Richard Attenborough Biography

(English Actor & Filmmaker)

Birthday: August 29, 1923 (Virgo)

Born In: Cambridge, England, United Kingdom

Richard Samuel Attenborough was a British actor, filmmaker, politician, and entrepreneur. He is best known for bringing on screen the life and teachings of the great Indian leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi in the epic movie ‘Gandhi.’ Born to a scholar and academician father, Richard chose an unlikely profession for himself. Starting out as an actor, he was initially stereotyped as someone who played cowardly characters. He then went on to play various characters, proving his versatility as an actor. He began his acting career as a theatre artist before moving on to work in films. A prolific actor, he worked tirelessly and was one of the most talented British actors ever to grace the silver screen. Attenborough had already made a mark as an actor, but he became an international icon when he directed the film ‘Gandhi’ for which he received two ‘Academy Awards.’ Apart from ‘Gandhi,’ he also made several other successful movies like ‘Cry Freedom,’ which too was based on the life of a social activist. He also served as the president of ‘British Academy of Film and Television Arts’ (BAFTA) and the ‘Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’ (RADA).

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Quick Facts

British Celebrities Born In August

Also Known As: Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough

Died At Age: 90

Family:

Spouse/Ex-: Sheila Sim

father: Frederick Levi Attenborough

mother: Mary Clegg

siblings: David Attenborough, John Attenborough

children: Charlotte Attenborough, Jane Attenborough, Michael Attenborough

Born Country: England

Actors Directors

Height: 5'7" (170 cm), 5'7" Males

Died on: August 24, 2014

place of death: London, England, United Kingdom

Notable Alumni: Wyggeston Grammar School For Boys

City: Cambridge, England

More Facts

education: Royal Academy Of Dramatic Art, Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys

  • 1

    When did Richard Attenborough pass away?

    Richard Attenborough passed away on August 24, 2014.
  • 2

    What is Richard Attenborough best known for?

    Richard Attenborough is best known for his roles in films such as "Jurassic Park" and "Gandhi," as well as his work as a director on films like "Gandhi" and "A Bridge Too Far."

  • 3

    What was Richard Attenborough's first major film role?

    Richard Attenborough's first major film role was in the 1942, film "In Which We Serve," directed by Noël Coward and David Lean.

  • 4

    Did Richard Attenborough serve in the military?

    Yes, Richard Attenborough served in the Royal Air Force during World War II.
  • 5

    What inspired Richard Attenborough to become an actor?

    Richard Attenborough was inspired to become an actor after seeing a production of "The Knight of the Burning Pestle" at the age of nine.
Childhood & Early Life

Richard Samuel Attenborough was born on 29 August 1923, in Cambridge, United Kingdom, to Frederick Attenborough and Mary Clegg. His father was a scholar and a fellow of the ‘Emmanuel College,’ Cambridge. His mother was a founding member of the ‘Marriage Guidance Council.’

He studied at ‘Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys’ in Leicester before attending the ‘Royal Academy of Dramatic Art’ (RADA) where he studied drama.

His family was principled and socially responsible. His parents adopted two German Jewish refugee girls in 1939 and raised them along with their three boys.

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Career

He served in the ‘Royal Air Force’ during the ‘Second World War.’ He flew over Europe with the ‘Film Unit’ and filmed from the rear gunner’s position on several occasions.

He began his acting career on stage before moving to Hollywood. He appeared in his first film in 1942 in an uncredited role.

His breakthrough role came in 1948 when he played ‘Pinkie Brown’ in the film ‘Brighton Rock,’ which was based on Graham Greene’s novel. His role was much appreciated.

The 1950s were a very productive time for Attenborough who had become a popular actor by now. During the ‘50s, he appeared in several comedies like ‘Private’s Progress’ (1956) and ‘I’m All Right Jack’ (1959).

In 1963, he got an opportunity to appear in ‘The Great Escape’ as ‘Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett.’ The movie went on to become a major blockbuster.

In 1966, he starred alongside Steve McQueen and Richard Crenna in the period war film ‘The Sand Pebbles,’ which narrated the story of a rebellious U.S. Navy Machinist’s Mate.

He made his directorial debut with ‘Oh! What a Lovely War!’ in 1969. The film was based on a stage musical of the same name. The film had an ensemble cast of John Mills, Laurence Olivier, and Jack Hawkins.

In 1977, he played a role in an Indian film, directed by Satyajit Ray. He portrayed the character of ‘General Outram’ in the film titled ‘Shatranj Ke Khilari,’ which was based on a short story by Munshi Premchand.

During the 1980s, he seldom took up acting roles and focused more on direction. In 1982, he produced and directed ‘Gandhi,’ a biographical film about the famous Indian leader Mohandas Gandhi. The film was a huge critical and commercial hit.

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In 1987, he directed ‘Cry Freedom,’ which was based on the activities of black social reformer Steve Biko. The film was set in the apartheid era of South Africa. Biko was a man Attenborough greatly respected.

He played the role of ‘John Hammond’ in the 1993 science fiction film ‘Jurassic Park.’ The movie, which became a super hit, spawned a sequel titled ‘The Lost World: Jurassic Park’ in 1997 in which he reprised his role.

In 1998, he played ‘Sir William Cecil’ in a biographical drama film titled ‘Elizabeth.’ The following year, he produced and directed a biopic titled ‘Grey Owl.’ He directed his last movie ‘Closing the Ring’ in 2007.

Major Works

The 1982 movie ‘Gandhi’ is considered to be his masterpiece. Based on the life of the popular Indian nationalist Mohandas Gandhi, this movie was very close to Attenborough’s heart. The film was well received by the critics and won numerous awards and nominations.

Awards & Achievements

He won two ‘Academy Awards’ for ‘Gandhi’ at the 55th ‘Academy Awards’ in 1983. He won the awards under the ‘Best Director’ and ‘Best Picture’ categories. He also won ‘BAFTA Awards’ for ‘Best Film’ and ‘Best Direction’ for the same film.

On 19 October 2016, the ‘Arts for India charity committee’ honored Richard Attenborough posthumously.

Personal Life & Legacy

He married actress Sheila Sim in 1945. The couple was happily married and blessed with three children. His daughter Jane perished in the Asian tsunami in 2004.

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He was a dedicated philanthropist and served as the president of the ‘Muscular Dystrophy’ campaign.

He believed that everyone, irrespective of race, color, or ethnicity, should get the right to education. He was actively involved with the ‘United World Colleges’ movement and the ‘Waterford Kamhlaba United World College of Southern Africa.’

His health had been deteriorating over the last few years of his life. He breathed his last on 24 August 2014, five days before his 91st birthday.

Facts About Richard Attenborough

Richard Attenborough was a talented actor, director, and producer, but he also had a lesser-known passion for collecting seashells.

Despite his success in Hollywood, Attenborough remained a dedicated philanthropist throughout his life.

He was actively involved in various charitable causes, including supporting children's hospitals and education programs.

In addition to his work in film, Attenborough was a keen advocate for environmental conservation.

He spoke out about the importance of protecting wildlife and natural habitats, using his platform to raise awareness about these issues.
He enjoyed lightening the mood and keeping his coworkers entertained with his playful antics, showing a different side to his serious public persona.

One of Attenborough's hidden talents was his skill as a painter. He enjoyed creating art in his spare time, finding it to be a relaxing and fulfilling creative outlet away from the demands of the film industry.

Richard Attenborough Movies

1. The Great Escape (1963)

  (History, Thriller, War, Drama, Adventure)

2. Gandhi (1982)

  (Biography, History, Drama)

3. A Matter of Life and Death (1946)

  (Drama, Romance, Comedy, Fantasy, War)

4. Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)

  (Crime, Drama)

5. The Sand Pebbles (1966)

  (Drama, War, Romance, Adventure)

6. Whistle Down the Wind (1961)

  (Drama, Crime)

7. Shatranj Ke Khilari (1977)

  (History, Comedy, Drama)

8. Jurassic Park (1993)

  (Thriller, Sci-Fi, Adventure)

9. The Flight of the Phoenix (1965)

  (Adventure, Drama)

10. The Angry Silence (1960)

  (Drama)

Awards

Academy Awards(Oscars)
1983 Best Picture Gandhi (1982)
1983 Best Director Gandhi (1982)
Golden Globe Awards
1983 Best Director - Motion Picture Gandhi (1982)
1968 Best Supporting Actor Doctor Dolittle (1967)
1967 Best Supporting Actor The Sand Pebbles (1966)
BAFTA Awards
1983 Best Direction Gandhi (1982)
1983 Best Film Gandhi (1982)
1965 Best British Actor Guns at Batasi (1964)
1965 Best British Actor Seance on a Wet Afternoon (1964)

See the events in life of Richard Attenborough in Chronological Order

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- Richard Attenborough Biography
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