Wael Sharaf (Arabic: وائل شرف; born 15 July 1977) is a Syrian actor and film director. He is known for playing Moataz in the historical drama Bab al-Hara seasons 1-7, which is shown during Ramadan.[1]

Wael Sharaf
Born
Wael Subhi Al-Rifai

(1977-07-15) July 15, 1977 (age 47)
NationalitySyrian
Occupation(s)Actor, Director, Lecturer
Years active2001–
Known forThe Arabic Johnny Depp, Ageed Moataz, Abo Al-Jude, Abo Al-Ezz
PartnerKhuloud Sawa
Children2
Websitewaelsharaf.com

Early life

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Wael Sharaf's real name is Wael Subhi Al-Rifai. He is the son of Syrian actor Subhi Al-Rifai.[2] Wael is popular among a large segment of the Syrian population. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus in 2001 and participated in TV shows on Arab Syrian TV. He debuted in Al-Mutanabbi in 2001.[1] He studied medicine in Ukraine, but it did not suit him. He then switched to acting. Sharaf, also called "the Arabic Johnny Depp", gained a large audience after his performance of Moataz in Bab al-Hara, which appeared across the Arab world.[3]

Bab Al-Hara

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Bab Al-Hara premiered in 2006 and is one of the most popular television series in the Arab world. Sharaf appeared throughout the series, and his role in season 4 expanded. Wael Sharaf played Moataz, the son of pharmacist Abu Issam.[4] He left the series after season 7.[5]

In an interview with CNN Arabic, director Bassam Al-Mulla stated that Sharaf was studying in London and that he demanded a higher wage. Bassem also stated that Wael ignored the favors the series bestowed on him.[6] The next week Wael responded, stressing that without him the character would not have achieved the success it experienced.[7]

Death rumor

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in 2012 rumors that Wael Sharaf had fled towards Turkey and was killed in an air raid. Sharaf laid the rumors to rest by making a public statement that he was alive and still in Syria.[8]

Television

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Year Title Role Notes
2001 Al-Muttanabi
2003 Maraya Only 1 Episode
2003 Boqaa Dhaou 3 Season 3
2003 Dhikrayat Al-Zaman Al Kadem
2003 Ana wa Aammati Amina Hatem
2003 Al-Houjaj
2003 Is'al Rouhak
2003 Hakayat Al-lail wa Al-nahar Episode: "Qays wa Layla"
2004 AlKhayt Al-abyadh Jamal
2004 Fatel Al-rabie Ashraf
2004 Layali Al-Salhiya Abd Al-Hay
2004 Rejaha Aaref
2005 Al-shams Tashruq Men Jadid Riyadh
2006 Al-Qadhiya 6008 Nadim
2006 Ahl Algharam
2006 Weshaa Alhawa Andre
2006–2015 Bab Al-Hara Moataz Season 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7
2007 Aaqal Almajanin
2007 Aljamar wa Aljamar
2007 Antar Ibn Shaddad Hounayfa Ibn Badr
2007 Sirat Alhoub Different roles: Alladin in Alladin and the Magic Lompe, Tamim in Sukkar Makr, Ammar in Mabas Tama Ghayrama
2007 Koum Alhajar Ahmed
2008 Lays Saraba Aamer
2008 Beit Jeddi Aajaj Season 1
2009 Qalbi Maakoum Fouad
2010 Laanat Altin Jawad
2010 Baad Alsoqout Majeed
2011–2012 Dalila wa Zaybaq Ali Al-Zaybaq Season 1 and 2
2012 Tahoun Al-shar Zidou
2014 El-hob Kolah Nasr Al-Deen Episodes (5) of Nasr
2018 Hawa Al-roh Ibrahim

Dubbing roles

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References

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  1. ^ a b "Wael Sharaf". elcinema.com.
  2. ^ "Like father like son: Actor Wael Sharaf says bye to famous Dad Subhi Al Rifai". Al Bawaba. September 1, 2012.
  3. ^ Black, Ian (March 16, 2009). "The television soap opera that has the Arab world agog". The Guardian.
  4. ^ Waleg (October 21, 2007). "Syrian Actor Wael Sharaf". Waleg.
  5. ^ Sharaf, Wael (February 9, 2016). "Goodbye Moataz". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021.
  6. ^ Alazan, Mohammad (March 16, 2016). "Bassam Mullah opening scenes of "Bab Al-Hara 8" in front of the readers of CNN in Arabic". Arabic CNN.
  7. ^ Sharaf, Wael (March 21, 2016). "I do not owe the series". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 26, 2021.
  8. ^ S, G (August 15, 2012). "Wael Sharaf: I'm not in Turkey or dead". Albawaba Entertainment.
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