Deauville Nights: Where the Legend Was Born
Every summer, Egyptian-born actor Omar Sharif transformed the charming resort town of Deauville, France, into a hub of family joy and togetherness. "Every evening, he would gather those closest to him for unforgettable dining experiences," recalls his grandson, Omar Sharif Jr., in an exclusive chat with Closer. "Entertaining people and ensuring they had a great time was his ultimate happiness." As the years went by, these cherished gatherings grew even more significant for the Lawrence of Arabia icon. "I regret not spending enough time with my family because I was constantly working and traveling," Omar once confessed. "After the age of 31, hotels became my home." This wasn't the life he had envisioned for himself.
The Early Days: From Prosperity to Boarding School
Born Michel Shalhoub into a wealthy Egyptian family, Omar's childhood was marked by both privilege and challenges. "I was a chubby little boy," he humorously remembered. "My mom decided the solution was to send me to an English boarding school. She figured the food would be so terrible that I'd lose weight." And it worked! But what he didn't expect was discovering a passion for acting and sports during his time there. After graduating with a degree in mathematics and physics, Omar knew deep down that acting was his true calling. It was a decision that would change everything.
Rising Star in Egypt: Love and Marriage
Reinventing himself as Omar Sharif, the young actor quickly rose to fame in Egypt, becoming a household name. In 1955, he tied the knot with actress Faten Hamama, his co-star in The Blazing Sun. "She was the love of my life," Omar fondly remembered. Their union was a match made in heaven—until fate intervened. When English director David Lean cast Omar as Sherif Ali in Lawrence of Arabia in 1960, the actor embarked on an epic journey that took him away from home for over a year. Filming took place across Jordan, Morocco, and Spain, where he formed a lifelong friendship with co-star Peter O’Toole. "No one in the world is called Omar Sharif," Peter joked, calling him Fred instead. But the film catapulted both men to international stardom.
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Political Turmoil and Heartbreak
As Egypt entered a period of political unrest, Omar chose to stay abroad, fearing he wouldn't be allowed to leave again. "This shattered him," explains Omar Jr., the author of A Tale of Two Omars: A Memoir of Family, Revolution, and Coming Out During the Arab Spring. "Being Egyptian wasn't just his nationality—it was his identity." Meanwhile, his marriage to Faten faced its own trials during the filming of Doctor Zhivago. "I loved her deeply," Omar admitted, "but I believed she deserved a chance to find happiness with someone else while she was still young." Though the marriage ended, Faten went on to remarry, a decision Omar supported wholeheartedly. He, however, never remarried.
A Life of Regrets and Triumphs
Despite his numerous romances, including a whirlwind four-month affair with Funny Girl star Barbra Streisand, Omar often found himself alone. To fill the void, he became a world-class bridge player, only to later abandon the game when he felt his skills weren't up to par. Gambling led to financial losses, forcing him to take roles he wasn't proud of to settle his debts. Yet, in his later years, Omar prioritized strengthening his bonds with family, especially with his grandson, also named Omar. "My grandfather was more than just family—he was my best friend," shares Omar Jr., who now stars in the Israeli TV comedy Beauty and the Baker. "He treated me as an equal, and I called him Omar, while he called me Junior." Omar Sr. passed away in 2015 at the age of 83, just six months after his ex-wife Faten. "He found joy in bringing happiness to others," Omar Jr. reflects. "Even strangers weren't exempt from his kindness—he had a way of making everyone smile."
