Tracing the Global Cinematic Footsteps of Egyptian Star Omar Sharif

Born Michel Demitri Shalhoub in 1932 in Alexandria, Egypt, globally-acclaimed star Omar Sharif was destined for international cinematic stardom. Known first for illuminating Egyptian screens, Sharif got his big break in 1954's 'The Blazing Sun,' alongside Faten Hamama, garnering attention at home in Egypt. However, Sharif had global aspirations that would soon come to fruition. His performance as Sherif Ali in the 1962 epic 'Lawrence of Arabia' was his international introduction, earning him an Oscar nomination and a Golden Globe. 

Traveling across the Middle East and Europe for the role marked only the beginning of Sharif's worldwide travels. He would soon traverse the world for myriad roles that would see him put on many hats of international nature—from Paris to Los Angeles, Belgrade to London, and everywhere in between. Over five decades and more than 100 films, Sharif made his mark at home and all throughout the world. 

For this week’s #SceneTimeTraveller, we’re taking a look back at some of Sharif’s most memorable international moments. 

Rise to Stardom 

Egypt | 1954-1962 

Omar Sharif in ‘The Blazing Sun’ Alongside Faten Hamama

Sharif’s break-out role saw him star alongside Faten Hamama in the 1954 Egyptian romance ‘The Blazing Sun’. The film positioned Sharif as one of Egypt’s prime rising stars, setting him up to dominate Egyptian cinema, where he starred in many golden-age classics, including ‘Shaytan al-Sahra’, ‘Goha’, and ‘Min Ajal Emraa’. 

Omar Sharif in ‘The Blazing Sun’

To International Acclaim and Beyond

Jordan, Syria, and France | 1962 

The tides would soon turn for Sharif, as he would be catapulted into international fame with his role as ‘Sherif Ali’ in Lawrence of Arabia. The cult-classic movie—directed by David Lean and shot across Jordan, Syria, and France—whisked Sharif off to Los Angeles, California, where he was presented with a Golden Globe award. 

Omar Sharif on the Set of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ 

Omar Sharif on the Set of ‘Lawrence of Arabia’

Los Angeles, California | 1963

Sharif With ‘Lawrence of Arabia’ Director David Lean 

Sharif Receiving His Golden Globe Award for ‘Lawrence of Arabia.’

Lourdes, France | 1964 

Sharif’s next cinematic adventure would take him to Lourdes, France, where he starred in Fred Zinnemann ‘Behold a Pale Horse’, an American drama film based on the 1961 novel ‘Killing a Mouse on Sunday’ by Emeric Pressburger. 

On the set of ‘Behold a Pale Horse’ with Director Fred Zinnemann

Canada, Finland, and Spain | 1965 

Omar Sharif with the cast and crew of Doctor Zhivago 

Not long after, Sharif stole the spotlight as the titular character in David Lean’s ‘Doctor Zhivago’, a role that remains relevant decades later. The film, a historical romance taking place during the events of the Russian revolution, was shot across multiple locations in Canada, Finland, and Spain, and would see Sharif attending premieres in New York, and Los Angeles.

Omar Sharif on the set of Doctor Zhivago

At the East Coast Premiere of Doctor Zhivago with Julie Christie and Geraldine Chapil

At the West Coast Premiere of Doctor Zhivago in Los Angeles California 

Yugoslavia | 1965 Continued… 

On the set of ‘Genghis Khan’ in Yugoslavia 

Fresh off the premieres, Sharif would swiftly fly to Yugoslavia’s Balkan mountains to star in Henry Levin’s 1965 film ‘Genghis Khan’, where Sharif played the titular role. 

With a Certain Funny Girl… 

Omar Sharif and Barbra Streisand 

In 1968, the Egyptian—and now globally acclaimed—star would embark on the most pivotal leg of his cinematic journey yet, starring alongside Barbra Streisand in the broadway classic ‘Funny Girl’. 

Funny Girl was an immediate hit, gaining quickfire acclaim across the entire globe, with premieres in Paris, London, Los Angeles. 

Omar Sharif & Barbra Streisand on the set of ‘Funny Girl’ with Director William Wyler 

At the Premiere of ‘Funny Girl’ in Paris 

At the Premiere of ‘Funny Girl’ in Los Angeles 

At the European Premiere of ‘Funny Girl’ in London With HRH Princess Margaret 

Onward and Upward..

Omar Sharif and Julie Andrews in ‘The Tamarind Seed’ (1974) 

Sharif would continue to traverse the world, with his role in ‘The Tamarind Seed’ alongside Julie Andrews taking him to Barbados, Belgravia. 

The years would see him smiling at the camera in Louisiana, USA (‘The Baltimore Bullet’, 1980), Las Vegas, USA (‘Pleasure Palace’, 1980), Gdańsk, Poland (‘The Rainbow Thief’, 1990), with many more life-changing trips around the world. 

Sharif, in his later years, would return to Egyptian cinema, once more becoming a pivotal face on the silver screen, with his main character role in ‘Hassan w Morkos’ remaining referential to this day. Omar Sharif was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s disease in 2015, passing away soon after, of a heart attack in Cairo, Egypt, leaving an unparalleled legacy behind.