British actor and director Richard Attenborough dies at age 90
Oscar-winning director and actor Lord Richard Attenborough has passed away at the age of 90.
His career on film spanned more than six decades and included 78 acting roles and 12 directing credits.
Those who had their childhood during the 1990s will perhaps remember him best for playing the role of billionaire and dinosaur park creator John Hammond in Jurassic Park.
However, he was also known for other major roles such as 1982’s Gandhi, which landed him an Academy Award for Best Director, 1963’s The Great Escape, 1969’s Oh What a Lovely War, and the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street.
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He was a ambassador for humanitarian initiatives such as UNICEF, won the Martin Luther King Jr. Peace Prize in 1983, and knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985.
Attenborough’s health deteriorated after he lost his daughter and granddaughter to the Indian Ocean tsunami that hit Thailand on Boxing Day 2004. He spent his remaining days at a care home and is survived by his wife, son and a daughter.
One of his brothers David Attenborough is one of the world’s most renowned naturalists, and is best known for his voiceovers of BBC’s Planet Earth series.
His acting in “Brighton Rock” was brilliant, his directing of “Gandhi” was stunning – Richard Attenborough was one of the greats of cinema.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) August 24, 2014
Greatly saddened to hear the great Richard Attenborough has left us. Such a wonderful and talented man.
— Sir Roger Moore (@sirrogermoore) August 24, 2014
Richard Attenborough was the kindest man I have ever had the privilege of working with. A Prince. RIP ‘Pa’ – and thank you
— mia farrow (@MiaFarrow) August 24, 2014
Sad to hear of Dickie Attenborogh. Family secret – he was Richard and David Dave. True story. He did so so much in so many arenas.
— Stephen Fry (@stephenfry) August 24, 2014
We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of esteemed filmmaker and former BAFTA President Lord Attenborough: http://t.co/XnsDng7tnr
— BAFTA (@BAFTA) August 24, 2014
RIP Richard Attenborough. One of the true greats of the silver screen.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 24, 2014
We are deeply saddened by the passing of Richard Attenborough. As a UNICEF Goodwill Ambassador he was a tireless advocate for children
— UNICEF (@UNICEF) August 25, 2014
Feature Image: Universal