Biography
Omar Sharif (born Michel Yusef Dimitri Chalhoub; April 10, 1932 – July 10, 2015) was an Egyptian actor, generally regarded as one of his country's greatest male film stars. He began his career in his native country in the 1950s, but is best known for his appearances in British, American, French, and Italian productions. His career encompassed over 100 films spanning 50 years and brought him many accolades including three Golden Globe Awards and a César Award for Best Actor.
In 1954, Sharif began his acting career in Youssef Chahine's Struggle in the Valley with Faten Hamama, who shared a kiss with him although she had previously refused to kiss on screen. The two fell in love; Sharif converted to Islam, changed his name, and married her. Their marriage sparked a new iconic era in Egyptian cinema, as they came to represent the industry’s dream couple for years, starring in many romantic roles together. They had one son, Tarek Sharif, born in 1957, who appeared in Doctor Zhivago as Yur