HispanicBusiness

Khaled Taja, one of Syria's most famous actors and whose work had him nominated as one of the best 50 actors worldwide, died at the age of 73 late Wednesday after a long struggle with lung cancer.

Taja, better known as the Arabs' Anthony Quinn, was hospitalized in the capital Damascus two weeks ago after suffering a severe lack of oxygen.

"Taja suffered severe pneumonia since two weeks ago, so we took him immediately to al-Shami Hospital in Damascus where he died there," family of the deceased said.

Born in Damascus in 1939, Taja made his debut in 1957 with the Free Theater troupe. He acted his first picture "the Truck Driver" in 1966, then played in several films.

Taja had powerful scores of TV drama, among them al-Taghriba al-Filastinea, Brothers of Soil, Damascene Days, al-Zeir Salem, Four Seasons, Spot Light, Time of Shame and Days of General director.

In 2004, the Time magazine chose him as one of the best 50 actors worldwide.

Taja will be laid to rest on Thursday afternoon in a family cemetery in Damascus.