Omar Sharif dead at 83

Renowned Egyptian actor Omar Sharif passed away on Friday at the age of 83.

 Earlier, the actor's agent told the media that Sharif was suffering from Alzheimer’s disease for the past three years. Omar Sharif was born in the Egyptian city of Alexandria, to a Christian family as Michel Demetri Chalhoub, but later changed his name and converted to Islam to marry actress Faten Hamama. He began his career in 1983 playing in Egyptian films. Sharif gained worldwide recognition for his roles in David Lean’s Doctor Zhivago and William Wyler’s Funny Girl. Omar Sharif also played in Armenian film director Henri Verneuil’s Mayrig, after which his entry to Turkey was banned. The actor was awarded 3 Golden Globe awards.