Omar Sharif Dead: Hollywood Mourns 'Doctor Zhivago,' 'Lawrence of Arabia' Star
8:00 AM PDT 7/10/2015 by Ashley Lee
"I grew up on 'Lawrence' and 'Zhivago,'" said Josh Gad. "A legacy with not one, but multiple timeless classics."
Beloved actor Omar Sharif died Friday morning, and the news broke hearts all over Hollywood.
The Egyptian matinee idol, who enthralled audiences around the world with his performances in the sweeping David Lean epics Doctor Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia and was also known for playing the smooth gambler/con man Nicky Arnstein opposite Barbra Streisand in the Funny Girl films, died of a "heart attack in his hotel room," his longtime agent Steve Kenis confirmed to The Hollywood Reporter.
It was reported that Sharif had been battling Alzheimer’s. He was 83.
"Blessed that I was able to work with such a legend," wrote Roland Emmerich, who collaborated with Sharif on the 2008 film 10,000 BC.
Like much of Hollywood, Josh Gad noted his lifelong admiration: "I grew up on Lawrence and Zhivago. A legacy with not one but multiple timeless classics."
See the reactions to Sharif's passing:
Sad to hear about #OmarSharif. I grew up on Lawrence and Zhivago. A legacy with not one but multiple timeless classics.
— Josh Gad (@joshgad) July 10, 2015
Yes, Dr Zhivago. But Nicky Arnstein, Nicky Arnstein...what a beautiful, beautiful name....Omar Sharif pic.twitter.com/mvEuYcjjZw
— Dana Delany (@DanaDelany) July 10, 2015
Very saddened by the passing of Omar Sharif. Blessed that I was able to work with such a legend. Love to the family.
— Roland Emmerich (@rolandemmerich) July 10, 2015
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
One of the greats. In the greatest. The incomparable Omar Sharif pic.twitter.com/NPb2yLiAzM
— Daniel Sharman (@daniel_sharman) July 10, 2015
#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
RIP Omar Sharif, what extraordinary work you brought the world. X
— Eugene Michael Simon (@Eugene_Simon) July 10, 2015
Lawrence of Arabia. Dr. Zhivago. Funny Girl. Top Secret! And MANY more. If you haven't seen, see! RIP Omar Sharif.
— Adam Horowitz (@AdamHorowitzLA) July 10, 2015
Man, the camera loved him. #RIP #OmarSharif (via @ThePlaylist) pic.twitter.com/7ZS4gZguOv
— Carl Quintanilla (@carlquintanilla) July 10, 2015
There will be many somber Omar Sharif remembrances today. He also made me laugh in one of the funniest movies ever. https://t.co/rBdzzORar2
— Lin-Manuel Miranda (@Lin_Manuel) July 10, 2015
Here's the famous shot, in full, of the late Omar Sharif's entry into "Lawrence of Arabia": http://t.co/OT1NS1wKII https://t.co/0jUhzF9A4z
— Kurt Loder (@kurt_loder) July 10, 2015
Can you tell this man was one of my earliest inspirations? Goodbye, gorgeous. #OmarSharif https://t.co/HQU8pENIXW pic.twitter.com/OlozLUKvdd
— Max von Essen (@MaxizPad) July 10, 2015
Growing up as a non-white kid, it was a very big deal every time I saw a non-white actor in a great role. Omar Sharif meant a lot to me.
— Greg Pak (@gregpak) July 10, 2015
My 1st 'movie boyfriend', as a kid I thought Omar Sharif was THE most suave, sophisticated, handsome star on earth! https://t.co/kHypGu5zhv
— Eileen Campbell (@eileenatimax) July 10, 2015
More to come …
