- 12:30
Lebanon bids farewell to one of its greatest artists from the golden age of its cultural scene. Antoine Kerbaj has passed away at the age of 90 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s disease. A revered figure in theater, film and television, he leaves behind an indelible mark on Lebanese art — his deep, commanding voice, an unparalleled stage presence and a career filled with masterpieces.
Antoine Kerbaj’s passing at 90 evokes a profound sense of loss in the hearts of the Lebanese. A life dedicated to the stage and screen, his departure brings a wave of nostalgia for a bygone era — when families gathered around black-and-white television sets, captivated by his words and gestures. Generations grew up to the rhythm of the actor’s performances, as he devoted himself to his craft with passion and generosity.
Born in the village of Zabbougha on the slopes of Mount Sannine, Antoine Kerbaj was raised with his four brothers and sister. His academic path led him to study history and geography at Saint Joseph University in Beirut, yet the call of the stage had already taken hold of him at an early age. By nine, he was writing and performing small theatrical sketches.
His acting career officially began in the late 1950s when he first stepped onto a university stage. However, it was in Morocco that he took his first professional steps, starring in Atlal wa Layl. Upon returning to Lebanon, he joined Mounir Abou Debs’ troupe in 1962 and became one of the first students of the modern theater, established under the patronage of the Baalbeck Festivals. From then on, he forged a unique theatrical identity, portraying deeply emotional characters. His powerful stage presence and remarkable voice quickly set him apart.
His journey led him to collaborate with the Rahbani Brothers in 1968, playing iconic roles in Jibal al-Sawan, Petra and al-Mahatta. He easily moved between tragic and comedic registers, his raw yet refined acting style mesmerizing both theater audiences and television viewers alike.
It wasn’t long before cinema took an interest in him. In 1965, he appeared in Gharou, followed by Safar Barlek in 1967. However, it was television that solidified his fame, particularly through his unforgettable portrayal of Jean Valjean in Les Misérables in 1974. His masterful performance made him one of the most recognizable faces in Lebanese television. He went on to star in legendary productions such as Diyaala and Bourj al-Murr.
Antoine Kerbaj embodied his roles completely. His charisma, distinctive voice and ability to fully immerse himself in his characters gave his performances an unmatched depth. He wasn’t merely acting; he was fully present, breathing life into each character. In Exit the King by Eugène Ionesco, he portrayed a monarch resisting death with heartbreaking intensity — at only 24 years old. This role became a defining moment in his career, showcasing his extraordinary talent for absolute transformation.
Antoine Kerbaj continually reinvented himself and contributed to reshaping Lebanese theater. His collaborations with figures like Michel Naba’a and Issam Mahfouz gave rise to socially engaged works tackling themes of power, corruption, and human existence. In The Dictator, he captivated audiences with a minimalist yet striking dialogue that captured the essence of a chaotic era.
Through the decades, he participated in countless theatrical and television ventures, working with distinguished directors such as Romeo Lahoud and Yaacoub Chedrawi. His roles in The Emigrant and Amrak Sayidna left a lasting impression, as did his film appearances, including Nisaa fi Khatar in 1982.
In 1966, he married Laure Ghorayeb, a poet and journalist, with whom he had three children: Walid, Rola and Mazen. Their union was one of two free-spirited minds, deeply in love with art in all its forms.
It is difficult to capture the full scope of Antoine Kerbaj’s impact on Lebanese theater and cinema. One thing is certain: he was a man of his time, a witness to the artistic transformations and political upheavals of Lebanon. He experienced the golden age of Lebanese theater and played a major role in its rise. He was one of the visionaries who turned Lebanese stages into vibrant, contemporary spaces.
The screens have gone dark. The curtain has fallen. Antoine Kerbaj lived fully, and even more so through each of his characters. He leaves them behind as a piece of Lebanese theater or a scent of a movie, like an old black-and-white film rewound again and again, an echo of a powerful voice that will forever resonate in the archives of Lebanon’s golden age.
Comments