Since childhood, Lebanese actor Maguy Bou Ghosn has been a force to behold. On the heels of her hit Ramadan series, she opens up about her career and what’s to come.
Dress, Rami Kadi; shoes, Andrea Wazen; earrings, Vanina. Photo: Lara Zankoul
Throughout her Vogue Arabia photoshoot, Maguy Bou Ghosn moves around the set with verve, working her best angles and charming the camera. Unbeknownst to the team, the Lebanese actor had undergone a health-related surgical procedure just two days prior. “I got the OK from my doctor [and] I powered through, telling myself that I’m strong,” she says, her voice strained, adding that she needed more time than anticipated to recover. This resilience comes naturally to her – a characteristic that has been key to her success, and one she has embodied since childhood.
Top, skirt, earrings, Vanina. Photo: Lara Zankoul
Born in the central Lebanese village of Mtein, the self-proclaimed tomboy was the only girl in an extended family of 25 men. “I had short hair and wore boys’ clothes. It wasn’t until university that I began to discover my femininity, wearing dresses and applying makeup,” she recalls with a laugh. Her love for the spotlight struck early: At the age of three, she was constantly acting, singing, dancing, and proclaiming her dream of being on television to whoever would listen. She was inspired by the likes of Egypt’s Soad Hosny and Lebanon’s Ferial Karim and Hind Abi Elamea and was captivated by the comedic genius of Adel Emam and Duraid Lahham, from Egypt and Syria respectively.
Growing up, the self-proclaimed tomboy was the only girl in an extended family of 25 men
Though reluctant at first, her family supported the aspiring star’s passion. At 10, she participated in a talent show called Wahet Al Awlad (Kids Oasis), where she won her first prize for singing. At 16, she reached the finals of the televised competition Layali Lobnan (Lebanon Nights). Offers to help develop her talents began pouring in. Despite her parents’ concerns, Bou Ghosn pursued directing and performing at university, where she officially caught the acting bug. “Eventually, they had to accept that entertainment was my true calling.”
From left: Bou Ghosn at the Joy Awards ceremony in Riyadh in January; at a Christmas TV show in Lebanon in 2021; at the El Gouna Film Festival in Egypt
After a chance meeting with renowned Syrian director Bassam Al Mulla, Bou Ghosn worked on the series Layl w Hakiy w Nojoum (Night, Talk, and Stars). Impressed by her professional skills, Al Mulla took her to Syria, where she spent a decade acting alongside the industry’s biggest names, including Mona Wassef and Bassam Kousa. It was then that the burgeoning talent met her husband, producer Jamal Sannan, and took a six-year hiatus to focus on raising their two children. Upon returning to Lebanon, she secured opportunities that reignited her career. “Every role I’ve played since has been a stepping stone towards success,” she says.
The 2024 Ramadan series A’a Amal
In cinema, the actor cherishes the work she did on her first feature film in 2013 titled Bébé and takes pride in her versatile television performances in Awlad Adam (Children of Adam) in 2020, and Lel Maout (‘Til Death) in 2021. “My character [in Lel Maout] was a complete surprise for audiences… It was the first time they had seen me in a tragic role after playing comedic roles for over seven years,” she shares. Audiences across the Arab world embraced her daring portrayal of the multi-faceted Sahar, propelling the series to resounding acclaim.
A poster from 2021’s Lel Maout
The 2024 Ramadan series A’a Amal (Hopefully) marked another milestone for the 48-year-old performer as she played the lead character Yasar: an intrepid journalist who grapples with societal pressures after fleeing an abusive husband. “This was one of the most intense and challenging roles I’ve taken on so far,” she explains. “Even after the end of filming, I couldn’t just switch off and get back to my normal life. It was a true story, so it took immense emotional energy to portray the tragic experiences of the women involved.” The show was a massive hit, priming Bou Ghosn for her next major gig on another thought-provoking drama set to air during Ramadan 2025. “It will address a social issue relevant to the entire Arab world and I think my character will be another surprise for the audience,” she posits. Bou Ghosn also points out that, thanks to the international recognition of A’a Amal and Lel Maout through streaming platforms such as Netflix and Shahid, the Lebanese entertainment industry more broadly is experiencing somewhat of a renaissance. “Despite the 15 years of civil war, Lebanese art is back on track,” she remarks. “Our works are now showcasing the immense talent of Lebanese actors, writers, directors, and producers to the world.”
Dress, gloves, Nicolas Jebran. Photo: Lara Zankoul
Beyond her acting career, the leading lady is a humanitarian, raising awareness about issues like child abuse and domestic violence. With over six million followers on Instagram alone, she recognizes the positive impact celebrities can have by taking a stand and encouraging others to do the same. “As public figures, we have a responsibility to draw attention to these issues and use our platforms to let those who are suffering know that we see and hear them.” On a personal level, Bou Ghosn has dealt with her own hardship in recent years. In 2019 she underwent critical surgery to remove a life-threatening brain tumor. Returning to work a year later to film Awlad Adam, the actor was unhindered by doctors’ concerns about her ability to memorize scripts, wear high heels, or even speak clearly. She stepped onto the set and did the job flawlessly, demonstrating, once again, that signature determination. “It was the most difficult thing I’ve ever been through,” Bou Ghosn says, her voice cracking under the weight of the memory. “I was terrified that I’d lose the use of my face, or that I’d be completely paralyzed, but thank God it all went well.” The recovery process, though, proved to be long and arduous. “I had to re-learn how to walk and even speak. I couldn’t remember the names of objects.” Her children were crucial to her healing, supporting their mother through each grueling stage and treating her with the same care and attention she had given them as babies. Because they showed a sense of responsibility beyond their years, a home nurse was no longer necessary.
Dress, Tony Ward. Photo: Lara Zankoul
Reflecting on the struggle, Bou Ghosn had this to say: “The most profound lesson I learned is that health is the most important thing in life, to cherish the simple moments, waking up surrounded by loved ones, enjoying a cup of coffee, and being productive at work. Our true wealth lies in the smiles of those we love, the blessing of time, and the friendships we share.” As she embarks on new projects in the face of her personal and professional challenges, she is an example of the boundless potential of the human spirit. “I’m still at the beginning of my journey and the best is yet to come.”
Top, pants, Karoline Lang; earrings, Vanina. Photo: Lara Zankoul
Dress, Georges Chakra. Photo: Lara Zankoul
Top, skirt, Bazaza; sunglasses, stylist’s own. Photo: Lara Zankoul
Originally published in the July/August 2024 issue of Vogue Arabia
Style: Yasmina Karam
Makeup: Patricia Righua
Hair: Wael Jawad
Set designer: Elie Massoud
Assistant photographer: Ragheed Alameh
Assistant stylist: Rina Saad
Assistant art direction: Sawsan Bazaal
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