Omar Sharif Jr. on his legendary grandfather: “He concentrates on living each day to the fullest”

Hollywood legend Omar Sharif’s openly gay grandson says the movie icon has been diagnosed with Alzheimer’s Disease.

But Omar Sharif Jr., who recently left his job as a national spokesman for GLAAD, tells Closer magazine: ‘While my grandfather has been experiencing the onset of Alzheimer-related symptoms for several years, it has yet to diminish his passion for life, love, family or art.’

In fact, the star of Doctor Zhivago as well as such other film classics as Lawrence of Arabia and Funny Girl recently completed an acting role.

‘Just this March, we filmed small roles in Jim Sheridan’s new movie The Secret Scripture together,’ the grandson says.

The younger Sharif says his grandfather’s role in the film alludes to his fading memory.

‘I join my family in thanking everyone for their thoughts and prayers.’