Richard Attenborough

Biography

Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough, Kt, CBE (August 29, 1923 – August 24, 2014) was an English actor, filmmaker, entrepreneur, and politician. He was the President of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) and the British Academy of Film and Television Arts (BAFTA). Attenborough joined the Royal Air Force during World War II and served in the film unit. He went on several bombing raids over Europe and filmed action from the rear gunner's position.

As a film director and producer, Attenborough won two Academy Awards for Gandhi in 1983. He also won four BAFTA Awards and four Golden Globe Awards. As an actor, he is perhaps best known for his roles in Brighton Rock, The Great Escape, 10 Rillington Place, Miracle on 34th Street (1994) and Jurassic Park.

He was the older brother of David Attenborough, a naturalist and broadcaster, and John Attenborough, an executive at Alfa Romeo. He was married to actress Sheila Sim from 1945 until his death.

CritifyHub Reviews Featuring Richard Attenborough

Tunneling Through Time: Why The Great Escape Still Breaks Free

on The Great Escape | Aug 22, 2025

Ever wondered what makes a prison break flick feel like a pulse-pounding chess match? The Great Escape (1963), directed by John Sturges, doesn’t just tell a WWII POW story it crafts a defiant hymn to ... Read more