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Omar Sharif Biography

Birth Name:
Michel Demitri Shalhoub
Birth Place:
Alexandria, Egypt
Profession
Actor

Fast Facts

  • Studied mathematics and physics in college, then worked for his family's lumber business after graduating
  • Began acting in Egyptian movies in 1954; costarred with wife Faten Hamama in several films
  • Became an international star after appearing in his first English-language film, Lawrence of Arabia (1962), for which he received an Oscar nomination; followed by such blockbusters as Doctor Zhivago (1965) and Funny Girl (1968)
  • An expert at bridge; played bridge professionally and wrote several books about the game
  • Was awarded the inaugural Sergei Eisenstein Medal by UNESCO in 2005, for his contributions to world film and cultural diversity

Awards

  • 2004César Awards-Best Actor: winner
  • 2003French Academy of Cinema-Best Actor: winner
  • 1966Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Motion Picture - Drama: winner
  • 1963Golden Globe-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role in a Motion Picture: winner
  • 1963Golden Globe-New Star of the Year - Actor: winner
  • 1962Oscar-Best Performance by an Actor in a Supporting Role: nominated

Relationships