Learn How to Pronounce Omar Sharif | YouPronounce.it
How to Pronounce Omar Sharif
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Meaning and Context
Omar Sharif, born Michel Demitri Shalhoub in Alexandria, Egypt in 1932, was an iconic Egyptian actor whose magnetic screen presence and sophisticated charm made him a global cinematic legend. He achieved international stardom after his acclaimed performance as Sherif Ali in David Lean's epic historical drama Lawrence of Arabia (1962), a role for which he received an Academy Award nomination for Best Supporting Actor. His fame was cemented with his starring role as the title character in Lean's subsequent epic, Doctor Zhivago (1965), where his portrayal of the poet-physician Yuri Zhivago became an enduring symbol of romantic resilience. Sharif's career uniquely bridged Hollywood cinema and Middle Eastern film, having first established himself as a major star in Egyptian cinema, often paired with actress Faten Hamama, whom he married. His illustrious career, which spanned over five decades and included a Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor for Lawrence of Arabia, solidified his legacy as one of the most recognizable and beloved international film stars of the 20th century, a true icon of classic cinema.
Common Mistakes and Alternative Spellings
The standard and correct spelling in English is "Omar Sharif." However, several variations and common errors arise due to transliteration from the original Arabic (عمر الشريف). The most frequent alternative spelling is "Omar Shariff," with an extra 'f' at the end, likely due to an attempt to emphasize the pronunciation of the final consonant. Another common misspelling is "Omar Sheriff," which replaces the 'a' with an 'e' and sometimes drops the final 'f,' incorrectly anglicizing the name. Typos such as "Omar Sharif" (missing the 'r') or "Omar Sharif" are also encountered. In Arabic, the name is properly transliterated as "ʿUmar ash-Shareef," but the simplified "Omar Sharif" has become the universally accepted form in Western media and film history. When searching, it is important to use the correct spelling to access accurate information about his filmography and biography.
Example Sentences
With his piercing gaze and effortless charisma, Omar Sharif stole every scene he was in, whether riding a camel across the desert or navigating a snow-covered Russian landscape.
Film historians often cite Sharif's performance in Doctor Zhivago as a masterclass in conveying profound emotion with remarkable subtlety.
Beyond his famous Hollywood epics, Sharif remained a devoted bridge between cultures, frequently returning to act in Egyptian and French productions throughout his career.
In his later years, Sharif was celebrated not just as a movie star but as a world-class contract bridge player, having authored several books on the subject.
The enduring appeal of Omar Sharif lies in his unique ability to embody both the exotic foreigner and the universally relatable romantic hero.
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