50 Facts About David Attenborough

Early Life and Education

David Attenborough's journey began in England, where his early experiences shaped his future passion for the natural world.

1. Early Life: Born on May 8, 1926, in London, England, Attenborough grew up in Leicester, where his father was the principal of the local university.
2. Family Background: He is the younger brother of actor Lord Richard Attenborough, who also had a significant career in the film industry.
3. Education: Attenborough studied Natural Sciences at Clare College, Cambridge University, graduating with a master’s degree in 1947.

Early Career and BBC Involvement

Attenborough's career took off when he joined the BBC, where he would later revolutionize nature documentaries.

4. Early Career: After completing his education, Attenborough began working at an educational publishing house in 1949. He then joined the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) in 1952 to complete a training program and became a television producer.
5. Zoo Quest: In 1954, Attenborough, along with reptile curator Jack Lester, started the popular television series Zoo Quest, which featured live animals filmed in the wild and in zoos. This show was instrumental in widening the scope of educational programming by the BBC.
6. BBC Career: Attenborough's career at the BBC spanned several decades. He served as controller of BBC Two from 1965 to 1969 and later as director of television programming from 1968 to 1972.
7. Monty Python’s Flying Circus: During his tenure at the BBC, Attenborough also aired the seminal comedy series Monty Python’s Flying Circus, which became a cultural phenomenon.
8. Resignation from BBC: Attenborough resigned from the BBC in 1973 to return to full-time program-making, allowing him to focus on his own projects and write and present natural history documentaries.

Groundbreaking Documentaries

Attenborough's documentaries have captivated audiences worldwide, showcasing the beauty and complexity of the natural world.

9. Life on Earth: One of Attenborough’s most notable works is the 13-part series Life on Earth, which was broadcast in 1979. This series was a comprehensive survey of animal and plant life on Earth and is considered one of the greatest television series ever produced.
10. The Living Planet: In 1984, Attenborough wrote and presented The Living Planet, another groundbreaking series that explored the diversity of life on Earth.
11. The Trials of Life: The 1990 series The Trials of Life continued Attenborough’s exploration of the natural world, focusing on the challenges faced by various species.
12. The Private Life of Plants: In 1995, Attenborough wrote and presented The Private Life of Plants, which delved into the fascinating world of plant behavior.
13. The Life of Birds: The 1998 series The Life of Birds was another significant work by Attenborough, exploring the diversity and complexity of bird life.
14. The Life of Mammals: The 2002-2003 series The Life of Mammals continued Attenborough’s exploration of mammalian life, showcasing a wide range of species.
15. The Blue Planet: In 2001, Attenborough wrote and presented The Blue Planet, an exploration of the world’s oceans and marine life.
16. Blue Planet II: Attenborough also narrated Blue Planet II in 2017, which earned him an Emmy Award for Outstanding Narration.
17. State of the Planet: The 2000 series State of the Planet dealt heavily with environmental issues such as global warming, reflecting Attenborough’s growing concern about climate change.
18. Are We Changing Planet Earth?: In 2006, Attenborough presented Are We Changing Planet Earth?, another series focusing on environmental issues.
19. Climate Change—The Facts: In 2019, Attenborough narrated Climate Change—The Facts, a documentary warning about the potential collapse of societies due to inaction on climate change.
20. Our Planet: Attenborough also narrated Our Planet, an eight-part series that debuted on Netflix in 2019, highlighting the beauty and fragility of the natural world.
21. David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet: In 2020, Attenborough released David Attenborough: A Life on Our Planet, described as his “witness statement” on the state of the planet and his life’s work.

Books and Written Works

Beyond television, Attenborough has also made significant contributions through his writing.

22. Books: Attenborough has written numerous books, including autobiographies like Life on Air: Memoirs of a Broadcaster (2002), Adventures of a Young Naturalist: The Zoo Quest Expeditions (2017), and Journeys to the Other Side of the World: Further Adventures of a Young Naturalist (2018).

Honors and Recognition

Attenborough's work has earned him numerous accolades and honors, reflecting his impact on broadcasting and conservation.

23. Honors and Awards: Attenborough has received numerous honors and awards, including being knighted in 1985 and winning three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narration.
24. Scientific Names: Over 50 organisms have been named in honor of David Attenborough, including a sea animal that lived millions of years ago (Attenborosaurus) and a long-beaked echidna (Zaglossus attenboroughi).
25. Butterfly Species: A rare butterfly from the tropical forests of Colombia and Brazil, Euptychia attenboroughi, was named after him in recognition of his love for butterflies.
26. BBC Natural History Unit: Attenborough played a crucial role in the establishment of the BBC Natural History Unit in Bristol in 1957, although he declined to join it due to his preference for staying in London.
27. Travel and Exploration Unit: Instead of joining the BBC Natural History Unit, Attenborough formed his own department, the Travel and Exploration Unit, which allowed him to continue producing documentaries like Zoo Quest and other travel series.
28. Postgraduate Degree: In the early 1960s, Attenborough resigned from the permanent staff of the BBC to study for a postgraduate degree in social anthropology at the London School of Economics. However, he returned to the BBC before completing the degree.
29. Controller of BBC Two: Attenborough became the controller of BBC Two in March 1965, succeeding Michael Peacock. During his tenure, he introduced British audiences to color television and gave the go-ahead to Monty Python’s Flying Circus.
30. Director of Programmes: In 1969, Attenborough was promoted to director of programmes, overseeing the output of both BBC channels. This role included agreeing budgets, attending board meetings, and firing staff.
31. Resignation from Director Role: After eight years behind a desk, Attenborough resigned from his director role to return to full-time program-making, allowing him to focus on his own projects.

Later Projects and Contributions

Even in his later years, Attenborough continues to contribute to the field of natural history and conservation.

32. Eastwards with Attenborough: One of his first projects after resignation was Eastwards with Attenborough, a natural history series set in South East Asia.
33. The Tribal Eye: In 1975, Attenborough presented The Tribal Eye, a series examining tribal art.
34. The First Eden: Attenborough also worked on The First Eden and Lost Worlds, Vanished Lives, both of which were significant in his career.
35. Life in the Freezer: The 1993 series Life in the Freezer was a celebration of Antarctica, showcasing its unique and fascinating ecosystem.
36. Attenborough’s Hawkweed: In 2015, a living species of plant, Attenborough’s hawkweed, was named after him. This relative of the daisy was discovered in Wales in 2004.

Conservation Efforts

Attenborough has been a strong advocate for conservation throughout his career, supporting various charitable organizations.

37. Conservation Efforts: Attenborough has been a strong advocate for conservation throughout his career. He has supported various charitable organizations, including the World Land Trust, which buys rainforest and other lands to preserve them and the animals that live there.
38. Patron of World Land Trust: Attenborough has been the patron of the World Land Trust since its inception, highlighting his commitment to environmental conservation.

Personal Life and Legacy

Attenborough's personal life and legacy extend far beyond his professional achievements.

39. Honorary Degrees: Attenborough has received dozens of honorary degrees from universities across the world, recognizing his contributions to broadcasting and conservation.
40. Recognition for Contributions: In 2011, Attenborough’s home became the key to solving a murder from 132 years earlier. The discovery of a severed foot buried under his house led to the identification of the victim and the housekeeper responsible for the crime.
41. Greatest Living British Icon: On December 16, 2006, Attenborough was voted the Greatest Living British Icon by viewers of BBC Two’s The Culture Show, beating singers Sir Paul McCartney and Morrissey.
42. Documentary Filming Locations: Attenborough has filmed environmental specials in 83 different countries, showcasing a wide range of animals and places from river turtles in the Amazon to mountain gorillas in Rwanda and 600,000 king penguins in South Georgia.
43. Naturalist and Biologist: Attenborough is not only a broadcaster but also a biologist and natural historian. His enthusiasm for and careful observations of the natural world have made him a perennial favorite media personality.
44. Deep Smooth Ominous Voice: Attenborough’s deep, smooth, and ominous voice has become synonymous with nature documentaries, adding to their impact and appeal.
45. Stunning Visuals: His documentaries are known for their stunning visuals, which have captivated audiences for decades. From the intricate details of plant life to the majestic beauty of wildlife, Attenborough’s productions have set a high standard in documentary filmmaking.
46. Nature Documentaries: Attenborough has been instrumental in shaping the genre of nature documentaries. His work has inspired generations of filmmakers and naturalists, ensuring that the natural world continues to captivate audiences worldwide.
47. Personal Style: Attenborough is often recognized by his signature attire—a light blue shirt and khaki chino trousers. This distinctive style has become an integral part of his on-screen persona.
48. Family Life: Attenborough was married to Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel from 1950 until her death in 1997. They had two children, Robert and Susan.
49. Legacy: David Attenborough’s legacy extends far beyond his television programs. He has inspired countless people to appreciate and protect the natural world. His contributions to broadcasting and conservation have left an indelible mark on our understanding of the planet and its inhabitants.
50. Recent Work: In 2023, Attenborough released Wild Isles, a documentary series that brought him back to his U.K. homeland. This series highlighted the importance of preserving Britain’s natural heritage and continued his advocacy for environmental conservation.

David Attenborough’s Enduring Legacy

David Attenborough’s contributions to natural history and broadcasting are nothing short of legendary. From his early days with Zoo Quest to his recent work on Wild Isles, he’s captivated audiences with his deep knowledge and passion for the natural world. His groundbreaking series like Life on Earth and The Blue Planet have set the gold standard for nature documentaries. Beyond television, he’s been a tireless advocate for conservation, lending his voice to critical environmental issues. His influence extends to scientific communities, with over 50 species named in his honor. Attenborough’s work has inspired countless individuals to appreciate and protect our planet. His legacy is a testament to the power of storytelling in fostering a deeper understanding of the natural world. As we look to the future, his impact will continue to resonate, reminding us of the beauty and fragility of our Earth.