Omar Sharif Wiki: Omar Sharif was born Michel Yusef Dimitri Chalhoub on April 10, 1932. He was a star of Egyptian cinema whose acts charmed people worldwide. He could fluently speak Arabic, English, French, Italian, and Spanish, making him a polyglot. His knowledge of many different cultures helped him play various parts that crossed borders and captivated people worldwide.
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Sharif was born into a Greek Catholic Melkite family, originally from Lebanon. Sharif and his family were part of the Antiochian Greek Christian community, also called Rm. Later, in the 1950s, he became a Muslim and took the last name Sharif, which means “noble” or “nobleman” in Arabic.
Sharif was a man who liked many things besides movies. He has always wanted horses and was once one of the best contract bridge players in the world. The Egyptian Order of Merit and the French Legion of Honour were just two of the civil awards he received because of his passion and successful work. His life and work were so interesting that he became a cultural icon of the 20th century.
Omar Sharif Wiki/Bio
| Personal Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Michel Yusef Dimitri Chalhoub |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1932 |
| Place of Birth | Alexandria, Kingdom of Egypt |
| Nationality | Egyptian |
| Education | Graduated from Cairo University with a degree in Mathematics and Physics |
| Languages Spoken | Arabic, English, French, Italian, Spanish |
| Religion | Converted to Islam in the 1950s |
| Profession | Actor |
| Father’s Name | Yusef Chalhoub |
| Mother’s Name | Claire Saada |
| Marital Status | Married to Faten Hamama |
| Children | Tarek Sharif |
Omar Sharif Height, Weight, and More
Sharif was a commanding figure on screen in terms of how he looked. He was tall and had a dignified look that people remembered for a long time. He kept his body in good shape, probably because he liked to watch horse races. Even though working in movies can be hard on your body, Sharif’s unique face, deep-set eyes, and signature beard made him easy to spot and a fan favorite worldwide.
| Physical Attributes | Details |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.88m / 6ft 2in |
| Weight | 80kg / 176lbs |
| Eye Color | Dark Brown |
| Hair Color | Black |
| Distinctive Features | Deep-set eyes, signature mustache |
Omar Sharif Career Information
Sharif has been working for 50 years, so his work is nothing less than monumental. He started his trip in Egypt, but his skills were too good to be limited to one country. He was the main character in more than 100 movies. His performances in films made in different languages impressed both crowds and critics.
He was nominated for an Academy Award for Best Supporting Actor for his part as Sherif Ali in the epic “Lawrence of Arabia.” He got a Golden Globe for Best Actor in a Drama for his role as the main character in “Doctor Zhivago.”
| Career Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Career Start | 1950s in Egypt |
| Famous Roles | Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia, Yuri in Doctor Zhivago |
| Accolades | Three Golden Globe Awards, a César Award for Best Actor |
| Last Appearance | 2015, the year of his death |
| Languages Acted In | English, French, Italian, Spanish |
| Close Associates | Peter O’Toole, Zahi Hawass, Tom Courtenay |
Omar Sharif Net Worth Information
Sharif made a lot of money through his successful work. Not only did he do well as an actor, but he also tried his hand at horse races and bridges. Sharif stayed dedicated to his work and the arts despite being very rich. He made significant contributions to world film and cultural diversity.
| Net Worth Information | Details |
|---|---|
| Estimated Net Worth at Death | $2 million |
| Primary Source of Wealth | Acting |
| Secondary Sources of Wealth | Horse racing, Bridge |
| Notable Purchases | Luxury residences in Cairo and Paris |
| Charitable Contributions | Supported various causes, including education and healthcare |
10 Interesting Facts about Omar Sharif
- He was one of only 25 grantees of UNESCO’s Sergei Eisenstein Medal.
- He was an ambassador of Egypt’s bid for the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
- He was friends with renowned Egyptologist Zahi Hawass.
- Sharif often used to call Hull City Association Football Club for score updates.
- He was a regular contributor to a French horse racing magazine.
- He has worked in cinema in more than four different languages.
- His horse Don Bosco won the Prix Gontaut-Biron, Prix Perth, and Prix du Muguet.
- He was a regular visitor to the Deauville-La Touques Racecourse.
- His mother, Claire Saada, was a noted society hostess, and King Farouk of Egypt was a regular visitor.
- He adopted the stage name “Omar Sharif” in 1955.
Conclusion
Omar Sharif, who could do many different things, left a lasting mark on the world of movies. His rise from Egypt to world fame shows how much can be done when artists from different cultures work together. Sharif’s work in the movie business and his love of languages, horse racing, and Bridge show his adaptability and curiosity. He won’t just be known as a good actor but also as someone who broke down barriers and brought people from different cultures together in movies. His life story inspires aspiring artists worldwide and shows how movies can change lives.
