Attenborough's real heroes

15 September 2008 01:33pm

Throughout his career, Lord Richard Attenborough has always been drawn to heroes - but he thinks showbiz creates too many false heroes.

"I passionately believe in heroes, but I think the world has changed its criteria in determining who it describes as a hero," he said.

According to the Oscar-winning director, today's heroes are far too instantaneous.

"If someone does something in an entertainment/pop ambience, that person becomes someone who has an impact on the conduct and attitude of a huge number of people who peripherally come in contact with them.

"I'm simply saying that heroes are people whose activities, whose attitudes and whose judgment you just think, wow. That's good, that's right, that's real," he said.

© The Press Association