Omar Sharif Legendary Actor ,Master Bridge Player ,Sex Symbol, Gentleman R.I.P

[PhilG007]

Omar Sharif sadly passed away in Egypt yesterday aged 89. He was the reason I took up the game

many moons ago. I frequently played in the worldwide pairs contests sponsored by electronics giant EPSON throughout the '90s

Omar commented and analysed the deals in a complimentary booklet. It was a joy to follow his comments. He admitted in an interview 10 years ago

that,ironically,it was his addiction to cards that wrecked his acting career. A born gambler,he lost thousands at cards and not just

at bridge. He was also a heavy smoker and this contributed to his failing health. During his time as a player,Sharif partnered many of the top

players of the time including legends Belladonna and Garozzo. He also founded a touring team of professional bridge players called the "Omar Sharif

Bridge Circus" which made tours of Europe and North America throughout the 1970s and 80s taking on powerful teams including the legendary

DALLAS ACES in head to head matches.Despite sponsorship of $50,000 in 1970,none of the American tours were a commercial success although they did generate

wide publicity for bridge. Sharif once commented that "Acting is my business,bridge is my passion". All through his life,he was a great ambassador

for the game making frequent publicity appearances at top level events. He will be sadly missed,by thespians and bridge players alike.

[MrAce]

Omar Sharif sadly passed away in Egypt yesterday aged 89. He was the reason I took up the game

many moons ago. I frequently played in the worldwide pairs contests sponsored by electronics giant EPSON throughout the '90s

Omar commented and analysed the deals in a complimentary booklet. It was a joy to follow his comments. He admitted in an interview 10 years ago

that,ironically,it was his addiction to cards that wrecked his acting career. A born gambler,he lost thousands at cards and not just

at bridge. He was also a heavy smoker and this contributed to his failing health. During his time as a player,Sharif partnered many of the top

players of the time including legends Belladonna and Garozzo. He also founded a touring team of professional bridge players called the "Omar Sharif

Bridge Circus" which made tours of Europe and North America throughout the 1970s and 80s taking on powerful teams including the legendary

DALLAS ACES in head to head matches.Despite sponsorship of $50,000 in 1970,none of the American tours were a commercial success although they did generate

wide publicity for bridge. Sharif once commented that "Acting is my business,bridge is my passion". All through his life,he was a great ambassador

for the game making frequent publicity appearances at top level events. He will be sadly missed,by thespians and bridge players alike.

 

We know, it is already posted HERE

[PhilG007]

We know, it is already posted HERE

That article only deals with his acting and personal life. There is only a passing reference to bridge.

[diana_eva]

Obits usually go to the RIP thread in the Water Cooler, PG. Not a big deal to post here though.

 

WBF published an article covering more of Sharif's bridge life:

http://www.worldbridge.org/omar-sharif.aspx

[1eyedjack]

Omar Sharif sadly passed away in Egypt yesterday aged 89 83.

FYP. A mere stripling.

[barmar]

Obits usually go to the RIP thread in the Water Cooler, PG. Not a big deal to post here though.

Those are usually non-bridge-related RIPs.

[gwnn]

Those are usually non-bridge-related RIPs.

Well yea because there are less bridge players than non-bridge players.