By: Yaqin Laswad

Tripoli— He brought laughter to Libyan households and in neighboring Arab countries, the esteemed Libyan actor and comedian Khaled Kafou passed away on Wednesday 2 September after suffering a heart attack that led to his admission to the intensive care unit. His death caused widespread grief in Libyan artistic circles and to the Libyan community as a whole. Numerous artists and his fellow colleagues in his field have offered their condolences via Facebook and other social media platforms.

Kafou, 61 years, was a prominent figure in Libyan art, particularly in theater, television drama, and comedy. He was associated with several popular works, including the series “Hiya Haki” (That’s how it is), “A’rad Insihab” (withdrawal symptoms) and “Al-Qarar” (the Decision).

Throughout his career, Mr. Kafou participated in numerous artistic and cinematic works, including the films “Al-Mutasawil” (the Beggar), “Al-Souq,” (the Market) and “Layla Fi Al-Qamar” (A Night on the Moon), in addition to various television and theatrical productions. He also presented the program “Khalouna Nahlamou” (Let Us Dream) for Al-Wasat TV (WTV) which ran for four seasons.

Mr. Kafu had formed a prominent artistic duo with the artist Abdulbasit Abugunda, particularly in comedies and various shows such as the series “Galouha” (They Said It), which contributed to cementing his presence with the Libyan public. The Libyan Ministry of Culture had previously noted the artists’ collaboration on theatrical and variety productions, including “Ala Al-Tayer” (On a Whim).

Mr. Kafu also joined the cast of the series “Al Qarar” (The Decision) as one of his last works, a Libyan action and drama series set in Benghazi depicting the war between the Libyan National Army and extremist groups in the city. The series premiered on Benghazi TV during Ramadan, on February 18, 2026. It featured a cast of Libyan actors as well as Arab actors from Egypt, Morocco, and Saudi Arabia.

Kafou’s career was not limited to acting. He also held administrative positions in the cultural field, serving as Director of the Department of Cultural and Artistic Production at the Ministry of Culture and Knowledge Development. He represented Libya at cultural and artistic events abroad. In May 2025, he headed the Libyan delegation participating in the seventh edition of the Carthage International Monodrama Festival in Tunisia.

Kafou’s passing came after an artistic career spanning decades, leaving a remarkable presence in the Libyan art scene. Leaving many generations of Libyans to mourn the loss of his face on Libyan screens, Condolences poured in from his fellow artists and close friends

The Deputy Ministry of Culture for Theater and Arts Affairs and Head of the General Authority for Cinema, Theater, and Arts, Abdulbasit Abugunda, mourned the passing of artist Khaled Kafu. In an official statement: “The artistic and theatrical community mourns the loss of one of its most prominent figures, who passed away after a career full of contributions and creativity, during which he enriched the artistic and theatrical scene with enduring works that will forever stand as a testament to his talent and dedication to art”.

It is worth noting that artist Abdulbasit Abugunda and the late Kafu formed a comedic duo, presenting distinguished works that were admired and followed by a wide segment of the Libyan public, especially those that were broadcasted during the Holy month of Ramadan, most notably the series “Galouha” (They Said It).

Kafou center with Abugounda and a director