There is a great sadness in knowing that those we have come to love across generations have parted with us. It is with this in mind that we are saddened to report that Sir Richard Attenborough, skilled actor turned director, producer and entrepreneur passed away this afternoon at the age of 90, told his son to the BBC this evening. Today we remember the countless contributions Attenborough made to the world, and it is with those contributions that he instilled a sense of wonder that captivated billions. Though it is not yet fully understood the circumstances of Attenborough’s passing, reports indicate that his family will be issuing a full statement to the press come Monday.
Though the four-time BAFTA and Golden Globe winner is perhaps most well-known for his acting roles in films such as BRIGHTON ROCK, THE GREAT ESCAPE, MIRACLE OF 34TH STREET and JURASSIC PARK, he first started out his career on the stage when he was as young as twelve. Whilst it is a sad day, it should be remembered, not as the passing of a man who contributed so much, but as a celebration of all that which Attenborough accomplished, the skills that he mastered and the gravitas and vision he brought to our screens. JURASSIC PARK was the first film I ever saw in a cinema. It was this film that, shepherded by Attenborough through a realm of impossibility and imagination, allowed me to experience true wonder. It was the first time I had ever experienced that feeling and I’ve experienced it few times since. Whether in front of the camera or behind it, Attenborough was a man of great innovation who brought to life countless stories, especially those he directed, CHAPLIN and GANDHI among them.
Let’s just take a moment to reflect on just a few of his most memorable and adored characters:
Attenborough as Bartlett ‘Big X’ in THE GREAT ESCAPE (1963)
Attenborough as Albert Blossom in DOCTOR DOLITTLE (1967)
Attenborough as John Christie in 10 RILLINGTON PLACE (1971)
Attenborough as John Hammond in JURASSIC PARK (1993)
Attenborough as Kris Kringle in MIRACLE ON 34TH STREET (1994)
Richard Attenborough holds great acclaim for his huge impact on cinema as well as the continued nurturing of the profession he embraced in future generations as the president of the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. Richard married his wife, Sheila Sim in 1945 and has three children, Michael, Jane and Charlotte. Our thoughts, prayers and condolences go out to them.
Attenborough once said the following as John Hammond from JURASSIC PARK:
I wanted to show them something that wasn’t an illusion. Something that was real, something that they could see and touch.”
Today, we thank you for everything that you showed us, Richard. It was real and you touched us deeply.
R.I.P. Richard Attenborough, 29th August 1923 – 24th August 2014.
Source: BBC News
Pingback: ???????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????????????????????????????????