Antoine Kerbaj - RIP

 

Artwork by Tarek Chemaly

Barbar Agha, Abou Bleik, Jean Valjean and hoard of other characters anchored in our collective memory, that was the giant that Antoine Kerbaj was. May he rest in peace.

Samir Chamas RIP

Artwork by Tarek Chemaly

Another great one leaves us. Samir Chamas passed away leaving behind a legacy of films, TV, but also cartoon dubbing (Baba Sanfour or Papa Smurf being the most iconic). Whereas he was cast in different characters, I will always remember his as the villain in which he excelled. Also Chamas belongs to that old breed of actors with impeccable pronunciations, very deliberate "makharej al 7ourouf" (or how letters are uttered), and a specific timbre of voice. As I said, his legacy is too varied, too long and he graced us with so many works. RIP. 

Gisele Khoury (RIP) and the act of self-induced misogyny

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First and foremost I was truly saddened by the death today of Gisele Khoury. Like every other Lebanese, I knew her as a fearless, smart, investigative journalist asking the right questions for Lebanese politicians when she was still on the Lebanese airwaves. That she was easy on the eye was definitely a bonus.

Apparently she was suffering from an "incurable disease" to which she succumbed at the age of 62. You can read about her many achievements here. My problem is that, for all her tremendous career, she is being referred to as "the widow of Samir Kassir". I can understand that she established a foundation in his name, but sadly she got so entangled with his memory and reputation, that at some point she just became an accessory to him despite having had an incredible run on her own. It does make me sad that at this point she contributed to the idea she was "just" "the widow of" as if this is her main title and mission in life, when, as I said she was much more than that.

It is a pity someone who was as dynamic, present, and engaged as Gisele Khoury would be - in most of her obituaries - referred to by her late husband (no matter his intellectual prouesse). The sad bit is that she majorly contributed to this designation.

May she rest in peace.

Massoud "Poussy" Achkar RIP

Artwork by Tarek Chemaly

Massoud "Poussy" Ackhar has passed away from covid complications. He leaves behind what every Lebanese politician wishes to leave - an excellent name, a legacy unharmed by bribery or theft, and a untainted history of patriotism which no one can dispute, and better - he transcended the murky water of politics, machinations, to become a symbol everyone agrees upon across the Christian aisle. May he rest in peace.