David Attenborough

David Frederick Attenborough was born on 8 May 1926 in Isleworth, London. His father Frederick was principal of University College, Leicester. Young David developed an early passion for natural history, collecting fossils, stones, and specimens.

Growing up in Leicester, young David was encouraged by his adoptive sisters who brought back specimens from Africa.

After wartime service in the Royal Navy, Attenborough won a scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, where he studied geology and zoology. His time at Cambridge deepened his scientific knowledge and prepared him for a career in natural history.

Attenborough married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel, with whom he would have two children, Robert and Susan. Their marriage lasted 47 years until Jane's death in 1997. She provided steadfast support throughout his demanding career.

Attenborough joined the BBC as a trainee producer, initially working on factual programming. This began his extraordinary seven-decade association with the broadcaster that would make him the world's most recognized natural history presenter.

Attenborough created and presented Zoo Quest, groundbreaking expeditions to remote regions to capture and film rare animals for London Zoo.

Attenborough was appointed Controller of BBC Two, commissioning landmark programs including Civilisation, The Ascent of Man, and Monty Python's Flying Circus.

Leaving his executive role, Attenborough returned to his first love: making natural history programs. This decision allowed him to embark on the ambitious Life series that would define his career and inspire generations of naturalists.

Life on Earth, the first of his landmark Life series, premiered to massive audiences. The thirteen-part series told the story of evolution and was watched by over 500 million people worldwide, revolutionizing nature documentary filmmaking.

The Living Planet explored Earth's diverse habitats, from deserts to rainforests. It continued Attenborough's mission to explain the natural world and raised awareness about environmental issues, themes became increasingly central to his work.

Attenborough was knighted for his services to television, becoming Sir David Attenborough. This honor recognized his extraordinary contribution to broadcasting and public understanding of the natural world over three decades.

The Trials of Life examined animal behavior, completing the Life trilogy.

The Blue Planet revealed the mysteries of the ocean depths using revolutionary filming techniques. The series brought unprecedented footage of deep-sea life to millions of viewers and sparked new interest in marine conservation.

Planet Earth, filmed over five years in HD, became the most expensive nature documentary ever made.

Blue Planet II drew global attention to ocean plastic pollution, inspiring significant policy changes and public awareness. The series demonstrated Attenborough's ability to combine spectacular filmmaking with urgent environmental messaging.

Attenborough addressed world leaders at COP24 and beyond, becoming one of the most influential voices calling for climate action. His documentary work increasingly focused on environmental crisis, inspiring millions to support conservation efforts.