Mishaal Al-Qamlas, one of the first Kuwaiti actors to move from theatre to film, has passed away. According to Sada News Agency, Al-Qamlas had been receiving treatment for diabetes for many years and had been hospitalized multiple times until his health declined.
He died on Thursday in a hospital in Kuwait City at the age of 50.
In August, Al-Qamlas shared on social media that doctors had to amputate his left leg due to gangrene.
In a post-surgery video shared by Kuwaiti journalist Naif Al-Shammari on Instagram, Al-Qamlas seemed to be in good spirits as he spoke from his hospital bed.
“I had the operation because blood wasn’t reaching my leg, and it was getting worse,” Al-Qamlas said in the video. “God gives and God takes, and God heals all of the nation of Muhammad.”
Born in 1974, Al-Qamlas started his career in theatre and went on to direct several productions. He later moved to television and film, appearing in over 15 shows and movies.
In addition to his work in theatre, TV, and film, Al-Qamlas was also an academic. A graduate of the Faculty of Arts at Alexandria University, he published several research papers throughout his career.
In 2019, he was named a goodwill ambassador for Cairo by the Egyptian government. At the time of his death, he was a professor at Kuwait’s Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts.
Many actors from the Gulf region and fans have shared their sadness on social media following his death.
“My brother Mishaal Al-Qamlas has passed away. May God have mercy on him,” Kuwaiti actor Yousif Al Blooshi wrote on Instagram. “I will miss you, my love.”
“May you be in heaven, smiling as we knew you,” Bahraini actress Fay Al Sharqawi posted on X. “Oh God, comfort his family and loved ones. There is no power or strength except with God.”
Kuwait writer Hamad Bader also expressed his sorrow on X, saying: “No matter what I say about him, I will fall short of capturing his beautiful soul, his smile, and his humor despite the pain he suffered. Words will not do justice to Mishaal Al-Qamlas. May God have mercy on him.
