Ahmed Helmy, Egyptian actor, is born

Ahmed Helmy was born on 18 November 1969 in Banha, Egypt. His career as an actor began when Sherif Arafa noticed Helmy in a children’s programme and was impressed by his comic skills. Arafa cast Helmy for the leading role in the comedy film Aboud ala el hedoud in 1999. The role would make Helmy a household name and he was widely recognized as a brilliant comedian. Helmy is married to fellow actress Mona Zaki and they have a daughter. It is reported that he has replaced his wedding ring and now wears one adorned with the colours of the Egyptian flag. It has become a trend in Egypt following the 2011 Egyptian revolution for people to adorn anything from car stickers and clothes with the red, black and white colours. Helmy is also ambassador for the United Nations programme “Food for Education”.