Omar Sharif
Omar Sharif: A Life of Enduring Legacy
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Full Name and Common Aliases
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Omar Sharif was born Michael Dimitri Shalhoub on April 10, 1932. He is often referred to as "The Egyptian Lover" or simply "Omar," due to his exotic charm and captivating screen presence.
Birth and Death Dates
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April 10, 1932 – July 10, 2015
Nationality and Profession(s)
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Nationality: Egyptian
Profession: Actor, Director, Poker Player
Early Life and Background
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Born in Alexandria, Egypt, Omar Sharif's early life was marked by a passion for the arts. His father, Joseph Shalhoub, was a merchant who immigrated to Egypt from Syria; his mother, Claire Tawfik, was a schoolteacher of Lebanese descent. As a young boy, Sharif demonstrated exceptional academic and athletic prowess, but it was acting that truly captured his imagination.
Major Accomplishments
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Sharif's breakthrough role came in 1962 when he played the title character in _Lawrence of Arabia_, opposite Peter O'Toole. This critically acclaimed film earned him international recognition and cemented his status as a leading man. Throughout his illustrious career, Sharif appeared in numerous iconic films, including:
_Doctor Zhivago_ (1965)
_Funny Girl_ (1968)
_Genghis Khan_ (1965)
_Mayerling_ (1968)
Notable Works or Actions
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In addition to his film work, Sharif was an accomplished poker player and author. He published several books on history, including the bestselling _Omar's Game: My Journey Through Life_. In 1973, he married actress Fanny Alexander, with whom he had two daughters.
Impact and Legacy
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Sharif's impact on cinema extends far beyond his own performances. As an actor, director, and advocate for Arab culture, he paved the way for future generations of Middle Eastern actors. His commitment to promoting cross-cultural understanding remains a testament to his enduring legacy.
Why They Are Widely Quoted or Remembered
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Omar Sharif's timeless appeal can be attributed to his magnetic on-screen presence, captivating wit, and unwavering dedication to the arts. As an icon of international cinema, he continues to inspire new audiences with each passing year.
Quotes by Omar Sharif
I was a fat little boy when I was 10 years old! My mother, who didn't speak any English at all, said, 'I know the only thing is to put him in an English boarding school. The food will be so horrible that he'll lose his weight.'
Peter O'Toole - I really loved that man. They sent me into the desert, and I lived there with him for 100 days. And there were no women! Can you believe it?
My mother used to play cards with King Farouk. He believed she brought good luck to him - she was his mascot.
I made French films and other films and a lot of Arabic films, but what I like is English for myself.
I tried on a moustache, and it was decided I would grow one. I've shaved it off for a couple of films, but otherwise, I've had it ever since.
