LeoGlossary: Omar Sharif (Actor)

Born: April 10, 1932 – Died: July 10, 2015

Omar Sharif, born Michel Demitri Shalhoub on April 10, 1932, in Alexandria, Egypt, emerged as a luminary in the entertainment realm. His parents, Joseph Shalhoub, a lumber merchant, and Claire Saada, provided a nurturing environment for his upbringing. Sharif's cinematic journey ignited with iconic performances in Egyptian cinema, paving the way for international acclaim in English-language films like "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago." Beyond the silver screen, Sharif's multifaceted talents extended to the realm of bridge, where he achieved global recognition. With his indelible mark on cinema and beyond, Sharif remains a timeless figure in entertainment history.

Early Life and Career

Omar Sharif, born Michel Demitri Shalhoub on April 10, 1932, in Alexandria, Egypt, emerged as a luminary in the entertainment realm. His parents, Joseph Shalhoub, a lumber merchant, and Claire Saada, provided a nurturing environment for his upbringing. Growing up in Alexandria, Sharif attended Victoria College, where he received his early education. Later, he pursued higher studies at Cairo University, graduating with a degree in mathematics and physics. However, his passion for the arts soon led him down a different path.

Sharif's cinematic journey began in his native Egypt, where he quickly rose to prominence in the burgeoning Egyptian film industry. His first foray into acting came in 1954 with the Egyptian film "The Blazing Sun." His talent and charisma on screen captivated audiences, propelling him to stardom within the Egyptian film community.

It wasn't long before Sharif's magnetic presence caught the attention of international filmmakers. In 1962, he made his English-language film debut in the epic masterpiece "Lawrence of Arabia." Portraying the iconic character Sherif Ali, Sharif delivered a mesmerizing performance that earned him critical acclaim and a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor.

Following the success of "Lawrence of Arabia," Sharif solidified his status as a leading man with his portrayal of Yuri Zhivago in the epic romance "Doctor Zhivago" (1965). Directed by David Lean, the film became a cinematic landmark and further cemented Sharif's reputation as one of the industry's most talented actors.

Beyond his acting prowess, Sharif was also a skilled contract bridge player, garnering recognition as one of the world's best. In the 1970s and 1980s, he co-wrote a syndicated newspaper bridge column for the Chicago Tribune and authored several books on the subject. His passion for bridge extended to the digital realm with the release of the "Omar Sharif Bridge" computer game in 1992.

Despite his multifaceted talents, Sharif's personal life was not without its challenges. He was married once to Egyptian actress Faten Hamama, with whom he had a son named Tarek Sharif. The couple divorced in 1974, and Sharif never remarried.

In his later years, Sharif continued to leave an indelible mark on the entertainment industry. His performance in the French film "Monsieur Ibrahim" (2003) earned him critical acclaim and several prestigious awards, including the Best Actor Award at the Venice Film Festival and the Best Actor César from the Académie des Arts et Techniques du Cinéma.

Tragically, Sharif's health began to decline in his final years, and he was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease in 2012. He passed away on July 10, 2015, in Cairo, Egypt, leaving behind a legacy that continues to inspire and resonate with audiences worldwide. With his unforgettable performances and contributions to both cinema and bridge, Omar Sharif remains a timeless figure in entertainment history, revered as an icon and a true legend of the silver screen.

Filmography

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