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.
Filmography
Cast Credits
Humphrey Jennings: The Man Who Listened to Britain
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2025
Diana: The People's Princess
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2017
Richard Attenborough: A Life in Film
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2014
Talking Pictures
Character: Self (archive footage)
TV • 2013
Return to Jurassic Park
Character: Self (archive footage)
MOVIE • 2011
Strolling Into the Sunset
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2008
Chaplin the Hero
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2008
The Most Famous Man in the World!
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2008
The Making of 'The Sand Pebbles'
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2007
The One Show
Character: Self
TV • 2006
Steve McQueen: The Essence of Cool
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2005
Toward the Unknown Region: Malcolm Arnold - A Story of Survival
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2004
Within the Way Without
Character: (voice)
MOVIE • 2004
The Many Lives of Richard Attenborough
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2003
Charlie: The Life and Art of Charles Chaplin
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2003
Forever Ealing
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2002
Puckoon
Character: Writer/Director
MOVIE • 2002
Jack and the Beanstalk: The Real Story
Character: Magog
TV • 2001
Beyond Jurassic Park
Character: Self
MOVIE • 2001
The Children Who Cheated the Nazis
Character: Narrator
MOVIE • 2000
Crew
Crew Credits
Closing the Ring
Role: Director
MOVIE • 2007
Closing the Ring
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 2007
Grey Owl
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1999
Grey Owl
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1999
In Love and War
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1996
In Love and War
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1996
Shadowlands
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1993
Shadowlands
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1993
Chaplin
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1992
Chaplin
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1992
Cry Freedom
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1987
Cry Freedom
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1987
A Chorus Line
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1985
Gandhi
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1982
Gandhi
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1982
Magic
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1978
A Bridge Too Far
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1977
Young Winston
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1972
Oh! What a Lovely War
Role: Director
MOVIE • 1969
Oh! What a Lovely War
Role: Producer
MOVIE • 1969