Omar Sharif

Academy Award nominated Egyptian actor Omar Sharif had his breakthrough international role in Lawrence of Arabia. He is also one of the world's best known contract bridge players.

Omar Sharif was not just a notable actor; he was also one of the world's most successful players of the card game contract bridge. He co-wrote a column on the topic for the Chicago Tribune from 1970 into the 1990s. He has written several books on the topic, and has licensed his name to a series of bridge computer games. In a 2006 interview, he said he'd given up bridge to concentrate on his work and family.

Sharif has been in trouble with the law twice since 2003 for his violent behavior. In July 2003 he head-butted a police officer in a French casino, and in 2005 he punched a Beverly Hills parking attendant who refused to accept Sharif's Egyptian currency.

• Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.

• April 10, 1932: Born

• 1962: Lawrence of Arabia

• 1964: Behold a Pale Horse

• 1964: The Yellow Rolls-Royce

• 1965: Doctor Zhivago

• 1967: The Night of the Generals

• 1968: Funny Girl