Actor-director Richard Attenborough passes away, fans mourn

He was 90.

His son Michael - a theatre director - revealed the news of his death to the BBC on Sunday evening. 

British Prime Minister David Cameron tweeted: "His acting in "Brighton Rock" was brilliant, his directing of "Gandhi" was stunning - Richard Attenborough was one of the greats of cinema."

Country's ex-Prime Minister Tony Blair said in a statement: "Dickie was someone it was a privilege to know, someone I looked up to and respected. As a supporter of progressive causes from the anti apartheid movement to the celebration of India's independence, he was way ahead of his time. Fabulously successful yet humble and utterly without arrogance of any kind; possessing enormous compassion and humanity; gifted, creative, fascinating and yet approachable and good fun. In politics he was a fund of common sense, practical but with an absolute passion for human dignity and the equality of all."

"He inspired those of us who knew and worked with him, to be better and to do better. I will miss him very much. My sympathy and condolences to the wonderful Sheila and all the family," he said.

Mourning the actor's death,  The British Academy of Film and Television Awards (Bafta)  website: " We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of esteemed filmmaker and former BAFTA President, Lord Attenborough Kt, CBE, whose passionate support of BAFTA for more than 50 years was integral to who we are today. He will be sorely missed."

As a film director and producer, he won two Academy Awards for Gandhi in 1983.

As an actor, he is perhaps best known for his roles in Brighton Rock, The Great Escape, 10 Rillington Place, Miracle on 34th Street, and Jurassic Park.

Image: Wikimedia Commons