Attenborough, Sir Richard

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Attenborough, Sir Richard (1923– ) English film actor and director. His career has spanned more than 50 years, beginning with In Which We Serve (1942). He delivered a menacing performance in Brighton Rock (1947). His directorial debut was the World War I satire Oh! What a Lovely War (1971). His directorial style suited biographical films. Gandhi (1982) won Oscars for Best Film and Best Director. Cry Freedom (1987) was the story of Steve Biko, while Shadowlands (1993), his biopic of C. S. Lewis, brought further critical praise.