The British actor died at lunchtime yesterday, five days before 91st birthday. He was the elder brother of BBC nature broadcaster Sir David Attenborough.
A winner of two Academy Awards, four BAFTA Awards & three Golden Globes, ‘Dickie’, as he was affectionately known by friends, was one of Britain's leading actors and successful directors.
As an actor, he is best known for his roles in Brighton Rock, The Great Escape, Miracle on 34th Street and Jurassic Park. The 1982 epic Gandhi, which Attenborough produced and directed, was nominated for eleven Oscars and won eight.
Lord Attenborough had been confined to wheelchair since he suffered a stroke in 2008 and had been living in a care home for sick entertainers with his wife Sheila Sims.
Tributes have been flooding in since news broke yesterday evening:
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
"I believe we need heroes...we need certain people who we can measure our own shortcomings by." - Richard Attenborough
— The Academy (@TheAcademy) August 24, 2014
— Simon Pegg (@simonpegg) 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
Dear dear Dickie: a true legend of the screen and a delightful man. Very sad news. RIP. #RichardAttenborough
— Piers Morgan (@piersmorgan) August 24, 2014
Rest in peace Richard Attenborough. You were the best Santa ever. #miracleon34thstreet #RIP 🎅 pic.twitter.com/0spcRsbkWF
— Santa Claus (@OfficialSanta) 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
Oh no Richard Attenborough. Had the great privilege of meeting him briefly. A great actor, director & gentleman. And the only real Santa.
— Maïa Dunphy (@MaiaDunphy) August 24, 2014
Very sorry to hear of Richard Attenborough's passing.
— William Shatner (@WilliamShatner) August 25, 2014
Sir Richard Attenborough was the only Santa Claus I ever believed in. A wonderful man. Still in shock right now. May he rest in peace.
— Mara Wilson (@MaraWritesStuff) August 24, 2014
