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Omar Sharif, Lawrence of Arabia legend, dies at 83
Oscar-nominee and screen legend Omar Sharif passed away, reports ITV and Sky News. The Egyptian actor was known for his roles in David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.
Oscar-nominee and screen legend Omar Sharif passed away, according to reports.
The Egyptian actor, born Michel Shalhoub, was known for his roles in David Lean's Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago.
Sharif was an Academy Award nominee and also had three Golden Globe nominations to his name.
With a career that initially began with Egyptian films, Sharif earned acclaim and popularity for his role in Lawrence of Arabia, which scored him a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination.
Sharif also played historical figures Genghis Khan and Che Guevara. He starred opposite Gregory Peck and also displayed his comedic talents in a Pink Panther film.
A World-class Bridge player, he had been known to anticipate or postpone shootings in order to be able to attend major bridge events. The actor also received a one-month suspended sentence and a $1700 fine for head-butting a police officer in a French casino in 2003
Sharif had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's in May 2015 and reportedly had trouble remembering his most famous films. His agent Steve Kenis said, "He suffered a heart attack this afternoon in a hospital in Cairo."
He was 83 years old and is survived by his son Tarek who also made news when he came out as gay and half-Jewish in the aftermath of the Egyptian Revolution.
