Jordanian artists, fans continue to pay tribute to actor Yasser Masri

AMMAN — Fans and colleagues continued to pay tribute on Saturday to Jordanian actor Yasser Masri, who was killed Thursday evening in a car accident in Zarqa governorate at the age of 47.

The Jordanian digital and social media were full of posts offering condolences to the family of the deceased and highlighting his lead roles in top drama series aired across the Arab world.

Fans and officials from across the Kingdom attended his funeral in Zarqa governorate on Friday.

Masri was killed during a visit to his brother’s home in Zarqa, while trying to help start the van of a neighbour of his brother in a downhill area.  Friends said that he lost control of the van due to malfunctioning brakes.

Posts by artists, fans and officials were full of tribute for Masri’s contributions to Jordanian and Arab  drama. Masri is best known for his role as the lead actor in the drama series “Nemer Ben Edwan” produced and broadcast by the pan-Arab television station MBC. Masri’s success in this popular series led him to star in other pan-Arab works, including his role as President Gamal Abdel Nasser in “Al Gamaa” series.

Minister of Culture Basmah Nsour, representatives from the Jordan Radio and Television Corporation (JRTV) and artists attended the funeral, according to Petra news agency.

In a statement, Nsour said that the local art scene "has suffered a great loss" with the passing of Masri, whose contributions to the Jordanian drama will endure.

Secretary General of the Ministry Hazzaa Barari also attended the funeral where he offered condolences to the late artist’s family.

Chairman of the Drama and Theatre Committee of the Jordanian Writers Association Majdi Tal took part in the service as well. Tal emphasised that “the works of Yaser Masri reflect the true values and image of the committed Jordanian artist, whose moral compass never failed and whose success was as much due to his virtue as it was due to his talent".

Meanwhile, President of the Jordanian Artists Association Hussein Khatib said Jordan has lost "one of its biggest artistic pillars".

Born in 1970, Masri was a member of the Artists Association. He graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree in music and has countless contributions to the arts scene in Jordan.

He received numerous awards in Jordan and abroad.

Regionally, Masri was celebrated as one of Jordan’s most beloved and accomplished stars in Arab television.

Masri is survived by his wife, Al Rai journalist Nisreen Al Kurd, and three children.