While Omar Sharif harbored strong feelings for Barbra Streisand, and a mutual flirtation occurred between them, they did not officially date in the conventional sense. Their connection primarily unfolded during the production of their acclaimed film, Funny Girl.
The Nature of Their Relationship During Funny Girl
During the filming of the iconic 1968 musical Funny Girl, a noticeable chemistry developed between co-stars Barbra Streisand and Omar Sharif. Streisand has openly shared in her memoir that she enjoyed the playful, flirtatious interactions with Sharif on set.
Omar Sharif was known to have pined after Streisand, indicating a desire for a deeper relationship beyond mere co-stars. However, Streisand ultimately decided not to pursue a romantic relationship further. Her decision was influenced by several significant personal factors at the time:
- She was still married.
- She had recently given birth to her son.
- She did not envision a long-term future with Sharif.
These considerations led her to step away from the possibility of a romance, keeping their relationship within the bounds of on-set camaraderie and mutual admiration, rather than evolving into a formal dating relationship.
Key Aspects of Their Interaction
Here's a brief overview of their dynamic:
| Aspect | Description |
|---|---|
| Omar Sharif's Feelings | He genuinely pined for Barbra Streisand. |
| Streisand's Acknowledgment | She admitted to enjoying the flirting during filming. |
| Context | Their interactions were primarily on the set of Funny Girl. |
| Streisand's Reasons for Not Dating | Still married, recent childbirth, and no perceived future with Sharif. |
| Outcome | A significant on-set flirtation that did not evolve into a formal relationship. |
This dynamic highlights that while there was clear attraction and unrequited longing from Sharif's side, and an acknowledged enjoyment of the flirtation from Streisand, their relationship did not progress to a dating stage.
