Mahmoud Yassin Jr.: Bold steps, new legacy

With features that reflect the well-known Egyptian charm of his artistic family, actor Mahmoud Yassin Jr. speaks about his journey in the world of acting. He shares how he managed to escape the shadow of comparison, take bold steps toward fame, and chase ambitions that don’t rely on the legacy of his late legendary grandfather or his father, the celebrated screenwriter.

Audiences were introduced to Mahmoud Yassin Jr. in the third season of the Egyptian TV series Naseebi We Qesmetek (2019). He recalls his beginnings, saying, "I started out playing football, but I always had a passion for acting. I was keen on participating in school plays, but then decided to focus entirely on acting. I began visiting casting offices and joining acting workshops. I also had to convince my father of my acting skills, so I re-enacted scenes from old films and sent him recordings. Eventually, he was convinced and cast me."

Mahmoud acknowledges that having an artistic family helped him skip a few steps, but the real challenge came afterward. He explains that although his father helped him land his first role, it was the audience who took notice of him when he appeared in El-Fetewa—a series unrelated to his family.

Contrary to what some might think, Mahmoud isn’t trying to follow in his grandfather’s or father’s footsteps. He is forging his own voice in acting. He says, “Of course, I’m aware of the responsibility that comes with the name I carry. Sadly, some people don’t consider the differences in experience, age, and eras, which puts me, a 25-year-old, in an unfair comparison with a legendary name like my grandfather’s. Even comparisons between me and my father are misplaced—we’re in entirely different fields. People expect to see Mahmoud Yassin reborn, but I want them to see my own journey and judge it independently. I’ve been called Mahmoud Yassin since I was a child—it’s not a name I adopted to capitalize on my family’s fame.”

When asked how he sets himself apart from his grandfather’s legacy, Mahmoud’s voice is filled with enthusiasm:
 "I always try to apply my own method of acting—a completely different school of performance than my grandfather and the rest of my family. In the end, I’m not continuing someone else’s path—I’m creating my own, one that makes me unique. I’m always seeking diverse roles, constantly changing my look and physique to suit each part. I want to do things differently from what my family, or anyone else for that matter, has done. I want to build a different legacy—something distinct from my father and grandfather. All I want is for people to see me as a new young actor, not just Mahmoud Yassin’s grandson."

Mahmoud says the main criteria for selecting roles is how deeply he feels connected to them and whether they add value to his career. His goal is to leave an impact, even if the project isn’t commercially successful.
 "It’s enough for me if the role sparks conversation among viewers," he explains. He adds that while he values the advice of his experienced family, especially when selecting roles, the final decision rests with him. He believes actors should be open to all genres and never confine themselves to just one.

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Mahmoud’s dreams know no boundaries. He hopes to go global, with Hollywood being an important milestone—but not the ultimate goal.
 "Of course, everyone dreams of working in Hollywood," he says, “but that’s not my biggest ambition. My dream is to go global through Egyptian cinema. Today, the world is more connected. It’s normal now for a Korean, Spanish, or Turkish series to have international popularity—it’s not limited to just Indian or American productions. That’s why I dream of making an Egyptian project that achieves global acclaim—one that wins an Oscar.”

Mahmoud’s boldness goes beyond acting—he’s also written several scripts. Still, he insists he’s not following in his father’s footsteps.
 "I want to try writing, but without being labeled as a screenwriter. Sometimes I get ideas that I feel compelled to write and act in because I understand and love them. But I can’t write for others—only for myself. I’ve written several scripts, and I’m waiting for the right people who might be excited to bring them to life." And who knows? Perhaps one day we’ll see him behind the camera directing his first film, a step he’s open to.

In an effort to escape the traditional image of a star from a famous family, Mahmoud stepped into the world of fashion. He explains that having his own brand was a childhood dream—something he wanted to launch once he became famous. But he chose not to wait and decided to launch it earlier so it could grow alongside his rising career.
 "The idea of the brand is to be influential. I care about fashion and want to influence my fans through it. At the same time, the brand supports my identity as a celebrity. It’s a business I love—and it’s my way of impacting those around me."

Despite his boldness in many areas, Mahmoud takes a different stance on love. Although he sees love as important, he isn’t pursuing a relationship now. His focus is entirely on work, and he believes it’s hard to find a partner who would accept that.
 "It would be selfish to be with someone if I can’t give them the same attention I give my work. I’m at a stage in my life where I see myself in a race I must win—and I have no time for distractions. When I reach a place where I feel comfortable, then I’ll consider being in a relationship."

With eight series under his belt, Mahmoud continues his race forward. He is currently filming El-Hares (The Guardian) alongside star Hany Salama, playing the role of a popular influencer, once again proving his versatility. He also revealed that he will appear in an upcoming series in a role that promises to surprise audiences.

Mahmoud Yassin Jr. represents a new generation with a new mindset. He doesn’t turn away from his family's legacy but insists on crafting his name on his own terms.