Actor and Oscar-Winning Director Richard Attenborough Dead at 90

Acclaimed British actor and director Lord Richard Attenborough died at lunchtime today after being in poor health for some time. He was 90-years-old.

Richard championed the British film business for more than 60 years as an actor and director and served as President of London's Royal Academy of Dramatic Art.

The film Gandhi, which was the highlight of Richard's career, won eight Oscars including Best Film and Best Director in 1982.

As an actor he is best known for his roles in Brighton Rock, The Great Escape, 10 Rillington Place, Miracle on 34th Street and Jurassic Park.

British Prime Minister David Cameron paid tribute to Richard in a statement which read: "His acting in Brighton Rock was brilliant, his directing of Gandhi was stunning – Richard Attenborough was one of the greats of cinema."

Richard's friend, director Steven Spielberg also paid tribute to the late movie-maker: "Dickie Attenborough was passionate about everything in his life – family, friends, country and career."

"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 said.

"He was a dear friend and I am standing in an endless line of those who completely adored him," Steven added.