Omar Sharif

Date of Birth: April 10, 1932

Zodiac Sign: Aries

Date of Death: July 10, 2015

Biography

Omar Sharif, born Michel Demitri Shalhoub, was an Egyptian actor who gained international fame for his roles in both Hollywood and European cinema. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Sharif initially pursued a degree in mathematics and physics at Cairo University. He later studied at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, which set the stage for his illustrious acting career. Sharif made his film debut in the Egyptian movie “Sira’ Fi al-Wadi” (The Blazing Sun) in 1954. However, it was his role as Sherif Ali in David Lean’s epic film “Lawrence of Arabia” (1962) that catapulted him to global stardom. He went on to star in numerous iconic films, including “Doctor Zhivago” (1965) and “Funny Girl” (1968). Sharif’s career spanned over six decades, during which he won several awards, including three Golden Globe Awards and an Academy Award nomination. He was known for his magnetic presence, charismatic performances, and versatility across various genres. Besides acting, Sharif was also an accomplished bridge player, authoring several books on the subject and participating in international tournaments. Fluent in multiple languages, including Arabic, English, French, and Italian, Sharif was a true cosmopolitan figure who left an indelible mark on world cinema.

5 Interesting Facts about Omar Sharif

1. Omar Sharif changed his name from Michel Demitri Shalhoub when he converted to Islam to marry his co-star, Faten Hamama.

2. He was fluent in six languages: Arabic, English, French, Greek, Italian, and Spanish.

3. Sharif was a world-class bridge player and even co-authored a syndicated newspaper column on bridge.

4. He was awarded the Golden Globe for Best Supporting Actor for his role in “Lawrence of Arabia” and won two other Golden Globes for “Doctor Zhivago.”

5. Sharif was an avid horse racing enthusiast and even owned several racehorses.