Ghassan Massoud (Arabic: ????? ??????; born September 20, 1958) is a Syrian actor and filmmaker. He is known in the West for playing the role of Muslim ruler Saladin in Ridley Scott's 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven.Massoud also played the "Sheikh" in the Turkish film "Kurtlar Vadisi: Irak" (Valley of the Wolves: Iraq), and Ammand the Corsair in Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End. Massoud turned down a role in the 2005 film Syriana, claiming he feared the movie would be anti-Arab. Massoud also cited concerns regarding the political situation in his country and the wider region in declining the role. He later said he regretted his decision after seeing the completed film. Massoud is known in Syria for his appearance in many Syrian-made films, and writing and directing the theatre play Diplomasiyyoun, and was part of the Syrian Ministry of Culture’s National Theater’s 2002 season. He has appeared in the Syrian television miniseries The Chant of Rain, and in Haytham Hakky's well known work Memories of the Forthcoming Age, and on the Syrian stage was an actor in August Strindberg's Miss Julie. Most recently, he starred as the companion of the Prophet Muhammad, Abu Bakr in MBC's Omar Series.Massoud was born in Damascus. Married with both a son and daughter, Massoud teaches Drama at both the Damascus Music and Drama School and Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts.
Everything in Saladin's own life is also my philosophy. My culture is that of Saladin. My religion is the same religion and I speak the same language, have the same geography and the same history. It is in my nature to understand Saladin more than anyone in the West. He has been a role-model for us since our youth. From the philosophy of the people, Saladin was an example for the Muslim hero who returned to Arabs and Muslims their pride and their dignity.
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Fact
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Turned down a role in Syriana (2005) because he felt the film would be anti Islamic. Subsequently said he regretted that he admired the film and regretted not accepting the role.
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In Gaziantep (Turkey) filming for Kurtlar Vadisi-Irak (2005). [October 2005]
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He studied in Finland and Germany before returning to his hometown of Damascus, where he lives now.
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He and his wife have two children: a boy, 13, and a girl, 10 (2005). Both of them are dancers.
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Shuns most big-budget productions before he cares more about the quality of the film and acting.
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Is a drama professor at the Damascus Music and Drama School.
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Co-Founder of the Arab-African Center for Theatrical Research based in Tunisia
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Graduated from the High Institution of Theatrical Arts in Syria. He has been a Professor of Theatrical Arts in this institution for ten years.
Actor
Title
Year
Status
Character
Baron
2016
Exodus: Gods and Kings
2014
Ramses' Grand Vizier
Farouk Omar
2012
TV Series
Abu Bakr / Abu baker
Kelebek
2009
Mevlevi Dede
The Promise
2008/II
Sahrawi
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End
2007
Captain Ammand
Dhilal al sammt
2006
Kurtlar Vadisi: Irak
2006
Abdurrahman Halis Karuki (sheikh)
Akher Ayyam Al Yamamah
2005
TV Series
Al Asoud Ibn Affar
Kingdom of Heaven
2005
Saladin
Akhir Ayyam Al-Yamama
2005
TV Series
Al-Zahir Bibars
2005
TV Series
Al Hajjaj
2003
TV Series
Abullah Ibn Alzoubir
Lail Almosaferin
2000
TV Series
Almoutabaki
1995
Shamon
Self
Title
Year
Status
Character
Christianity: A History
2009
TV Series documentary
Himself
Ameer al shuaraa
2007
TV Series
Himself - Judge
Colors of the Crusade
2006
Video documentary short
Himself
Creative Accuracy: The Scholars Speak
2006
Video documentary short
Himself
The Path to Redemption
2006
Video documentary
Himself
Kingdom of Hope: The Making of 'Kingdom of Heaven'
2005
TV Movie documentary
Himself
'Kingdom of Heaven': Interactive Production Grid
2005
Video documentary
Himself
Known for movies
Pirates of the Caribbean: At World's End (2007) as Captain Ammand
Kingdom of Heaven (2005) as Saladin
Exodus: Gods and Kings (2014) as Ramses' Grand Vizier
Kurtlar Vadisi: Irak (2006) as Abdurrahman Halis Karuki (sheikh)
$15 Million
