Showbiz figures and world leaders around the globe reacted swiftly Sunday to news that acclaimed filmmaker Richard Attenborough had died.
The British producer, director and actor was most famous for directing “Gandhi.” The 1982 biopic won eight Academy Awards, including best picture and best actor for Ben Kingsley, and was one of several of his films that took on social issues.
Also read: Richard Attenborough, Oscar-Winning Director for ‘Gandhi,’ Dead at 90
Attenborough was also an actor of note for decades, and one of his most well-known roles was in Steven Spielberg‘s 1993 blockbuster “Jurassic Park.”
“Dickie Attenborough was passionate about everything in his life — family, friends, country and career,” Spielberg said Sunday. “He made a gift to the world with his emotional epic ‘Ghandi’ and he was the perfect ringmaster to bring the dinosaurs back to life as John Hammond in ‘Jurassic Park.’ He was a dear friend and I am standing in an endless line of those who completely adored him.”
Others, including the U.K.’s Prime Minister David Cameron, to Twitter to celebrate Attenborough.
His acting in "Brighton Rock" was brilliant, his directing of "Gandhi" was stunning – Richard Attenborough was one of the greats of cinema.
— David Cameron (@David_Cameron) August 24, 2014
RIP Richard Attenborough. One of the true greats of the silver screen.
— Ricky Gervais (@rickygervais) August 24, 2014
Richard Attenborough was the kindest man I have ever had the privilege of working with. A Prince. RIP 'Pa' – and thank you
— Mia Farrow?? (@MiaFarrow) August 24, 2014
RIP Sir Richard Attenborough. The Great Escape was one of my first favorite movies.
— Wendell Pierce (@WendellPierce) August 24, 2014
If you only know the cuddly Attenborough in Jurassic Park, see him be just terrifying in Brighton Rock & 10 Rillington Place. Amazing actor.
— edgarwright (@edgarwright) August 24, 2014