Syrian actor Naji Jaber

Syrian actor Naji Jaber, best known as Abu Antar, died Monday after a long battle with cancer, according to Syria’s official SANA news agency. He was 64.
Jaber performed as Abu Antar alongside Duraid Lahham’s famous Ghawwar character in countless films, plays and television series beginning in the 1960s.

The Abu Antar character served as a tough-guy counterpart to Ghawwar’s weaselly buffoonery.

With his trademark handlebar mustache, baritone voice, exaggerated Damascus accent, kuffiyeh always folded over his shoulders and dagger on his waist, Abu Antar is a symbol of strength and humor throughout the Arab World.

The films and television series on video and YouTube have also served as familiar connections to homeland for generations of Arab expatriates around the world.

Family members told SANA that Jaber is to be buried Tuesday at 12:30 p.m. in Damascus.

Jaber’s family includes many well known actors and performers.

His brother, comedian Mahmoud Jaber, died of cancer last July at age 73.