Celebrity

The Egyptian actor, who is best known for his role as Sherif Ali in 'Lawrence of Arabia' and Dr. Yuri Zhivago in 'Doctor Zhivago, passed away on Friday, July 10 in Cairo.

• Jul 11, 2015

AceShowbiz - Omar Sharif, the actor who is best known for starring in "Lawrence of Arabia" (1962) and "Doctor Zhivago" (1965), died at a hospital in Cairo, Egypt on Friday, July 10. He was 83. His agent Steve Kenis said that the Egyptian actor passed away after suffering a heart attack.

Earlier this year, Omar's agent confirmed that the actor, who was born Michel Demitri Chalhoub on April 10 1932, had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease. His son Tarak El-Sharif told Spain's El Mundo newspaper back in May that Omar was becoming confused when remembering some of the biggest films of his career.

"He still knows he's a famous actor," Tarek shared at that time. "He remembers, for example, [he was in] 'Doctor Zhivago' but he's forgotten when it was filmed."

Barbra Streisand, who was Omar's co-star in "Funny Girl", remembered him in a statement, "Omar was my first leading man in the movies. He was handsome, sophisticated and charming. He was a proud Egyptian and in some people's eyes, the idea of casting him in 'Funny Girl' was considered controversial. Yet somehow, under the direction of William Wyler, the romantic chemistry between Nicky Arnstein and Fanny Brice transcended stereotypes and prejudice. I feel lucky to have had the opportunity to work with Omar, and I'm profoundly sad to hear of his passing."

Other friends, co-stars and fans paid tribute to Omar on social media. Antonio Banderas, who starred alongside Omar in "The 13th Warrior", tweeted, "My great friend Omar Sharif has passed away. I will always miss him. He was one of the best. He was a great storyteller, a loyal friend and a wise spirit. D.E.P. Omar Sharif." Roland Emmerich wrote, "Very saddened by the passing of Omar Sharif. Blessed that I was able to work with such a legend. Love to the family."

My great friend Omar Sharif has passed away. I will always miss him. He was one of the best. D.E.P pic.twitter.com/vzIFxYmujR

— Antonio Banderas (@antoniobanderas) July 10, 2015

Josh Gad posted, "Sad to hear about #OmarSharif. I grew up on Lawrence and Zhivago. A legacy with not one but multiple timeless classics." Vincent D'Onofrio wrote, "#OmarSharif will be missed. I have watched this graceful ,this wonderful actor since I was a child. I salute him .V." Jean-Claude Van Damme, meanwhile tweeted, "Today, I feel great grief for the world has lost two great men. All my condolences to the families & the fans of Mr. Omar Sharif ['Lawrence of Arabia', 'Doctor Zhivago'] and Mr. Christian Audigier (Ed Hardy, Dammage 7). May their souls rest in peace. Amen. ?#JCVD?."

#OmarSharif will be missed. I have watched this graceful ,this wonderful actor since I was a child. I salute him .V. pic.twitter.com/pmeGgPxrba

— Vincent D'Onofrio (@vincentdonofrio) July 10, 2015

Omar is survived by a son and two grandsons, Omar Sharif Jr. and Karim.