Omar Sharif was an iconic Egyptian actor, born Michel Demitri Shalhoub on April 10, 1932, in Alexandria, Egypt. His impressive career spanned decades, earning him recognition in both Egyptian cinema and the international film industry. Omar Sharif’s biography includes notable roles in films like Lawrence of Arabia (1962), where he played Sherif Ali, and Doctor Zhivago (1965).
His career earned him an Academy Award nomination, Golden Globe Awards, and a César Award. He was married to actress Faten Hamama and had a son, Tarek Sharif. Omar Sharif’s net worth at the time of his death in 2015 was $2 million. His legacy remains unmatched in international cinema.
Omar Sharif Profile summary
| Attribute | Details |
| Full Name | Michel Demitri Shalhoub (Omar Sharif) |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1932 |
| Place of Birth | Alexandria, Egypt |
| Date of Death | July 10, 2015 (aged 83) |
| Profession | Actor |
| Notable Roles | Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Yuri Zhivago in Doctor Zhivago (1965), Monsieur Ibrahim in Monsieur Ibrahim (2003) |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Education | Victoria College (Alexandria), Cairo University (Physics and Mathematics), Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (London) |
| Spouse | Faten Hamama (married 1955–1974) |
| Children | Tarek Sharif |
| Awards | Golden Globe Awards, César Award, Venice Film Festival (Silver Lion), Honorary César (2004) |
| Famous Films | Lawrence of Arabia (1962), Doctor Zhivago (1965), Funny Girl (1968), Monsieur Ibrahim (2003) |
| Hobbies | Bridge, Horse Racing, Gambling |
| Net Worth (at time of death) | $2 million |
Who is Omar Sharif?
Omar Sharif was a legendary Egyptian actor born on April 10, 1932, in Alexandria, Egypt. His real name was Michel Demitri Shalhoub, but he adopted the name Omar Sharif after converting to Islam in 1955. His breakthrough came when he starred in the epic film Lawrence of Arabia (1962), where he portrayed Sherif Ali. The performance earned him international acclaim and an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Sharif’s legacy extends far beyond his breakthrough role. He became one of the most respected actors in Hollywood, starring in films such as Doctor Zhivago (1965) and Funny Girl (1968). His passion for acting and his versatility in various genres earned him numerous accolades throughout his career.
Omar Sharif Early Life
Omar Sharif was born in Alexandria, Egypt, to a wealthy family. His father was a lumber merchant, and young Sharif enjoyed a privileged childhood. He attended Victoria College in Alexandria before moving on to Cairo University, where he studied physics and mathematics. Although he had a solid academic background, his passion for acting led him to pursue a career in film.
In his pursuit of acting, Sharif traveled to London and enrolled at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, one of the most prestigious drama schools in the world. This training set the stage for his entry into the world of cinema.
Omar Sharif Age
Born on April 10, 1932, Omar Sharif lived a full and eventful life. He passed away on July 10, 2015, at the age of 83. During his career, he achieved immense success in the international film industry, making a mark on both Egyptian cinema and Hollywood.
Sharif’s death in 2015 marked the end of an era for many fans and admirers who had followed his career for decades. However, his films continue to live on, ensuring his legacy will never be forgotten.
Omar Sharif Wife
In 1955, Omar Sharif married Faten Hamama, one of the most famous actresses in Egyptian cinema. To marry Hamama, Sharif converted to Islam and changed his name. The couple had one child, Tarek Sharif, who played a role in Doctor Zhivago as the young Yuri Zhivago. However, their marriage ended in divorce in 1974 after nearly 20 years together.
Sharif’s marriage to Hamama was highly publicized, and their relationship was one of the most talked-about in the film industry at the time. Despite the divorce, they remained on good terms until Sharif’s death.
Omar Sharif Movies
Omar Sharif’s career spanned more than six decades, and he appeared in over 100 films. He is best remembered for his roles in Lawrence of Arabia, Doctor Zhivago, and Funny Girl. These films are considered some of the best in cinema history.
Notable Movies:
- Sira’ Fi al-Wadi (1954)
- The Blazing Sun (1954)
- La Anam (1958)
- Lawrence of Arabia (1962)
- Doctor Zhivago (1965)
- Funny Girl (1968)
- Monsieur Ibrahim (2003)
These movies helped cement Sharif’s place in film history. His ability to tackle diverse roles and bring unique depth to each character made him a beloved figure worldwide.
Omar Sharif Early Career
Sharif’s early career began in Egyptian cinema, where he quickly gained recognition for his performances. His debut came in the 1954 film Sira’ Fi al-Wadi (“Struggle in the Valley”), which was a significant hit. He followed this with other successful films like The Blazing Sun (1954) and La Anam (1958).
His success in Egypt led to his breakthrough in Hollywood. His role as Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia (1962) marked his Hollywood debut and catapulted him to international stardom. Directed by David Lean, Lawrence of Arabia became one of the most acclaimed films of all time, and Sharif’s performance earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor.
Omar Sharif Personal Life
Sharif’s personal life was as colorful as his career. Known for his love of bridge and horse racing, he became an accomplished bridge player, even writing books about the game. His fondness for gambling was often discussed in the media, and he was known for his spirited personality off-screen.
Sharif’s marriage to Faten Hamama was a defining moment in his personal life. Their son, Tarek Sharif, later followed in his father’s footsteps and appeared in Doctor Zhivago. Despite their divorce in 1974, Sharif remained close to his son and continued to be a significant figure in his life.
Omar Sharif Notable Awards
Throughout his career, Omar Sharif earned numerous prestigious awards that recognized his extraordinary talent.
- Golden Globe Awards: He won two Golden Globe Awards for Lawrence of Arabia, Best Supporting Actor and New Star of the Year.
- César Award: Sharif received the César Award for Best Actor for his performance in Monsieur Ibrahim.
- Venice Film Festival: He was awarded the Silver Lion for Best Actor for his role in Struggle on the Nile (1959).
- Honorary César: In 2004, Sharif was honored with an Honorary César for his lifetime contributions to cinema.
Omar Sharif Net Worth
At the time of his death, Omar Sharif’s estimated net worth was around $2 million. While this amount is relatively modest compared to some Hollywood icons, it reflects his successful career in both Egyptian cinema and Hollywood. Despite his wealth not reaching astronomical heights, his legacy in the film industry remains invaluable.
Sharif’s net worth was a result of his decades-long career, starring in iconic films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. His contributions to the international film industry and his groundbreaking roles made his wealth much more than just a financial figure; it symbolizes his lasting impact on cinema.
FAQ’s
Who was Omar Sharif?
Omar Sharif was a legendary actor from Egyptian cinema who gained international fame for his roles in movies like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.
What was Omar Sharif’s real name?
Before changing his name to Omar Sharif, his birth name was Michel Demitri Shalhoub, and he came from a wealthy family in Alexandria, Egypt.
How did Omar Sharif start his career?
Omar Sharif began his acting career in Egyptian cinema, starring in films like Sira’ Fi al-Wadi and The Blazing Sun before achieving global recognition.
Did Omar Sharif win any awards?
Yes, Omar Sharif won several prestigious awards, including Golden Globe Awards, a César Award, and an Academy Award nomination for his acting.
What was Omar Sharif’s net worth?
At the time of his death, Omar Sharif had an estimated net worth of $2 million, largely from his successful career in the international film industry.
Conclusion
Omar Sharif is a big name in Egyptian cinema and the global film industry. Born in Alexandria, Egypt, his journey to Hollywood shows his amazing talent and hard work. He is famous for his roles in classic films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago, where he broke barriers and became well-known around the world.
Despite facing personal struggles, his love for acting and his impact on cinema are his true legacy. Omar won awards such as Golden Globe Awards, a César Award, and an Academy Award nomination. He also loved bridge, horse racing, and had a reputation for gambling. Though he passed away in 2015, his work still inspires actors and filmmakers today. Omar Sharif will always be remembered as a cinematic legend.
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