Riad Sharara
Broadcaster, actor, and television presenterA media figure from Machghara who became widely known through radio, television, quiz shows, and Arabic dubbing.
Biography
Riad Sharara was born in Machghara in 1940. He began in radio before moving to television news and then specialising in entertainment and quiz programmes.
He became known for Zero or Twenty, first broadcast in 1962 and continued for many years. He also worked as a BBC correspondent and participated in dubbing foreign television programmes and series.
Arab audiences also remember his work on the dubbed Japanese programme Al-Hisn. Sharara had acting roles, including the 1975 series Natour al-Hara. He died on 24 September 1994 after a stroke.
Alongside Zero or Twenty, he created Think and Win. After working as a BBC Radio correspondent, he accepted Jean Khoury’s invitation to present political news on Télé Liban.
His work extended beyond presenting and dubbing to sports commentary, journalism, and writing, making him a versatile figure in the formative decades of Lebanese television.
Notable Contributions
Presented quiz shows that became part of Lebanese and Arab television memory.
Worked across radio, television, journalism, dubbing, and acting.
Created and presented Think and Win in addition to Zero or Twenty.
Worked in political news, sports commentary, journalism, writing, acting, and dubbing.