David Attenborough

Natural history broadcaster across eight decades

Facts

• Born: 1926
• Country: United Kingdom
• Field: Television
• Era: Golden Age

Overview

Controller of BBC Two from 1965 to 1969 who commissioned the Monty Python series, then led BBC programming before returning to filmmaking. Landmark series include Life on Earth 1979, The Living Planet 1984, The Blue Planet 2001, and Planet Earth 2006. His programs have won multiple BAFTA awards and have reached audiences in more than 100 countries. He was knighted in 1985 and appointed to the Order of Merit in 2005.