Omar Sharif

Omar Sharif
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Name	Omar Sharif
Birth date	April 10, 1932
Birth place	Alexandria, Egypt
Death date	July 10, 2015
Death place	Cairo, Egypt
Occupation	Actor

Omar Sharif was a renowned Egyptian actor, best known for his iconic roles in Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Sharif rose to fame in the 1960s, working with prominent directors such as David Lean and Fred Zinnemann. His performances earned him numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award and a César Award. Sharif's film career spanned over five decades, during which he worked with notable actors like Peter O'Toole, Alec Guinness, and Julie Christie.

● Early Life and Education

Omar Sharif was born Michel Dimitri Chalhoub to a Greek Orthodox family in Alexandria, Egypt. He studied at Victoria College, Alexandria, and later at Cairo University, where he earned a degree in mathematics and physics. Sharif's early life was influenced by his family's Syrian and Greek heritage, and he was raised in a multicultural environment, speaking Arabic, French, Greek, and English. He began his acting career in the 1950s, performing in Egyptian films and working with directors like Youssef Chahine and Ezz El-Dine Zulficar.

● Career

Sharif's breakthrough role came in 1962, when he played the title character in Lawrence of Arabia, directed by David Lean and starring Peter O'Toole and Alec Guinness. The film's success led to Sharif's international recognition, and he went on to star in films like Behold a Pale Horse with Gregory Peck and Anthony Quinn. Sharif's portrayal of Doctor Zhivago in the 1965 film adaptation of Boris Pasternak's novel, directed by David Lean and co-starring Julie Christie and Geraldine Chaplin, cemented his status as a leading actor. He worked with other notable directors, including Fred Zinnemann and Anatole Litvak, and appeared in films like Mackenna's Gold with Gregory Peck and Telly Savalas.

● Personal Life

Sharif was married to Faten Hamama, a renowned Egyptian actress, from 1955 until their divorce in 1974. The couple had one son, Tarek Sharif, who is also an actor. Sharif was known for his love of bridge and was a regular participant in international tournaments, including the World Bridge Championship. He was also a skilled horse rider and enjoyed playing poker with friends like Yul Brynner and Orson Welles. Sharif's personal life was marked by his interest in politics and social issues, and he was a supporter of the Palestinian cause and a critic of Israeli policies.

● Filmography

Sharif's film career spanned over five decades and included a wide range of genres, from epic films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago to comedy films like Top Secret! with Val Kilmer and Lucy Gutteridge. Some of his notable films include Genghis Khan with Stephen Boyd and James Mason, The Burglars with Jean-Paul Belmondo and Dyan Cannon, and The Tamarind Seed with Julie Andrews and Anthony Quayle. Sharif also appeared in television films and series, including Peter the Great with Maximilian Schell and Vanessa Redgrave, and The Last Templar with Mira Sorvino and Victor Garber.

● Awards and Legacy

Throughout his career, Sharif received numerous awards and nominations, including a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for his role in Lawrence of Arabia. He also won a César Award for Best Actor for his performance in The Burglars. Sharif was honored with a Star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and was awarded the Ordre des Arts et des Lettres by the French government. His legacy continues to inspire new generations of actors and filmmakers, and his iconic performances remain an integral part of cinematic history, influencing films like The English Patient and Gladiator.

● Death and Tributes

Omar Sharif passed away on July 10, 2015, in Cairo, Egypt, at the age of 83. His death was met with an outpouring of tributes from the film industry and beyond, with actors like Helen Mirren and Antonio Banderas paying homage to his legacy. Sharif's funeral was attended by prominent figures like Adel Emam and Yousra, and he was buried in El Sayeda Nafisa Mosque in Cairo. His memory continues to be celebrated through his films, and his contributions to world cinema remain an enduring testament to his talent and dedication. Category:Egyptian actors