‘RIP David Attenborough’: Twitterers Confuse Richard for Brother David
When news of Richard Attenborough’s death broke overnight, social media quickly lit up with tributes. However, many were in for a mix-up, as they mistakenly thought it was his brother David who had passed away.
Richard Attenborough, renowned for his roles in *Brighton Rock*, *The Great Escape*, *Jurassic Park*, and *Miracle on 34th Street*, had an illustrious career spanning six decades. His achievements extended to directing and producing, with notable successes including two Academy Awards for *Gandhi* in 1982.
David Attenborough, Richard’s younger brother by two years, remains a celebrated figure as a naturalist and beloved narrator of BBC’s *Life* and *Frozen Planet*. The confusion stemmed from the greater public recognition of David as the voice behind some of the most acclaimed wildlife documentaries.
As the news of Richard’s passing spread, more informed users quickly corrected the error, but not before a significant number of Twitter users had expressed their condolences for David.
Richard, who had three children with his wife Sheila, moved into a care home in his later years after falling and becoming increasingly frail. His contributions to British cinema were immense, from championing the film industry as an actor and director to his philanthropic efforts.
His crowning achievement, *Gandhi*, showcased his extraordinary talent for managing large-scale productions, including orchestrating 400,000 extras for the film’s re-creation of Gandhi’s funeral. Despite his highly emotional public personal, Attenborough’s dedication to his craft and his genuine nature earned him respect and admiration across the film industry.
