Downey Jr. 'grateful' for Attenborough

Robert Downey Jr. is “grateful” for all he has learned from Lord Richard Attenborough.

The celebrated British actor, producer and director passed away on Sunday at the age of 90.

And Robert deeply appreciates all that Richard contributed to the film industry during his lifetime.

“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,” the 49-year-old actor revealed in a statement released to E! News.

Robert’s performance as Charlie Chaplin in 1992 biopic Chaplin earned him an Academy Award nomination.

Richard helmed the picture and Robert credits his advancement as an actor to the direction he received from the late entertainer.

"I wouldn't be who I am personally or professionally if not for Dickie, and I am equally indebted to [his wife] Lady Sheila, who was and remains every bit his equal,” Robert wrote.

Richard is survived by his wife Lady Sheila, 92, whom he married in 1945. The couple had three children together while he was alive.

Tributes have poured in for the beloved star, best-known for his role as John Hammond in Steven Spielberg’s 1993 blockbuster Jurassic Park, as well as for his direction of Cry Freedom (1987), Shadowlands (1993) and 1982 Oscar-winner, Gandhi.

Actress Jane Seymour, who previously worked with Richard and was once married to his son Michael, is also grieving his death.

"The world has lost one of its greatest men," she said in a statement released Monday. "Dickie was not only a great actor, director and philanthropist but a man I had the opportunity to know as my mentor and Father in Law.”