# Richard Attenborough

> British actor (1923–2014)

**Wikidata**: [Q51506](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q51506)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Richard_Attenborough)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/richard-attenborough

## Summary

Richard Samuel Attenborough (1923–2014) was a British actor, film director, and producer who became one of Britain's most distinguished figures in cinema. He is best known for directing the Academy Award-winning film *Gandhi* (1982), which earned him Oscars for Best Director and Best Picture, and for his versatile acting career spanning over six decades. Attenborough was also a prominent politician, serving as a member of parliament, and was knighted for his contributions to the arts.

## Biography

- **Born:** August 29, 1923, Cambridge, England
- **Died:** August 24, 2014, London, England
- **Nationality:** British (United Kingdom)
- **Full Name:** Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough, The Right Honourable Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough CBE FRSA
- **Aliases:** Dickie Attenborough, The Lord Attenborough
- **Education:** Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA, founded 1904), University of Oxford
- **Known For:** Acting, directing, and producing critically acclaimed films; most notably *Gandhi* (1982)
- **Employer(s):** Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, University of Oxford
- **Field(s):** Film acting, film directing, film producing, screenwriting, stage acting, politics, university teaching
- **Citizenship:** United Kingdom
- **Work Period:** 1942–2007

## Contributions

Richard Attenborough made substantial contributions across multiple facets of the film industry and public life:

### Directing
- **Gandhi (1982)** — Epic biographical film about Indian independence leader Mohandas Gandhi. Won 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. Received 68 sitelinks, making it one of his most internationally recognized works.
- **A Bridge Too Far (1977)** — World War II epic depicting Operation Market Garden. Generated 40 sitelinks.
- **Shadowlands (1993)** — Romantic drama based on the relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Davidman. Received 20 sitelinks.

### Acting
- Appeared in numerous films throughout his career spanning from 1942 to 2007
- Performed as both stage actor and film actor
- Notable work in Shakespearean comedy productions

### Producing
- Served as film producer, supervising the making of numerous films
- Founded and managed film productions through his directorial work

### Political Career
- Held position as politician, seeking positions in government
- Served as member of parliament

### Academic
- Worked as university teacher, teaching at university or college level

### Awards and Recognition
- **Academy Award for Best Director** — For *Gandhi* (1982)
- **Academy Award for Best Picture** — For *Gandhi* (1982)
- **BAFTA Fellowship** (1971)
- **Golden Globe Award for Best Director** (1983)
- **BAFTA Award for Best Direction** (1968)
- **Padma Bhushan** — India's third-highest civilian award (1954)
- **Knight Bachelor** — Title granted by British monarch
- **Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)**
- **Knight of the Legion of Honour** — France's first rank
- **Directors Guild of America Award** (1938)
- **Praemium Imperiale** — Arts prize (1988, 1989)
- **Silver Shell for Best Actor** — San Sebastián International Film Festival (1953)
- **Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor** (1943)
- **Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo** — South African award (2002)
- **National Board of Review Award for Best Film**
- **Berlinale Camera** — Berlin International Film Festival award (1986)

## FAQs

**What was Richard Attenborough's most successful film as a director?**
*Gandhi* (1982) was his most successful film, winning eight Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director. It remains one of the most acclaimed biographical films ever made.

**Where did Richard Attenborough receive his education?**
He was educated at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) in London and attended the University of Oxford, one of the world's oldest universities founded in 1096.

**What other notable awards did Richard Attenborough receive?**
Beyond his Academy Awards, he received India's Padma Bhushan, France's Knight of the Legion of Honour, South Africa's Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo, and was made a Knight Bachelor and Commander of the Order of the British Empire.

**Was Richard Attenborough involved in politics?**
Yes, he served as a politician holding positions in government. He was also known as Baron Attenborough and The Right Honourable, reflecting his peerage status.

**What was Richard Attenborough's career span?**
His work period spanned from 1942 to 2007, covering over six decades in the entertainment industry as an actor, director, and producer.

## Why They Matter

Richard Attenborough's significance extends far beyond his individual films. As a director, he brought historical figures to life with unprecedented scope and emotional depth, particularly in *Gandhi*, which helped introduce Indian independence history to global audiences and earned international recognition for Indian cinema. His ability to helm large-scale productions like *A Bridge Too Far* demonstrated his mastery of epic filmmaking.

As an actor, Attenborough contributed to British cinema's golden age and later transitioned seamlessly into directing. His dual career provided him with unique insights into both performance and production, making him a respected figure across the industry.

His political engagement and knighthood reflected his broader cultural influence in Britain. The numerous awards from multiple countries—India's Padma Bhushan, France's Legion of Honour, South Africa's Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo—demonstrate his international recognition beyond the English-speaking world.

Attenborough's legacy includes inspiring future generations of filmmakers and actors, particularly through his work at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Without his contributions, British cinema would lack several landmark films and the industry would be missing a model of artistic versatility combining acting, directing, and producing excellence.

## Notable For

- Directed *Gandhi* (1982), winner of 8 Academy Awards including Best Picture and Best Director
- First person to receive both Academy Award for Best Director and Best Picture for the same film in decades
- Received India's Padma Bhushan, one of the highest civilian honors by a foreign nation
- Knighted by the British monarchy as Knight Bachelor
- Awarded France's highest order, the Legion of Honour
- Received South Africa's Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo for international relations
- Held the title of Baron Attenborough in the British peerage
- Served as Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE)
- Won BAFTA Fellowship, the highest honor from the British Academy
- Received the Praemium Imperiale arts prize (1988, 1989)
- Work period spanning 65 years (1942–2007)
- Notable works include *Gandhi*, *A Bridge Too Far*, and *Shadowlands*

## Body

### Early Life and Education

Richard Samuel Attenborough was born on August 29, 1923, in Cambridge, England. His birth occurred during the interwar period, and he grew up in Britain during a time of significant social and political transformation. He received his formal education at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA), the prestigious drama school located in London, England, which was founded in 1904. RADA has produced numerous distinguished actors and remains one of the world's leading drama institutions. Attenborough also attended the University of Oxford, the historic collegiate research university established in 1096, further cementing his educational foundation in the humanities and performing arts.

### Acting Career

Attenborough began his professional acting career in 1942, at the height of World War II. His work period as an actor, director, and producer extended from 1942 until 2007, encompassing an extraordinary 65-year span in the entertainment industry. He performed as both a stage actor, appearing in live theatrical productions before in-person audiences, and as a film actor, appearing in numerous motion pictures throughout his career.

His acting repertoire included work in Shakespearean comedy productions, demonstrating his versatility in classical and contemporary theatrical forms. As an actor, he worked across dramatic and comic productions in film, television, theatre, and radio, embodying the broader definition of the acting profession.

### Directorial Career

Attenborough transitioned from acting to directing, becoming one of Britain's most acclaimed film directors. His directorial works include:

**Gandhi (1982)** — This epic biographical film chronicles the life of Indian independence leader Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi. The film was internationally acclaimed and won eight Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. The sitelink count of 68 reflects its significant presence in global cinema discourse. The film's inception date is recorded as 1982.

**A Bridge Too Far (1977)** — This World War II epic depicts the failed Operation Market Garden in 1944. The film is noted for its large scale and ensemble cast, representing the complexities of military operations during one of history's most significant conflicts. The film has 40 sitelinks.

**Shadowlands (1993)** — This romantic drama explores the relationship between C.S. Lewis and American writer Joy Davidman. The film received 20 sitelinks and represents Attenborough's continued exploration of human relationships and intellectual history.

### Producing and Screenwriting

Beyond directing and acting, Attenborough served as a film producer, supervising the making of numerous films throughout his career. He also worked as a screenwriter, writing for films, television shows, comics, and games. His multifaceted involvement in film production demonstrated his comprehensive understanding of the entertainment industry.

### Political Career

Attenborough held positions in government as a politician, serving as a member of parliament. His political engagement reflected his broader interest in public affairs beyond the entertainment industry. He was granted the title Baron Attenborough, which elevated him to the peerage, and was formally addressed as The Right Honourable Richard Samuel Attenborough, Baron Attenborough CBE FRSA.

### Academic and Teaching

He worked as a university teacher, sharing his expertise and experience with students at higher education institutions. His affiliation with the University of Oxford and the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art demonstrates his commitment to nurturing the next generation of performers and filmmakers.

### Awards and Honors

Attenborough received an extensive array of awards recognizing his contributions to cinema and international relations:

**Academy Awards:** He won the Academy Award for Best Director and Academy Award for Best Picture for *Gandhi* (1982), establishing him among the most distinguished directors in cinema history. The Academy Award for Best Director category was established in 1929, while the Academy Award for Best Picture dates to the same year.

**British Recognition:** He received the BAFTA Fellowship in 1971, BAFTA Award for Best Direction in 1968, and was made a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE). He was also knighted as a Knight Bachelor, a title granted to men who have been knighted by the British monarch but not as members of organized orders of chivalry.

**International Honors:** India's Padma Bhushan (1954), the country's third-highest civilian award, recognized his cinematic contributions that brought Indian stories to global audiences. France awarded him the Knight of the Legion of Honour, the first rank of the French order. South Africa presented him with the Order of the Companions of O. R. Tambo in 2002.

**Other Recognitions:** He received the Directors Guild of America Award (established 1938), Golden Globe Award for Best Director (1944), Golden Globe Award for Best Supporting Actor (1943), Silver Shell for Best Actor at the San Sebastián International Film Festival (1953), Praemium Imperiale arts prize (1988, 1989), and the Berlinale Camera (1986).

### Personal Life and Legacy

Attenborough passed away on August 24, 2014, in London, England, five days before his 91st birthday. His legacy encompasses his groundbreaking films, his influence on British cinema, and his contributions to international understanding through storytelling. His work continues to inspire filmmakers and actors worldwide, and his films remain studied in film schools and celebrated for their artistic and historical significance.

### Cultural Impact

The Attenborough Prize, established in 2007, serves as an annual contemporary visual arts prize in the United Kingdom, named in recognition of his contributions to the arts. This demonstrates his lasting impact on cultural institutions beyond cinema.

His films have been instrumental in bringing historical narratives to international audiences, particularly *Gandhi*, which played a significant role in shaping global understanding of India's independence movement. His work in World War II films like *A Bridge Too Far* contributed to popular historical understanding of key military events.

### Professional Affiliations

Attenborough was affiliated with the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art, where he received his training, and the University of Oxford, where he pursued his education. These institutions represent two of Britain's most prestigious educational and cultural establishments.

### Physical Attributes

According to the source material, Attenborough's height was recorded as 1.7 meters (approximately 5 feet 7 inches).

### Identifier Information

The source material contains extensive identifier properties including IMDB ID (nm0000277), various library and archive identifiers, and Wikidata references, reflecting his documented presence in international databases and cultural records.

## References

1. Integrated Authority File
2. [Deutsche Biographie](https://www.deutsche-biographie.de/118898752.html)
3. [Encyclopædia Britannica](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Richard-Attenborough)
4. BnF authorities
5. The Peerage
6. LIBRIS. 2014
7. [Source](https://www.unicef.org/goodwill-ambassadors/richard-attenborough)
8. [Source](https://www.rada.ac.uk/profiles?aos=acting&yr=1942&fn=richard&sn=attenborough)
9. Hansard 1803–2005
10. www.acmi.net.au
11. The London Gazette 44326
12. [Source](https://www.ft.com/content/9e5b3252-2bd4-11e4-b052-00144feabdc0)
13. [Source](https://books.google.ru/books?id=fHFZAAAAMAAJ&q=Directors+Guild+of+America+Award+Attenborough)
14. [Source](https://www.upi.com/Archives/1983/04/02/India-honors-Attenborough-for-Gandhi/1322418107600/)
15. [Source](https://www.praemiumimperiale.org/en/laureate-en/laureates-en)
16. [Source](https://www.oscars.org/oscars/ceremonies/1983)
17. The London Gazette 46777
18. [Source](https://www.europeanfilmacademy.org/European-Film-Awards-Winners-1988.85.0.html)
19. [Source](https://www.bodleian.ox.ac.uk/about/libraries/bodley-medal)
20. CiNii Research
21. Virtual International Authority File
22. MusicBrainz
23. [Source](https://www.thekeep.info/collections/keep-partners/university-of-sussex-special-collections/richard-attenborough-papers/)
24. RKDartists
25. SNAC
26. Internet Broadway Database
27. Find a Grave
28. Encyclopædia Britannica Online
29. filmportal.de
30. Brockhaus Enzyklopädie
31. Great Norwegian Encyclopedia
32. Gran Enciclopèdia Catalana
33. GeneaStar
34. Roglo
35. Proleksis Encyclopedia
36. Munzinger Personen
37. [Source](http://www.bbc.com/news/entertainment-arts-28923074)
38. Freebase Data Dumps. 2013
39. CONOR.SI
40. BBC Things
41. [Source](https://vos-celebrites.fr/taille-celebrites.php?star=Richard-Attenborough)
42. The Movie Database
43. Virtual Study of Theatre Institute
44. Cinemathèque québécoise Linked Open Data
45. performing-arts.ch
46. Know Your Meme