and Performing Arts Award at the National Cultural Awards. He was also recognized at the Joy Awards 2025 for his lifetime contributions to Gulf entertainment, though he was unable to attend due to illness.

Al Towayan was a strong advocate for young Saudi talent, frequently praising the new wave of filmmakers and actors.