David Attenborough

David Attenborough
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Name	David Attenborough
Caption	Attenborough in 2015
Birth date	8 May 1926
Birth place	Isleworth, Middlesex, England
Alma mater	Clare College, Cambridge
Occupation	Broadcaster, natural historian, author
Spouse	Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel, 1950, 1997
Awards	Knighted (1985), Order of Merit (2005), Companion of Honour (1996)

David Attenborough. Sir David Frederick Attenborough is a British broadcaster, biologist, natural historian, and author. He is best known for writing and presenting the nine landmark natural history documentary series forming the Life collection, a comprehensive survey of animal and plant life on Earth. His career with the BBC spans over seven decades, during which he has become a globally recognized figure in wildlife filmmaking and conservation advocacy.

Early life and education

He was born in Isleworth, Middlesex, and grew up on the campus of University College, Leicester, where his father, Frederick Attenborough, was principal. He is the younger brother of film director and actor Richard Attenborough. Educated at Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys in Leicester, he won a scholarship to study at Clare College, Cambridge, where he read geology and zoology and obtained a degree in natural sciences. After graduating in 1947, he completed two years of national service in the Royal Navy. He then briefly worked as an editor for an educational publishing house before joining the BBC in 1952.

Broadcasting career

His broadcasting career began in the BBC Television Talks department, where he produced and presented early programs such as Zoo Quest. He was appointed Controller of BBC Two in 1965, overseeing its launch in colour and commissioning a diverse range of programming, including the landmark series Civilisation and The Ascent of Man. He later rose to become Director of Programmes for BBC Television in the early 1970s, but left management in 1973 to return to programme-making, a decision that led to his iconic natural history series.

Documentaries and series

He is celebrated for writing, producing, and narrating a succession of acclaimed documentary series, beginning with the Life series, which includes Life on Earth, The Living Planet, and The Trials of Life. Subsequent landmark productions include The Private Life of Plants, The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, and Frozen Planet. His later work, such as Our Planet and A Life on Our Planet, has focused strongly on the impacts of climate change and the Anthropocene extinction. These series, often produced in partnership with the BBC Natural History Unit and co-produced with Discovery Channel or Netflix, have set global standards for wildlife cinematography.

Writing and other work

He has authored numerous books accompanying his television series, such as Life on Earth and The Living Planet, which have become bestsellers. Beyond broadcasting, he has served as a trustee for the British Museum and the Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew, and is a patron of numerous conservation organizations including the World Wildlife Fund. He has also been actively involved with the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds and the Durrell Wildlife Conservation Trust.

Personal life and legacy

He married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel in 1950; they remained married until her death in 1997. The couple had two children, Robert Attenborough and Susan Attenborough. He is widely regarded as a national treasure in the United Kingdom and a leading global voice for environmental awareness. His advocacy has influenced public opinion and policy on issues ranging from plastic pollution to biodiversity loss. His distinctive narrative style and lifelong dedication to exploring the natural world have inspired generations of naturalists, filmmakers, and conservationists.

Awards and honours

He was knighted in 1985, becoming a Knight Bachelor. He is a recipient of the Order of Merit, appointed by Elizabeth II in 2005, and a Companion of Honour, appointed in 1996. His numerous awards include multiple BAFTA Awards, several Emmy Awards, and the prestigious International Cosmos Prize. In 2020, he was awarded the Champion of the Earth award by the United Nations Environment Programme. Several species, including the Attenborough's pitcher plant and the Attenborosaurus, have been named in his honour.

Category:English television presenters Category:English naturalists Category:1926 births Category:Living people