Iman Al Ghouri, beloved Syrian actress of 'Ahlam Abu Al Hana,' dies at 57

Dubai: Iman Al Ghouri, the Syrian actress who became a household name in the mid-1990s for her role in the popular satirical series Ahlam Abu Al Hana alongside legendary actor Duraid Lahham, died on Monday in Aleppo. She was 57.

Her death was confirmed by the Syrian Artists Syndicate in a statement posted on Facebook, mourning the actress and extending condolences to her family and admirers. “Our heartfelt condolences on the passing of our colleague, Iman Al Ghouri. To God we belong and to Him we shall return,” the syndicate wrote. 

The funeral was held in Aleppo on Aug. 19 following Asr prayer. The cause of death was not disclosed.

Though her career in television and theater was relatively brief, Al Ghouri left a deep mark on Syrian popular culture. Her most memorable role came in Ahlam Abu Al Hana (1996), a situational comedy that satirized social and bureaucratic dilemmas in Syrian life. 

Al Ghouri played Khayro, a character whose innocence and wit complemented Lahham’s portrayal of the hapless Abu Al Hana, constantly entangled in misfortunes. The chemistry between the two helped cement the series as a classic in Syrian drama.

Born on May 8, 1967, Al Ghouri pursued formal acting studies at the State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow, from which she graduated in 1993 with a diploma in performance. Returning to Syria, she joined the Artists Syndicate in Aleppo and quickly became part of the country’s vibrant television and theater scene.

Her body of work included appearances in series such as Khan Al Harir, Bab Al Hadid, and Mudhakkirat Aaila (Family Memoirs). In theater, she debuted at just 14 in Farhan Bulbul’s play Do Not Dread the Edge of the Sword, a performance that revealed her early talent and commitment to the stage.

Despite the recognition and popularity she earned, Al Ghouri chose to step away from acting in 2001 to dedicate herself to raising her only son, Ward. She made a brief return in 2012 with a role in the television drama The Roots Remain Green, but later declined further offers, including one for the series Rozana in 2018.

In a 2021 televised interview, she reflected candidly on her withdrawal from the profession, saying she had devoted her life to her family but admitted she still longed to return to the screen. 

Iman Al Ghouri is survived by her son.