Omar Sharif, a well-known Egyptian actor, was the first to attain international acclaim on behalf of the Middle East. Born in Alexandria in 1932 as Michel Yusef Dimitri Chalhoub, Sharif began his acting career in 1954. This article examines Sharif’s life, following his journey from a young aspiring actor to an A-listed actor of his time. We’ll explore the obstacles he encountered, the unforgettable highlights of his career, and the endearing qualities that won over a global audience.
The Beginning of an Incredible Story
Sharif was born into a Melkite Greek Catholic family with roots in Lebanon in Alexandria in 1932. Sharif’s father was a precious-woods merchant, while his mother was a noted society hostess who even welcomed King Farouk regularly. Omar’s education started at Victoria College in Alexandria, where he showed a talent for foreign languages. He then graduated from Cairo University, where he studied mathematics and physics.
Now, you might be intrigued by how a young Egyptian with a background in physics and mathematics emerged as one of the nation’s most beloved stars. This fascinating turn of events is attributed to a stroke of serendipity. Rumors suggest that during his tenure in his father’s business, a director happened upon the shop and saw in him the ideal candidate for an upcoming film.
Omar’s Distinguished Acting Journey
His acting career commenced with a role in The Blazing Sun, a romance drama directed by Youssef Chahine, where fate brought him together with his future wife, Faten Hamama. Following a successful debut, Omar Sharif found himself inundated with film opportunities. He graced the screen in productions such as The Devil of the Desert and rapidly ascended to stardom with roles in Our Beautiful Days, The Lebanese Mission, and Sleepless. Omar appeared in over 18 films before achieving international fame with Lawrence of Arabia.
His breakthrough came with portraying Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia, his inaugural English-speaking role. Several renowned actors, including Dilip Kumar, Maurice Ronet, and Horst Buchholz, had either declined or could not commit to the role. Taking a risk on the relatively unknown Sharif outside of Egypt, the producers soon realized that his remarkable talent and charisma lent authenticity to the role. Following his international debut, he graced the silver screen in acclaimed films such as Doctor Zhivago and Funny Girl, solidifying his status as one of the Middle East’s finest actors.
Sharif’s Passion for Bridge and Gambling
Beyond the silver screen, few know of Sharif’s fervent passion for the card game bridge. He became one of the world’s top 50 contract bridge players and represented the United Arab Republic squad at the 1964 World Bridge Olympiad. By 1968, he had assumed the role of playing captain for the Egyptian team.
In addition to his love of bridge, Omar had an affinity for gambling that went beyond simply entertainment. So much so that he even made it to arabwinners.com famous celebrities who gamble list. Sharif indulged in many forms of gambling, including horse racing and casino games. He insisted, though, that he never saw gambling as a problem.
Omar Sharif’s Complex Relationship with Gambling
Sharif stated that he only gambled when alone and lacked companionship or eating partners. When he had guests, the idea of going to a casino or gambling business never occurred to him. Unfortunately, he was quite often alone.
When Omar head-butted a police officer in a casino in July 2003, it made headlines. Sharif admitted to losing roughly £200,000 before losing his cool and punching the cop. In an interview, the Egyptian movie star acknowledged losing a lot of money on gambling, leading to him doing films he knew were beneath him. He’d phone his agent and tell him to take any part he could get to save himself.
Omar Sharif’s Later Years: A Life Defined by Choices
Sharif was candid about having sacrificed his career for gambling pursuits. During the later years of his life, he resided in hotels in London and Paris before ultimately returning to Egypt, where he continued to live in a hotel. Sharif grappled with Alzheimer’s Disease, and at the age of 83, he passed away in Cairo from a heart attack.
Final Thoughts
Omar Sharif’s life was a fascinating blend of cinematic glamor and personal trials. His enduring legacy is rooted in his iconic performances in timeless films like Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. Sharif’s influence, however, extends beyond the silver screen. His portrayal of the suave and debonair international man of mystery makes him a timeless and fascinating figure in the world of entertainment.