Every actor has a pivotal moment when they realise that this is what they were meant to do. For many, it’s a flash of inspiration that sets them on their path. However, Hamza Diab’s path to acting wasn’t paved with the usual “Aha!” moment—it was more of a serendipitous journey. From chasing football dreams to a life-altering injury and a pandemic that left him with free time, Diab found his true calling in the world of acting only at the age of 17. Known for his breakout role in Kamel El Adad (Full House), Diab’s raw talent and natural charm are impossible to ignore. In an exclusive interview with Enigma’s Reham Adel, Diab talks about his unexpected fame, the powerful story behind Kamel El Adad, and his ambitions for the future.
Hamza Diab’s journey into acting was not defined with a certain moment. “Honestly, it wasn’t one moment,” he reflects thoughtfully. “It was more like a flow, something that happened gradually. I never had a singular moment where I said, ‘This is it.’ It just came naturally.”
Diab’s story began on the football pitch. Like many young men, his passion was football. But an injury forced him to pause his dreams of a career in sports, and the arrival of the pandemic only intensified the change. “When I got injured and then stayed home during COVID, I had to find something else to do,” he explains. “I tried guitar, archery – anything to fill the time, but there was still something missing, especially after stopping football. I used to act in school plays when I was younger, but it never crossed my mind that this would become my future.”
It wasn’t until the pandemic that Diab’s love for movies blossomed. “During that time, I started watching films, and that sparked something inside me. I thought, ‘I want to be an actor.’ So, I decided to try, and I enrolled in acting workshop. I started doing auditions, and everything just clicked. There was a moment where I realised that this could be my calling. I’m really grateful for the success that came my way.”
Despite his growing success, Diab admits he didn’t have a specific actor or director who shaped his early love for cinema. “I was more into football when I was younger,” he laughs. “I didn’t have a particular idol in the movie industry. But now, I admire certain people. For instance, I really like director Marwan Hamed, and I’ve always been a fan of Ahmed Helmy, especially in his tragedy roles, not just the comedic ones. I find that side of him very inspiring.”
One of Diab’s breakout roles was in the popular Egyptian series Kamel El Adad. The show, which has resonated with the audience, explores a range of societal issues, particularly those faced by young people. “It’s a series that a lot of people will relate to, both young and old,” he says. “The problems we tackle in Kamel El Adad are relevant to everyone. As for my character, he is passionate about football – which I can relate to, because I had the same dream. It’s like I got to live out something I couldn’t achieve through that character.”
As for what sets Kamel El Adad apart from other Ramadan series, Diab is quick to point to the authenticity of the production. “It’s the family spirit,” he says with a smile. “There’s this feeling of togetherness, of being a real family. Everyone takes care of each other, and that’s something the audience can feel. I think that’s what makes it stand out.”
Thinking of what is next for Diab, he is open to all possibilities. “I’m still figuring things out,” he admits. “I never thought about specialising in one particular type of roles. I see myself as an explorer – an actor who’s open to trying anything. Whether it’s a comedy, drama, or something completely different, I want to explore all kinds of roles. Acting is my passion, and I want to do as much as I can.”
His role in Kamel El Adad has taught him valuable life lessons. “I’ve learned to be grateful for every opportunity,” he says thoughtfully. “This is my first big role, and I realise how huge it is. I’ve learned to stay humble and appreciate what God has given me. It’s not just about the acting; it’s about being thankful for the chance to be part of something meaningful.”
Looking ahead, Diab remains open to international opportunities. “I’m not focused on one market,” he says. “As an actor, I’m here to do what I love, whether it’s in Egypt or elsewhere. It doesn’t matter what language the film is in – I just want to act. Acting is the thing that excites me.”
When asked about potential collaborators, Diab has a few names on his wish list. “I would love to work again with Mr. Khaled Al-Halafawi,” he says warmly. “He’s the first person who believed in me, and I’ll always be grateful for that. I’d also love to work with Marwan Hamed and Amr Salama again. These are people I admire deeply.”
As for preparation for roles, Diab says it’s more about living life and letting experiences inspire his performances. “You learn as you live. I don’t tend to be inspired from one specific source. But when I was working on season three of Kamel El Adad, I was watching El Alamy (The International), and I noticed some similarities between the two characters. It wasn’t intentional, but it helped me connect more deeply with my role.”
Working alongside such an established icon as Dina Elsherbiny was a significant experience for Diab. “Dina has a way of making everyone feel relaxed,” he says. “That’s really important to me, as it helps me be authentic in my performance. When you’re comfortable with someone, you can truly be yourself.”
Finally, Diab reveals that there’s more to him than meets the eye. “I guess football is an obvious one, but I also enjoy drawing. People might not know that about me. But I’m sure more surprises will come out as time goes by. I’m just starting, and there’s so much more to explore.”
Diab’s journey is only just beginning, and with his passion and humility, it’s clear he’s a talent to keep one’s eye on. Whether in Egypt or beyond, one thing is for sure – he’s ready to prove himself anywhere.
Photography by Mohamed Omar