'Lawrence of Arabia' Star Omar Sharif Dead at 83

Acclaimed actor Omar Sharif, who is best known for his roles in "Lawrence of Arabia" and "Doctor Zhivago" died Friday. He was 83.

The Egyptian-born star suffered a heart attack at a Cairo hospital in the afternoon, his agent Steve Kenis confirmed. His death comes after his agent confirmed earlier this year that Sharif had been diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease.

Antonio Banderas, who starred with Sharif in 1999's "The 13th Warrior," mourned the loss of his co-star on Twitter.

TV personality personality Larry King, a friend of Sharif, also paid tribute.

Sharif's star in Hollywood soared after he received a Best Supporting Actor Oscar nomination for his role in 1962's "Lawrence of Arabia." The performance scored him further honors with two Golden Globe awards. And the accolades continued three years later when he won another Golden Globe statue for "Doctor Zhivago" in the title role.

Sharif is survived by a son, Tarek, and two grandchildren, including Omar Sharif, Jr, a gay rights advocate who wrote on Twitter that he will "miss his grandfather dearly" and expressed gratitude for the "global outpouring of prayers & support."

The former onscreen heartthrob had previously claimed to have a son out of wedlock in several interviews. His ex-wife Faten Hamama, also an actor, whom he wed in 1954 and divorced 20 years later, died in January earlier this year.