Dazzling the Screen Omar Sharif

Egyptian actor Omar Sharif was regarded as the greatest film star in his country. His career started in Egypt in the early 1950s, and he became known for appearances in American, British, French, and Italian productions. He acted in more than 100 films spanning 50 years and during that time won three Golden Globe Awards and a César Award for Best Actor. He passed away in 2015 at the age of 83.

Director Fred Zinnemann directed the 1964 American drama “Behold a Pale Horse." The film starred Gregory Peck, Omar Sharif, and Anthony Quinn. It was based on the 1961 novel “Killing a Mouse on Sunday” by Emeric Pressburger. The title of the film refers to a verse from the Book of Revelation 6:8: “And I looked, and behold a pale horse, and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him."

The storyline is set in post-Civil War Spain and follows the former Republican guerrilla fighter named Manuel Artiguez (Gregory Peck), who is hunted by a vengeful police inspector named Vinolas (Anthony Quinn). Omar Sharif portrays a priest who tries to help Antiquez evade capture.

Director David Lean directed the 1965 epic historical romance “Doctor Zhivago." It was based on the 1957 novel of the same name by Boris Pasternak. The film starred Omar Sharif, Julie Christie, Geraldine Chaplin, Tom Courtenay, and others. The film won five Academy Awards, including Best Original Score, Best Adapted Screenplay, and Best Art Direction.

The storyline is set in Russia during WWI and the Russian Civil War. It revolves around Yuri Zhivago (Omar Sharif), a married physician and poet whose life is altered by the Russian Revolution.

Director William Wyler directed the 1968 American biographical musical “Funny Girl." It was adapted from the book by Isobel Lennart for the stage musical of the same name. It is loosely based on the life and career of comedienne Fanny Brice. The film starred Barbara Streisand, Omar Sharif, Walter Pidgeon, and others.

The storyline revolves around Fanny Brice (Barbara Streisand), a vaudeville performer who dreams of becoming a star and catches the eye of suave gambler Nick Arnstein (Omar Sharif).

Director Henry Levin directed the 1965 biographical adventure "Genghis Khan." The film depicts a fictionalized account of the life and conquests of the Mongul emperor Genghis Khan. The film starred Omar Shrif, James Mason, Stephen Boyd, and others.

The storyline revolves around Prince Temujin (Omar Sharif), who watches the execution of his father by the ruthless Mongol leader, Jamuga (Stephen Boyd), who forces Temujin and his people into slavery. Escaping into the mountains, Temujin vows to avenge his father and unite the Mongol people. He kidnaps and eventually marries Bortei (Françoise Dorléac), a woman betrothed to Jamuga.

Director David Lean directed the 1962 epic biographical drama “Lawrence of Arabia." The film was based on the life of T.E. Lawrence and his 1926 book “Seven Pillars of Wisdom." The film starred Peter O’Toole, Alec Guinness, Anthony Quayle, Omar Sharif, and others.

Omar Sharif portrayed the role of Sherif Ali, a Bedouin warrior who becomes Lawrence’s friend and ally in his quest to unite the Arab tribes against the Ottoman Turks.

Director J. Lee Thompson directed the 1969 American Western “Mackenna’s Gold." The film starred Gregory Peck, Omar Sharif, Telly Savalas, Ted Cassidy, and others. It was based on the novel of the same name by Heck Allen, using the pen name Will Henry.

The storyline revolves around a group of people searching for a legendary canyon in the Western US that is said to be filled with gold. Mackenna (Gregory Peck) is a US Marshal who is taken captive by a group of Apache Indians led by the fierce Chato (Omar Sharif).

Director Anatole Litvak directed the 1967 WWII mystery “The Night of the Generals." It starred Peter O’Toole, Omar Sharif, Tom Courtney, Donald Pleasence, and others. The film was loosely based on the beginning of the 1962 novel of the same name by German author Hans Hellmot Kirst.

The storyline is set in Nazi-occupied Warsaw during WWII and follows the investigation of a serial killer who is targeting women in the city. Major Grau (Omar Sharif), a German army investigator, is tasked with finding the killer. General Tanz (Peter O’Toole), a high-ranking Nazi officer, becomes a suspect.

Director Blake Edwards directed the 1974 romantic spy thriller “The Tamarind Seed." The film starred Julie Andrews, Omar Sharif, Anthony Quayle, and others. It was based on the 1971 novel of the same name by Evelyn Anthony.

The storyline revolves around British Home Office functionary Judith Farrow (Julie Andrews) and Soviet-era attaché Feodor Sverdlov (Omar Sharif), who are lovers involved in Cold War intrigue.