Lebanese theatre icon Antoine Kerbage dies at 90 after battling Alzheimer’s

Dubai: Renowned Lebanese actor and theatre icon Antoine Kerbage died on Sunday at the age of 90 after battling illness and Alzheimer’s.

Born in 1935, Kerbage was a towering figure in Lebanese theatre and television. He began his artistic journey in the 1960s, joining the Modern Theatre Institute of the Baalbek International Festival Committee, where he played a key role in shaping Lebanon’s theatrical movement.

Kerbage captivated audiences with his commanding presence and ability to portray complex characters. He starred in several iconic Rahbani Brothers plays, including ‘The Flint Mountains’, ‘The Key Keeper’, ‘Saha Al Nom’, ‘Petra’, and ‘Summer 840’.

On television, he seamlessly transitioned between villainous and heroic roles, earning acclaim for his portrayal of Jean Valjean in the 1974 adaptation of ‘Les Misérables’.

His television career spanned both popular productions and literary adaptations, with standout performances in ‘Diala’, ‘For Whom the Birds Sing’, and ‘Leaves of Bitter Time’. In 1979, he headlined the historical drama ‘Berber Agha’, written by Antoine Ghandour and directed by Bassem Nasr.

On stage, he brought to life some of literature’s most iconic figures, including Macbeth and Orestes. Beyond acting, Kerbage was a passionate advocate for Lebanese artists, serving as Chairman of the Lebanese Actors Syndicate from 2005 to 2009.

With a career spanning over six decades, Antoine Kerbage’s legacy endures as a cornerstone of Lebanese theatre and television, his performances immortalized in the hearts of audiences across the Arab world.