Sir David Attenborough has had a remarkable centenary year. He turned 100 on 8 May 2026, marked by a week of special BBC programming, a gala concert at the Royal Albert Hall broadcast as David Attenborough's 100 Years on Planet Earth, and birthday wishes from around the world. In September he won Best TV Presenter at the National Television Awards, and he became the oldest Primetime Emmy nominee in history.
Now Blue Planet III, narrated by Sir David, is due on BBC One and iPlayer this autumn after a starry London premiere in October. Here is the story of the broadcaster who has brought the natural world into our living rooms for more than 70 years. Discover more screen favourites in our TV Personalities collection.
David Attenborough Fact File
| Full name | Sir David Frederick Attenborough |
| Born | 8 May 1926 (age 100) |
| Place of birth | Isleworth, Middlesex, England |
| Occupation | Broadcaster, naturalist, writer |
| Nationality | British |
| Education | Wyggeston Grammar School, Leicester; Clare College, Cambridge (natural sciences) |
| Years active | 1952-present |
| Known for | Life on Earth, The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Our Planet |
| Family | Brother of actor and director Richard Attenborough |
Career History
| Year | Title | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1954 | Zoo Quest | Presenter |
| 1965-1969 | BBC Two | Controller |
| 1979 | Life on Earth | Writer and presenter |
| 2001 | The Blue Planet | Narrator |
| 2006 | Planet Earth | Narrator |
| 2017 | Blue Planet II | Presenter and narrator |
| 2019 | Our Planet (Netflix) | Narrator |
| 2020 | A Life on Our Planet | Presenter |
| 2025 | Ocean with David Attenborough | Presenter |
| 2026 | Blue Planet III | Narrator |
These are highlights from a career spanning more than seven decades, from black-and-white studio broadcasts to 4K blockbusters. He also spent years as one of the BBC's most senior executives before returning to programme-making.
Early Years
David Attenborough was born in Isleworth and grew up in Leicester, the middle of three sons of Frederick Attenborough, principal of University College Leicester. As a boy he collected fossils and stones, a passion that led him to study natural sciences at Clare College, Cambridge. He joined the BBC full-time in 1952 as a producer, and two years later Zoo Quest put him in front of the camera, following animal-collecting expeditions around the world.
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From Controller to Life on Earth
In 1965 he became controller of BBC Two, where he championed colour television and landmark series such as Civilisation, before becoming director of programmes for both BBC channels. He left management in 1973 to return to filming, and in 1979 Life on Earth changed natural history television forever. He wrote and presented the series, which was filmed over three years, and it led to a run of "Life" series including The Living Planet, The Trials of Life and The Life of Birds.
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The Blockbuster Years
The 21st century brought The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Life and Frozen Planet, with his unmistakable narration guiding viewers through the planet's wildest places. Blue Planet II in 2017 put ocean plastic pollution on the national agenda, while Our Planet on Netflix and the film A Life on Our Planet introduced him to a new global audience.
A Centenary to Remember
Turning 100 has not slowed him down. Ocean with David Attenborough reached cinemas in 2025, the BBC series Secret Garden celebrated wildlife in Britain's gardens, and he is the voice of Blue Planet III, a six-part series filmed over four years.
Honours
State honours
- CBE (1974) and knighthood (1985)
- Companion of Honour (1996) and Order of Merit (2005)
- Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George (2020)
Television awards
- BAFTA Fellowship (1980)
- Primetime Emmys for Outstanding Narrator in 2018, 2019 and 2020
- National Television Award for TV Presenter (2026)
Science
- Fellow of the Royal Society (1983) and more than 20 species and genera named in his honour
Away From the Spotlight
He married Jane Oriel in 1950 and they had two children, Robert and Susan; Jane died in 1997. His older brother was the actor and director Richard Attenborough.
FAQs
How old is David Attenborough?
David Attenborough is 100 years old, having been born on 8 May 1926.
What is David Attenborough's full name?
His full name is Sir David Frederick Attenborough.
Where was David Attenborough born?
He was born in Isleworth, Middlesex, and grew up in Leicester.
Is David Attenborough narrating Blue Planet III?
Yes, the BBC confirmed in May 2026 that he narrates Blue Planet III, due on BBC One this autumn.
Was David Attenborough related to Richard Attenborough?
Yes, Richard Attenborough was his older brother.
Shop the David Attenborough Collection
Our David Attenborough pieces are tribute fan designs celebrating a legendary broadcaster, made to order in the UK.
Explore more broadcasting legends in our TV Personalities collection, or design your own custom name hoodie.
Part of our Icon Profiles series. Read next: The Traitors: Series, Winners and Downton Abbey: Series, Cast, Films.
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