Early Life and Education

Born Michel Demitri Shalhoub on April 10, 1932, in Alexandria, Egypt, Omar Sharif was the son of Joseph Shalhoub, a successful lumber merchant, and Claire Saada. Of Lebanese and Syrian descent, he was raised in a Roman Catholic household. Sharif received his early education at Victoria College in Alexandria, an elite school known for educating many notable Middle Eastern figures. He later earned a degree in mathematics and physics from Cairo University. After completing his studies, he briefly worked in his family's lumber business.

Transition to Acting

Sharif developed an interest in acting during his youth and eventually pursued it as a career. He adopted the stage name "Omar Sharif" when he entered the film industry, marking his professional debut in the Egyptian film Struggle in the Valley (1954), where he starred opposite renowned actress Faten Hamamah. The film was a success, and Sharif's performance earned him widespread recognition in Egypt. He married Hamamah in 1955, and their relationship became one of the most celebrated in Egyptian cinema.

Breakthrough in International Cinema

Omar Sharif's breakthrough in Western cinema came in 1962 when he played the role of Sherif Ali in David Lean’s epic film Lawrence of Arabia. His portrayal earned him an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor and won him global acclaim. The role was pivotal in establishing his status as an international film star.

Following the success of Lawrence of Arabia, Sharif starred in several major English-language films. Notably, he played the title role in Doctor Zhivago (1965), which became one of the era’s most iconic romantic dramas. He also starred opposite Barbra Streisand in the musical Funny Girl (1968), showcasing his charisma and versatility as an actor.