Ghassan Massoud

Ghassan Massoud (غسّان مسعود; 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 Scotts 2005 film Kingdom of Heaven.Massoud also played the Sheikh in the Turkish film Kurtlar Vadisi: Irak (Valley of the Wolves: Iraq), Ammand the Corsair in Pirates of the Caribbean: At Worlds End and Ramesses IIs Grand Vizier, Paser in Ridley Scotts 2014 Bible epic, Exodus. 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 Hakkys well known work Memories of the Forthcoming Age, and on the Syrian stage was an actor in August Strindbergs Miss Julie. Most recently, he starred as the companion of Muhammad, Abu Bakr in MBCs series Omar.Massoud was born in a small village called Fejlit in Durakish, Tartus, Syria. He is married with a son and a daughter. Massoud teaches Drama at both the Damascus Music and Drama School and Higher Institute for Dramatic Arts.

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