El Sherif, whose real name is Mohamad Jeber Hairan Arab, is one of the most famous Egyptian actors who starred in more than 170 films, 17 dramas and 20 TV series. He graduated from the Institute for Drama Studies in Alexandria in 1967. That same year, he made his acting debut in Kasr el shawk (Palace of Desire) by the director Hassan al Imam. His most famous roles were in films Al sarab (The Mirage, 1970), Al raghba (Desire, 1980), Egyptian Story (Hadduta misrija, 1982), Al aar (Shame, 1982), Ayam al ghaddab (Days of Anger, 1989), Al massir (Destiny, 1997) and Omaret yakobean (Yacoubian Building, 2006). In 1975, together with his wife, the actress Poussy, he founded a producing company NP Film that promoted many young talented film workers. After directing several theatre plays, in 2000, he made his long-time dream come true and directed his first film Lovers (El ashekan).