Veteran Algerian actor Ahmed Benaissa no more

Noted Algerian actor Ahmed Benaissa passed away at the age of 78. The veteran actor and comedian starred in over 120 movies and made a lasting legacy with his role in the drama series, Wlad Lahlal, widely thought as one of the greatest drama series. 

Incidentally, he passed away just hours before the premiere of his next film, Sons of Ramses, a thriller, at the Cannes Film Festival.

Ahmed, known for his work in films like Gates of the Sun and Close Enemies, reportedly suffered from a long illness.

"I am deeply saddened at the sudden passing of Ahmed Benaissa," director Clement Cogitore said in a statement. "The film would not exist without him and words can't express our sorrow at premiering the film in Cannes today. The art scene has lost one of its prominent people. He (Benaissa) leaves behind a theatrical and cinematic artistic legacy."

Friday's Critics' Week screening of the film at the Cannes Film Festival will be dedicated to him.

Sourieh Molougi, Algeria's Minister of Culture and the Arts, said, "The art scene has lost one of its prominent people. He (Benaissa) leaves behind a theatrical and cinematic artistic legacy."

Ahmed is said to have been survived by his wife and two sons.