Early Life and Career
Farida Saboundji (10 August 1930 – 17 September 2022) was an Algerian actress known for her work in theatre, cinema, and television. She was born in the Douairat district of Blida. She became widely recognized for portraying wealthy, proud, and sometimes harsh characters. Her strong screen presence made her an iconic figure in Algerian arts.
She entered theatre at around 13, performing alongside major artists such as Mahieddine Bachtarzi, Rouiched, and Mohamed Touri. In 1947, with Bachtarzi’s support, she began her artistic journey with National Radio. During the 1950s, she appeared in several classical productions at the National Theatre, then called the Opera. Her roles included Othello, Autifon, Tartuffe, Mask of Hell, and Don Juan. She worked with prominent actors like Mustapha Kateb, Mohamed Touri, Nouria, and Kalthoum.
Television Work
In 1989, she appeared in the television series Al-Massir under director Djamel Fazaz. Her performance required intensity and arrogance, and viewers praised her portrayal. Later, in 1999, she starred in the series Kayd al-Zaman, reinforcing her reputation for playing authoritative characters. These roles did not reflect her real personality but highlighted her acting skill.
Her final work was in the series Dar El Bahja in 2013.