| ABOUT US
Richard Attenborough was born in Cambridge in 1923, but spent his childhood in Leicester. Winning the prestigious Leverhulme Scholarship at the age of 17 to attend the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art in London, he made his screen debut in 1942 in the Noel Coward/David Lean film “In Which We Serve” whilst still a student. On graduating, he starred in stage productions such as “Brighton Rock” (later to become an international movie classic) before joining the air force in 1943. After being demobilised in 1946, he went on to star in over 60 films including “The Great Escape”, “The Flight of the Phoenix”, “10 Rillington Place” and more recently “Jurassic Park” and “Miracle on 34th Street”. Collaborating with long term friend and colleague, director Brian Forbes, he produced such films as “The Angry Silence” and “Whistle Down the Wind”. In 1959 came the first of his 12 movies as producer/director, the acclaimed “Oh, What a Lovely War”, which won 16 international awards. However, he is undoubtedly best known for “Gandhi”, 1982 winner of eight Oscars and five BAFTA Awards, including Best Picture and Best Director. Having steadfastly refused to contemplate retirement, Richard Attenborough at the sprightly age of 83 has recently completed the love across the generations movie, “Closing the Ring”, starring Shirley MacLaine and Mischa Barton. Never happier than when wearing several hats, he is also Chairman of Dragon International Studios, and continues to fulfil his responsibilities as Chairman and President of various industry bodies and charities. Appointments
Chancellor of Sussex University from 1998 (Pro-Chancellor 1970-98) Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF from 1987 President of RADA from 2003 (Chairman 1973-2003) President of the Actors’ Charitable Trust from 1988 (Chairman 1956-88) President of Muscular Dystrophy Group of Great Britain from 1971 (Vice-President 1963-71) President of Combined Theatrical Charities Appeals Council from 1988 (Chairman 1964-88) President of BAFTA from 2002 (Vice-President 1973-2002) President of National Film & Television School from 1997 President of British Screen Advisory Council from 1996 (Chairman 1987-96) President of Gandhi Foundation from 1983 Life President of Capital Radio from 1992 (Chairman 1972-92) President of Gardiner Centre for the Arts, Sussex University from 1990 (Patron 1969-90) President, UK Trustees, Waterford Kamhlaba School, Swaziland from 2004 (Chairman 1976-2004) Patron, Richard Attenborough Centre for Disability and the Arts, Leicester University from 1990 President of Foundation for Sport and the Arts from 2003 (Trustee 1991-2003) Life Vice President of Chelsea Football Club from 1993 Executive Chairman, Dragon International Studios from 2002
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