Newspaper Article

Lifespan

Attenborough, Richard

2010

Overview

Lord [Richard Attenborough]'s father, Frederick, was a strict disciplinarian, known to Dickie and his brothers, David and John, as 'the Governor'. 'He was a remarkable man, whose mantra, long before Tony Blair came on the scene, was \"education, education, education\". He was a baker's son who rose to become a fellow And then Principal of University Soon after the release of Cry Freedom, Attenborough's attack on South African apartheid, the actor/ director bumped into a special guest at a function. '\"Richard!\" he said. \"You don't know me, but I know you.\" And then it hit me: it was Nelson Mandela. He said, \"I want to thank you. Your film had more impact on the white population than any speech I ever made in my life.\" I was completely overwhelmed by his generosity.' 'When I was 12, I decided to put on a variety show in the church hall. Part of the show was a comedy skit about two female cleaners, entitled Lydies Wot Come To Oblige. Naturally, I was to star as one of the \"lydies\", but needed to find the other. Dave said he'd rather die than put on a dress. I resorted to low cunning and said every penny of the show's profits would go to the RSPCA. He gave in - and looked very pretty.'

• Publisher: Solo Syndication, a division of Associated Newspapers Ltd
• Subject: Attenborough, Richard / Michael, Jane