RIYADH — Saudi Arabia has lost one of its most distinguished drama pioneers with the passing of Mohammed Al-Towayan at the age of 79 on Friday. Born in Buraidah, Al-Towayan spent nearly half a century shaping Saudi television, leaving an unforgettable legacy through his memorable roles in "Awdat Asweed," "Ayal Qariah," and "Ghashmshm," where he portrayed the beloved characters of Asweed, Abu Dari, and Abu Jihad. His impact extended beyond television, as his final cinematic work, "Mandoub Al-Layl" (The Night Agent), became a major box-office success in Saudi Arabia and was screened in multiple international cities. Despite his long-standing presence in television, his foray into cinema was a significant milestone, underscoring his ability to adapt to new artistic mediums. Throughout his career, Al-Towayan was a strong advocate for young Saudi talent, expressing his admiration for the new wave of Saudi filmmakers and actors, who he believed possessed a clear vision and commitment to refining their craft. His career began with small-scale productions such as "Al-Saad Waad" (1982), in which he played the character Haziz, earning widespread recognition. He went on to star in some of the region's most successful series, including "Tash Ma Tash," "Abu Al-Malayeen," "Ghashmshm," "Ayal Qariah," and "Loabat Al-Kibar." Additionally, he contributed to scriptwriting, and co-writing popular shows like "Loabat Al-Shaytan" and "Tash Ma Tash." One of his most celebrated achievements was writing the iconic 1985 comedy series "Awdat Asweed," which featured a large ensemble cast of Saudi and Arab stars. Speaking about the show in an interview with Abdullah Al-Mudaifer on the Al-Liwan program, Al-Towayan expressed pride in its impact, saying, "The joy of 'Awdat Asweed' was that it brought everyone together — there wasn't a single actor who didn't take part in it!" In recognition of his contributions, the Saudi Ministry of Culture honored Al-Towayan in 2024 with the Theater and Performing Arts Award at the fourth edition of the National Cultural Awards Initiative. Additionally, he was among the esteemed figures celebrated at the Joy Awards 2025 for his lifetime achievements in Gulf entertainment, though he was unable to attend the ceremony due to illness.
