Rouiched

Ahmed Ayad, known professionally as Rouiched, was a prominent Algerian actor and comedian born on April 28, 1921, in Algiers. He hailed from a diverse background, with his father originating from Aït Djennad in Tizi Ouzou and his mother from Blida. Notably, he was the half-brother of the celebrated singer Hadj Mrizek.

Rouiched's early life was marked by hardship, as he undertook various small jobs to make ends meet. His passion for performance led him to self-educate in the arts, and he made his stage debut in a play by Abdelhamid Ababsa titled “Estardjâ Yâ Assi” (Come Back to You O Unconscious), where his compelling performance was pivotal in saving the production from failure.

He quickly established himself as a leader of an artistic troupe, collaborating with notable figures such as Rachid Ksentini, Mustapha Badie, and Nadjat Tounsi. His innovative approach to theater sometimes drew criticism from contemporaries like Mahieddine Bachetarzi.

Following Algeria's independence, Rouiched joined the Algerian National Theater troupe but gained further acclaim through his roles in television and cinema, particularly in the film "Hassen Terro" directed by Mohamed Lakhdar-Hamina. Rouiched became a legendary figure in Algerian comedy, leaving a lasting impact on the nation's cultural landscape through numerous television sketches and films until his passing on January 20, 1999.