Wael Sharaf (Arabic: وائل شرف; born 15 July 1977) is a Syrian actor and film director. He is known for playing Moataz in the historical drama Bab al-Hara seasons 1-7, which is shown during Ramadan.[1]
Early life
Wael Sharaf's real name is Wael Subhi Al-Rifai. He is the son of Syrian actor Subhi Al-Rifai.[2] Wael is popular among a large segment of the Syrian population. He graduated from the Higher Institute of Dramatic Arts in Damascus in 2001 and participated in TV shows on Arab Syrian TV. He debuted in Al-Mutanabbi in 2001.[1] He studied medicine in Ukraine, but it did not suit him. He then switched to acting. Sharaf, also called "the Arabic Johnny Depp", gained a large audience after his performance of Moataz in Bab al-Hara, which appeared across the Arab world.[3]
Bab Al-Hara
Bab Al-Hara premiered in 2006 and is one of the most popular television series in the Arab world. Sharaf appeared throughout the series, and his role in season 4 expanded. Wael Sharaf played Moataz, the son of pharmacist Abu Issam.[4] He left the series after season 7.[5]
In an interview with CNN Arabic, director Bassam Al-Mulla stated that Sharaf was studying in London and that he demanded a higher wage. Bassem also stated that Wael ignored the favors the series bestowed on him.[6] The next week Wael responded, stressing that without him the character would not have achieved the success it experienced.[7]
Death rumor
in 2012 rumors that Wael Sharaf had fled towards Turkey and was killed in an air raid. Sharaf laid the rumors to rest by making a public statement that he was alive and still in Syria.[8]
