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. 

The story behind Sammy Clark's "el mal3ab wel goal w Sammy"

Standing: Fouad Charafeddine - Sammy Clark - Ehsan Sadek - Ahmad Mazhar - Samir Chamas - Antoine Kerbaj (to the far left international referee Sabeh Falah)

Squatting: Ibrahim Meraachli - Joseph Azar - Ahmad El Zein - Ali Safa - Jihad Al Atrash - Akram El Ahmar.

Legend has it that the photo was taken before the match that the artists named above played against a team from the American University of Beirut teachers (artists won 5-3) and it was done using the Nejmeh grounds. The idea was for artists from different parts of Lebanon (and different faiths) to unite in one team despite the war that had torn the country to pieces rendering going from one sector to another a very difficult task indeed. The team was dubbed "Alwan" which is also the sponsor (at least of the jerseys worn!) as it was a very popular magazine back them focused on entertainment and stars. All this is dated 1981.

Now I am sure you are familiar with Sammy Clark's hit "el mal3ab wel goal w Sammy" (the playground, the goal (which also means football in slang Lebanese!) and Sammy)... Guess why the song was recorded?

Tadam! Answer above!