Robert Downey Jr pays tribute to Richard Attenborough

Los Angeles: Robert Downey Jr has paid rich tribute to his `Chaplin` director Richard Attenborough, insisting he wouldn`t be an actor today without the British movie icon`s belief in his talent.

The beloved actor-director died at the age of 90 on August 24, reportedly. "I`m so grateful I was able to visit Lord Attenborough recently, to deeply thank him for his contributions to cinema, his lasting impact on all who knew him, and his legacy of philanthropy, wit and kindness. "I wouldn`t be who I am personally or professionally if not for DICkie, and I am equally indebted to (Attenborough`s wife) Lady Sheila (Sim), who was and remains every bit his equal...," Downey Jr said in a statement. His titular role of Charlie Chaplin in the biopic earned him his first Oscar nomination for Best Actor in 1993, as well as a BAFTA Award win for Best Actor in the same year.