OMAR SHARIF

PROUST QUESTIONNAIRE

Omar Sharif appeared in two of the 20th century's landmark films, Lawrence of Arabia and Doctor Zhivago. He is also the only man in history to have played both Genghis Khan and Che Guevara. With starring roles in two new movies—this month's Monsieur Ibrahim and the upcoming Hidalgo-the 71-year-old actor and champion bridge player pauses to reflect on intolerance, Gandhi, and gambling

What is your idea of perfect happiness?

Not desiring what I don't have.

What is your greatest fear?

Dependence on anybody else.

Which historical figure do you most identify with?

Gandhi.

Which living person do you most admire?

Marlon Brando.

What is the trait you most deplore in others?

Intolerance.

What is your greatest extravagance?

Gambling.

What is your favorite journey?

Up the Nile to Aswan.

What do you consider the most overrated virtue?

Working hard.

On what occasion do you lie?

Since my divorce, I never lie.

What do you dislike most about your appearance?

My paunch.

What or who is the greatest love of your life?

My son.

Which talent would you most like to have?

Acting.

If you could change one thing about your family, what would it be?

My family is perfect.

If you were to die and come back as a person or thing, what do you think it would be?

A camera.

If you could choose what to come back as, what would it be?

A champion racehorse.

What is your most treasured possession?

The complete works of Shakespeare.

Where would you like to live?

In Paris.

What is your most marked characteristic?

A quick wit.

Who are your favorite writers?

Proust and Agatha Christie.

Who is your favorite hero of fiction?

Ulysses.

Who are your heroes in real life?

All people who are against killing others.

What are your favorite names?

Omar and Zuleika.

What is it that you most dislike?

Discussions about God.

How would you like to die?

In my sleep.

What is your motto?

"Love thy neighbor."