JEDDAH: The world of show business has been paying tribute to veteran Saudi actor Mohammed Hamza who died on Wednesday, aged 87. Known as the father of Saudi drama, the producer and writer entertained generations of fans with his unforgettable stories and performances. Hamza worked on numerous shows including “Asabi’ Al-Zaman” (the fingers of time) in 1982, “Lailat Huroob” (runaway night) in 1989, “Qasr Fawq Al-Remal” (castle above the sands) in 1992, and “Dumoo’ Al-Rijal” (tears of men) in 2000, while starring in Jeddawi drama series “Ahl Al-Balad” (locals) in 2013. In an earlier interview with Saudi newspaper Okaz, his son Loai said: “My father began his career in the arts before colored screens, but his beginning that many people do not know is that he was a football player, and he played as a striker in the Al-Wehda and Al-Ahli football clubs.” Hamza later joined the field of arts through radio and participated in religious works. “In the 1980s, he began writing in and producing drama from his own pocket, and he achieved a very big success because his goal was to give art for the sake of art. There is no trade in art.” He added that Hamza aimed through his works to give benefit to the country, society, and religion. “For this reason, he achieved great results that he was proud of, especially since the masses remember them even after such a long time has passed.” Figures from the world of entertainment and the arts took to social media to pay tribute to Hamza. Saudi actor Fayez Al-Malki said: “This is the fate of everything alive and everything’s end. I ask Allah to bestow mercy on your soul and grant your family patience.” Researcher and critic of Saudi art, Mohammed Salama, said: “The great artist Mohammed Hamza passed away, the pioneer in the Saudi drama movement. The late icon is known for his active and pioneering role in the Saudi art scene as an actor, author, and producer.” Saudi radio host, Yasser Al-Shamrani, offered condolences to Hamza’s family and said: “To Allah we belong and to him we shall return.”