‘Every day I try to think of how I can honour what they loved’
Omar Sharif Jr grew up with two screen legends for grandparents. His grandfather (to whom he bears more than a passing resemblance) was the Egyptian actor, Hollywood movie star and leading man of Doctor Zhivago, from whom he inherited his name. His grandmother, Faten Hamama, was also an actress, known as the Elizabeth Taylor of the Middle East.
A model, actor, gay activist and author, Omar, 39, is aware of the advantages his famous name has given him. “I’m a nepo baby, as they call it now,” he says, flashing a charming smile. But his awareness of privilege has also compelled him to keep his relatives’ memory alive. “Every day I try to think of what I can do to honour the legacy of my grandparents and what they loved in the world.”
The perfect opportunity presented itself
