Richard Attenborough has died at the age of 90, with the actor and director’s son confirming his passing on Sunday afternoon.
Famed for parts in such titles as Brighton Rock, The Great Escape and Jurassic Park, Lord Attenborough’s career spanned some six decades, and included a pair of Oscar wins.
Those were awarded to him for his work on Gandhi, which saw him scoop the coveted double-header of Best Picture and Best Director.
“Richard Attenborough trusted me with the crucial and central task of bringing to life a dream it took him 20 years to bring to fruition,” said star, Ben Kingsley. “He placed in me an absolute trust and in turn I placed an absolute trust in him and grew to love him.”
Meanwhile, Steven Spielberg spoke of Lord Attenborough’s passion, which extended to all aspects of his life. “He made a gift to the world with his emotional epic Gandhi and he was the perfect ringmaster to bring the dinosaurs back to life as John Hammond in Jurassic Park,” said the director.
“He was a dear friend and I am standing in an endless line of those who completely adored him.”
The thoughts of all at Total Film are with Lord Attenborough’s family and friends at this difficult time.