A Tribute to Omar Sharif
Trivia
- Was president of the debating society and head boy at Cairo's prestigious
English public school, Victoria College. Excelled at math, physics,
cricket, and football.
- Became an overnight success after his 1954 film debut opposite Egypt's top
female star, Faten Hamama, whom he married the following year. Separated in 1968
and later divorced.
- Born Michael Shalhoub. Converted
to Islam to marry his wife and changed his name to Omar Sharif.
- Fluent in five languages -- French, English, Arabic, Spanish, and Italian.
Currently learning ancient Greek.
- An expert bridge and backgammon player. Won the world bridge championships in 1975.
- Currently makes his home at the Royal Monceau Hotel in Paris, where
the owner allows him to stay for free.
- Had heart bypass surgery in 1994 prompting him
to quit a 40-year chain smoking
habit.
- Prefers to sleep until noon. Favorite
time of day is evening.
- Was accosted one night in his hotel room in Dallas by a gun wielding woman
who demanded that he make love to her. His response: "I'd love to but, as
you can see, at the moment, it's not possible."
- Never had a mustache until David Lean asked him to grow one
for "Lawrence of Arabia."
- Waxed half an inch off his hairline and endured
painful makeup to achieve a more Slavic look for "Doctor Zhivago."
Write to Omar Sharif:
c/o Anne Alvares-Correa or Ekta Farrar, publicist or
Steve Kenis
18 Rue Troyan
efarrar@bk-pr.com
Steve Kenis & Co.
F-75017 Paris
Royalty House
France
72-74 Dean Street
London W1D 3SG, England
sk@sknco.com
