What Was Richard Attenborough’s Net Worth?
Richard Attenborough, Baron Attenborough Kt, CBE, FRSA was an English actor, director, producer, author, and entrepreneur. At the time of his death in 2014, Richard Attenborough had an estimated net worth of $20 million.
Richard Attenborough had a remarkable career in the entertainment industry. He served in the Royal Air Force during World War II and then made his mark on both the stage and the big screen. Throughout his career, he appeared in numerous films and received critical acclaim for his performances. He was also successful behind the camera as a director and producer, winning several awards for his work in the industry.
Early Life
Richard Attenborough was born on August 29, 1923, in Cambridge, England. He grew up in a family that had a strong connection to the arts. His mother, Mary Clegg, co-founded the Marriage Guidance Council, and his father, Frederick Levi Attenborough, was a scholar and the principal of University College, Leicester. Richard had two younger brothers, David and John. David Attenborough is a well-known broadcaster and naturalist, while John pursued a career in the motor industry.
Richard Attenborough received his education at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys and later attended the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art. During World War II, he served in the Royal Air Force and was part of the Royal Air Force Film Production Unit. It was during this time that he honed his skills in front of the camera and developed a passion for filmmaking.
Career
Richard Attenborough’s career in the entertainment industry spanned over six decades. He started his acting career on stage, appearing in productions at Leicester’s Little Theatre. He made his onscreen debut in the film “In Which We Serve” in 1952 and went on to star in numerous films throughout the ’50s and ’60s.
In addition to his acting work, Richard Attenborough also ventured into directing and producing. He achieved great success with his directorial debut, “Oh! What a Lovely War” in 1969, which he also produced. Over the years, he directed and produced several acclaimed films, including “A Bridge Too Far,” “Gandhi,” and “Chaplin.”
Attenborough’s most memorable performances include his roles in films such as “The Great Escape,” “Miracle on 34th Street,” “10 Rillington Place,” and “Jurassic Park.” He received numerous awards for his work, including two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for “Gandhi.”
Personal Life
Richard Attenborough married actress Sheila Sim in 1945, and they had three children together. Their daughter Jane, their daughter Lucy, and Sheila’s mother were tragically killed in the 2004 tsunami. Richard and Sheila’s other children, Samuel and Alice, survived the disaster.
Richard Attenborough had a passion for art and collected Picasso ceramics from the ’50s. After the tsunami tragedy, he dedicated an exhibition of over 100 items from his collection to his family members who died in the disaster. The exhibition was held at Leicester’s New Walk Museum and Art Gallery.
Illness and Death
Richard Attenborough faced health issues in his later years. In 2008, he was admitted to the hospital with heart problems and had a pacemaker inserted. He also suffered a stroke and fell at his home, resulting in treatment and rehabilitation.
In 2012, Attenborough and his wife moved into a retirement home for professional actors due to their health conditions. Richard Attenborough passed away on August 24, 2014, at the age of 90. He was cremated, and his ashes were interred at Richmond’s St Mary Magdalene church alongside his daughter Jane and granddaughter Lucy.
Awards and Nominations
Richard Attenborough received numerous awards and nominations throughout his career. He won two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for “Gandhi.” He also received BAFTA Awards, Golden Globe Awards, and various other honors for his work in the industry. His contributions to film and his impact on society were recognized with lifetime achievement awards and honorary degrees.
Conclusion
Richard Attenborough was a highly respected and accomplished figure in the entertainment industry. He made significant contributions as an actor, director, and producer, leaving behind a lasting legacy of exceptional films and performances. His net worth of $20 million reflects the success and impact of his career.
FAQs
Q: What was Richard Attenborough’s net worth?
A: Richard Attenborough had an estimated net worth of $20 million at the time of his death in 2014.
Q: What were Richard Attenborough’s notable films?
A: Richard Attenborough appeared in several notable films, including “The Great Escape,” “Gandhi,” “Jurassic Park,” and “Miracle on 34th Street.”
Q: Did Richard Attenborough win any awards?
A: Yes, Richard Attenborough won multiple awards throughout his career, including two Academy Awards for Best Director and Best Picture for “Gandhi.”
Final Thought
Richard Attenborough’s net worth and accomplishments in the entertainment industry reflect his talent, dedication, and impact on the film world. As an actor, director, producer, and entrepreneur, he made significant contributions that will be remembered for generations to come.