Sir Richard Attenborough, 90, Passes

Sir Richard Attenborough, Oscar-winning director, and actor died today at the age of 90. The news was reported by Attenborough’s son with no cause given. Known to his friends as Dickie, Attenborough had reportedly been in poor health since suffering a stroke in 2008.

Attenborough’s 60-year film career included more than 70 acting appearances among which are classics such as Jurassic Park, The Great Escape, and Doctor Doolittle. As a director, Sir Richard won two Oscars for the film Gandhi which is widely hailed as a masterpiece. His other directorial credits include Cry Freedom, a Bridge Too Far, and Chaplin.

Attenborough was a life long supporter of the Chelsea Football Club and was presented with the honorary title of Life President in 2008. He served as a director of the club from 1969-1982 and honorary Life Vice President between 1993 and 2008.

Prime Minister David Cameron issued a statement calling Attenborough “one of the greats of cinema.” “His acting in ‘Brighton Rock’ was brilliant, his directing of ‘Gandhi’ was stunning,” Cameron said.

See the full feature on Sir Richard Attenborough in the Huffington Post here. (Link no longer available)

Steven Spielberg issued the following statement about Attenborough: “Dickie Attenborough was passionate about everything in his life – family, friends, country and career. He made a gift to the world with his emotional epic “Ghandi” and he was the perfect ringmaster to bring the dinosaurs back to life as John Hammond in ‘Jurassic Park.’ He was a dear friend and I am standing in an endless line of those who completely adored him.”

See the full feature on Sir Richard Attenborough in Variety here.