DUBAI: Comedy icon Shwikar has died Friday in Cairo, the Egyptian actors’ union said. She was 85. Born in Alexandria in 1935, the veteran actress was discovered by late Egyptian director Fateen Abdul Wahab and went on to star in a number of unforgettable works both on screen and on stage. Shwikar was well-known for teaming up with her husband and legendary comedian Fouad El-Mohandess, forming one of the most famous acting duos in the Arab world. A number of Arab stars took to social media to honor the late veteran actress and comedian. Tunisian actress Hend Sabry wrote on Twitter: “May God have mercy on the great Shwikar, who has blessed the entire Arab world for more than sixty years with her diverse and different roles.” Also paying homage to the late veteran star was Tunisian actress Dorra Zarrouk, writing “All my life I’ve loved Shwikar very much. I am sad about your departure, my beautiful lady and I will not forget your sweet smile and sweet words to me when I met you.” Shwikar is the second legendary actress to pass away in the span of one month. In July, Egyptian actress Ragaa El-Gadawy died at the age of 81 due to complications while undergoing treatment for Covid-19.