Thousands of mourners attended legendary Kuwaiti actor, Abdulhussain Abdulredha's funeral amidst scorching heat and humidity, to say a final goodbye to the much loved entertainer.

At around dusk, National Assembly Speaker Marzoud Ali Al-Ghanim led the huge crowd of mourning citizens and expats, who had gathered for the funeral of a man who had made them laugh for many years.

Government officials present at the funeral paid rich tributes to Abdulredha, calling him an example to follow in terms of his devotion to work and national unity.

The much loved Kuwaiti actor, playwright and comedian died at the age of 78 after a career spanning decades that made him a household name across the Gulf.

State news agency Kuna said Abdulredha, who had heart surgery in 2015, died of natural causes on Friday (August 11) in London where he had been in an intensive care unit for two days.

"He represented all segments of Kuwaiti society, inspiring many Kuwaiti actors to follow in his footsteps," said the Minister of Commerce.

Sheikh Mohammed Abdullah Al-Mubarak, Minister of State for Cabinet Affairs and Acting Minister of Information, received the actor's body upon arrival by air in Kuwait.

"Although he is dead, his work and ideas will live on," said the minister.

Bashar, Abdulredha's son, expressed his deep gratitude to the Amir of Kuwait for transporting the coffin back home in an Amiri aircraft.