Richard Attenborough: A Legacy

August has claimed yet another esteemed member of the Hollywood elite, with yesterday's passing of Richard Attenborough. Another in a line of tragic deaths, Attenborough joins Marilyn Burns, Charles Keating, Lauren Bacall and Robin Williams. Attenborough was a highly celebrated actor and director, and the winner of two Academy Awards, three Golden Globes and four BAFTA Awards. After nearly three decades as an actor, Attenborough made his foray into directing with the film adaptation of hit the musical, Oh! What a Lovely War (1969). His two Oscars stem from his direction and producing of his long-awaited, Gandhi (1982), a biographical epic of the Indian activist. Highly regarded, the film garnered much acclaim for Attenborough and proved to be one of his greatest successes. Directing a total of twelve films, Attenborough made several more biopics, including Young Winston (1972) about the life of Winston Churchill; Chaplin (1992) starring Robert Downey Jr as the silent film era giant; and Shadowlands (1993)  about the relationship between C.S. Lewis and Joy Gresham. Attenborough is most well known (by people 18-40) as John Hammond from the Jurassic Park series. As the director and visionary of the park, Attenborough enthralled a generation with his famous line: "Welcome....to Jurassic Park". Having several successful pictures in his storied career, Richard Attenborough won two Golden Globes for his performances in Sand and Pebbles (1966) and Dr. Dolittle (1967). He won a BAFTA Award for his portrayal of Sgt. Major Lauderdale in 1964's Guns at Batasi. Knighted in 1976, and in 1993 made a life peer as Baron Attenborough of Richmond upon Themes. He was elected as Chancellor of The University of Sussex in 1998, and was the Director of Chelsea Football Club from 1969-1982 -- earning the honorary title of "Lifetime Vice President" in 1993. The brother of famed (and also knighted) naturalist, Sir. David Attenborough, both men were named Distinguished Honorary Fellows at The University of Leicester. Although Richard Attenborough led a full and incredible life, he will be sorely missed by all.