Richard Attenborough in 1994. Photo: Greg Bos/ReutersRichard Attenborough in 1994. Photo: Greg Bos/Reuters

Politicians, Hollywood stars and industry leaders reflected on the life and times of esteemed actor and Oscar-winning director Richard Attenborough, who dominated the British film business for more than half a century. Lord Attenborough, who moved to a care home in 2008, died at lunchtime on Sunday aged 90, his son Michael told the BBC.

Bafta described its former president as a “titan of British cinema” who set an example of “industry, skill and compassion” that business would do well to live up to.

Born in Cambridge in 1923, he championed the British film industry through its triumphs and trials, enjoying success as one of Britain’s leading actors before becoming a celebrated director and prolific film-maker.

In a statement the film academy added: “We are deeply saddened to learn of the passing of esteemed film-maker and former Bafta President, Lord Attenborough Kt, CBE, whose passionate support of Bafta for more than 50 years was integral to who we are today. He will be sorely missed.

“A titan of British cinema, to say he embodied its finest qualities is to have it backwards. British film would do well to live up to the example of industry, skill and compassion set by Richard, Lord Attenborough.”

He was passionate about everything in his life – family, friends, country and career

His career highlights included appearing in the 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park and clinching eight Oscars for the 1982 biopic Gandhi, including best film and best director.

Jurassic Park director Spielberg, who chose Lord Attenborough to be “the perfect ringmaster to bring the dinosaurs back to life'” in the films, said he is just one person in a long line of ‘Dickie’s’ fans. In tribute, Spielberg said: “Dickie Attenborough was passionate about everything in his life - family, friends, country and career.

The director and actor as Father Christmas in the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street (top) and with Laura Dern and Sam Neill in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993).The director and actor as Father Christmas in the 1994 remake of Miracle on 34th Street (top) and with Laura Dern and Sam Neill in Steven Spielberg’s Jurassic Park (1993).

“He made a gift to the world with his emotional epic Gandhi and he was the perfect ringmaster to bring the dinosaurs back to life as John Hammond in Jurassic Park.”

Star of Gandhi Sir Ben Kingsley said he had grown to love the director, who had worked tirelessly to bring the Indian leader's story to the big screen.

“He placed in me an absolute trust and, in turn, I placed an absolute trust in him and grew to love him,” said Sir Ben. “I, along with millions of others whom he touched through his life and work, will miss him dearly.”

Prime Minister David Cameron was among the first to pay tribute to Lord Attenborough.

“His acting in Brighton Rock was brilliant, his directing of Gandhi was stunning –Richard Attenborough was one of the greats of cinema,”he said.

The director was also praised by his beloved Chelsea Football club, which said it was “deeply saddened” to learn of the his death and would “always be grateful” that the club was close to his heart.

Lord Attenborough married actress Sheila Sim when he was 21. His son Michael was born in 1949, followed by two daughters, Jane and Charlotte.

Tragedy struck on Boxing Day 2004 when his elder daughter Jane Holland, and her daughter, Lucy, and her mother-in-law, also named Jane, were killed in the south-Asian tsunami. Michael is a theatre director and former artistic director of the Almeida Theatre in Islington, north London, and Charlotte is an actress.

He was the older brother of TV wildlife presenter Sir David Attenborough.

Lord Attenborough struck up a friendship with Diana, Princess of Wales, after the Prince of Wales asked him to help her write speeches.

Actors including Mia Farrow, Sir Roger Moore and Samantha Bond were quick to praise the supremely-talented film legend, a star of both in front and behind the camera.

Actress Farrow tweeted: “Richard Attenborough was the kindest man I have ever had the privilege of working with. A prince. RIP ‘Pa’ – and thank you.”

Lord Attenborough was also responsible for launching the children’s charity Help a London Child.

He was also a former president of the Muscular Dystrophy Campaign, having become involved in the charity after meeting young boys who were living with the condition.

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