Tunis – Prominent Tunisian actor and comedian Noureddine Ben Ayed passed away today, Sunday, November 23, 2025, at the age of 73. His death comes after a long and influential career that cemented his name as a pillar of popular comedy in Tunisia and the Arab world.
The Tunisian Ministry of Cultural Affairs officially announced the news, mourning the deceased and describing him as “one of the most prominent figures in television and theater.” It stated that he contributed to shaping Tunisian dramatic heritage.
“The popular comedian” who embodied reality
Noureddine Ben Ayed was born in Tunisia. He began his artistic career in the 1970s and became famous for his unique ability to embody popular characters. He became the quintessential “popular comedian,” as his works blended intelligent laughter and social criticism to humorously reflect everyday Tunisian reality.
Ben Ayed is considered one of the artists who left a strong mark through the dozens of roles he performed in theater and television. He focused primarily on social comedy.
Living legacy and artistic challenges
This loss comes at a time when the Tunisian art scene is facing numerous challenges. While initial announcements lacked precise details about the cause of death, Ben Ayed’s career was marked by struggles. In previous interviews, he expressed feeling “excluded” from some television projects in recent years. This highlights the challenges faced by artists in the Tunisian art scene.
Ben Ayed’s legacy is expected to live on through his artistic works that have delighted and inspired generations of Tunisian and Arab audiences.
