Richard Attenborough

He was a dedicated philanthropist who 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 and was actively involved with the United World Colleges movement and the Waterford Kamhlaba United World College.

He was the eldest son of Frederick Attenborough and Mary Clegg. His father was a scholar and a fellow of the Emmanuel College, Cambridge while his mother was a founding member of the Marriage Guidance Council.

He studied at the Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester before going to Royal Academy of Dramatic Art (RADA) to study drama.

His family was principled and socially responsible. His parents adopted two German Jewish refugee orphan girls in 1939 and raised them in addition to their own three boys.

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

He began his acting career on stage before moving on to Hollywood. His first film appearance was in 1942 though in an uncredited role.

His breakthrough role came in 1947 when he played Pinkie Brown in the film noir, ‘Brighton Rock’ based on Graham Greene’s novel. His role was much appreciated.

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

He got the chance to appear in the ensemble cast of ‘The Great Escape’ in 1963 as Squadron Leader Roger Bartlett. The movie went on to become a major blockbuster.

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