Cynthya Karam

Cynthya Karam (; born 11 July 1980) is a Lebanese actress, singer, and television presenter known for her work in theater, television, and music. A graduate in theater from the Lebanese University, she first gained recognition as a contestant on the inaugural season of the pan-Arab talent show ''Star Academy'' in 2003. Her career spans stage productions such as Georges Khabbaz's productions and television roles including Adla in ''Bil-Damm'' (2025), which earned critical acclaim. Beyond acting, Karam is involved in humanitarian initiatives, including volunteer work in children's hospitals.

Early life and education

Karam was born in Beit ed-Dine on 11 July 1980. Her father Kamal Wadih Karam, was a Lebanese Army general. Karam's talent began to develop at a young age, encouraged by her mother who fostered a creative and playful environment. Her mother would dance, play the piano, and watch musicals with her. Young Karam also organized home performances with neighbors, which solidified her passion for the theater. Her early years were marked by the challenges of growing up during the Lebanese Civil War, and by her parents' divorce, which she described as having significantly shaped her personal growth and resilience. Initially enrolled at the Lebanese Academy of Fine Arts to study advertising, Karam's father suggested she transfers to the Lebanese University's Faculty of Arts to pursue her passion for theater. Her mother, who thought of theater as a hobby, did not support her decision. She eventually relented after witnessing her first stage performance.

Career

Karam's career spans across television, theater, and music. She gained initial recognition as a contestant on the first season of Star Academy in 2003, a popular pan-Arab televised talent show, and the second reality television show in Arab TV history. In a 2025 interview with Lebanese journalist Nadya Tueini, Karam stated that she was unfamiliar with the specifics of the show prior to her participation. She joined Star Academy after being recommended by the Lebanese composer Ousama Rahbani. While studying at the Lebanese University, Rahbani was casting for a production of ''Romeo and Juliet'' and sought actors who could sing and dance. Upon learning of Karam's talents, he encouraged her to audition for the reality show, though she initially resisted due to her unfamiliarity with Arabic music.

In theater, Karam has played in various productions; notably, she performed in "Hadara" and "Nashid" directed by Gabriel Yammine, "Zilal" directed by Jihad El Andari, "Maamoul" and "Ghammed Ayn, Fatteh Ayn" in 2024 written and directed by Karim Shebli and Sara Abdo, and participated in the Jordanian Theater Festival with "Ayam Raba`iyat Al Khayyam" directed by Jabbar Hassan. She also starred in the comedy "Matloub" by Georges Khabbaz. In 2023 she played the role Nancy Nar, the Arabic counterpart of Roxie Hart in the Arabic rendition of Chicago. Karam's television credits include roles in series such as Syrian drama "Sana'udu baada Qalil" (2013), "Saqf al-Alam" (2007), and "Amnesia" (2021). She also appeared in the film "Bil Kanun" (2014), and Damascus Under Fire" (2018). Karam met writer Nadine Jaber in theater performance who cast her in the series ''Bil-Damm'' (In the Blood) in the role of Adla. Karam's portrayal of Adla received widespread acclaim from both critics and audiences, especially during Adla's tragic death, which was highlighted for its depth and authenticity. Viewers expressed strong emotional reactions, with many noting the unexpected nature of the character's fate. Karam's engagement with fans, and her social and humanitarian involvement contributed to her reputation as a socially conscious artist.

In addition to acting, Karam has pursued a career in music. She has performed at various festivals and events alongside fellow "Star Academy" alumni.

Personal life

Karam, then a volunteer with the Lebanese Red Cross, responded to the 12 December 2005 Mkalles bombing, an assassination attack targeting Gibran Tueni, a prominent Lebanese journalist, politician, and outspoken critic of Syria's military and political occupation of Lebanon. Initially, she mistook the blast for a factory explosion. Arriving at the scene after the detonation, she helped recover and carry Tueni's body. In 2016, Karam ran as a candidate for the municipal council of Beit ed-Dine, though she was not elected. Beyond her artistic career, Karam is involved in humanitarian work, volunteering as a clown doctor in hospitals, and caring for cancer and end-of-life patients, including in children's hospitals.

Acting credits

Film

Television

Theater

References

Citations

Sources

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{{DEFAULTSORT:Karam, Cynthya
1980 births
Living people
20th-century Lebanese actresses
20th-century Lebanese women singers
21st-century Lebanese actresses
21st-century Lebanese women singers
Lebanese female dancers
Lebanese film actresses
Lebanese health activists
Lebanese theatre people
Lebanese University alumni
People from Chouf District