Profile of the Day: Omar Sharif

Today we celebrate what would have been actor Omar Sharif’s 93rd birthday! A Hollywood legend, Sharif was best known for his roles in Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia.

Image: Omar Sharif / Wikimedia Commons

He was born Michel Demetri Chalhoub on April 10, 1932 in Alexandria, Egypt. After studying mathematics and physics at the University of Cairo, Sharif worked at his father’s precious wood business before leaving to study acting in London, England. In 1955, he converted to Islam to marry Egyptian actress Faten Hamama. He changed his name to “Sharif,” which means “noble” in Arabic.

Sharif was already a star in Egypt when he was cast in his first English-language film Lawrence of Arabia. The film made him an international star and earned him his first and only Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. Sharif went on to star in many more successful films including the epic love story Doctor Zhivago and the Barbra Streisand film, Funny Girl.

Fun fact: Did you know that Omar Sharif was once ranked as one of the world’s best bridge players?

Sharif died on July 10, 2015 at the age of 83.

View Omar Sharif’s Geni Profile