If one adjective could describe the renowned British broadcaster, naturalist and author Sir David Attenborough, it would be “relentless”.
Although physically slowed with age, the now 100-year-old presenter’s passion for the natural world – and his enthusiasm for sharing it with audiences – has not diminished.
He holds the Guinness World Record for “Longest career as a television presenter and naturalist”. From his on-screen debut in “Animal Disguise” in 1953 to the recent Netflix documentary “A Gorilla Story: Told by David Attenborough,” his broadcast life has spanned more than 70 years.
history of making history
Over the years he has received a variety of distinctions – from 32 honorary degrees to two knighthoods – and even set a social media record in 2020 when his new Instagram account gained over 1 million followers in 4 hours and 44 minutes.
When the BBC’s “Blue Planet II” premiered in 2017, demand in China was so intense that local media reported temporary internet slowdowns as viewers rushed to stream it.
Attenborough was first knighted by the late Queen Elizabeth II in 1985. In June 2022, he was knighted for a second time by the then Prince Charles for his nature documentation and advocacy, making him Knight Grand Cross of the Order of St Michael and St George.
In April of the same year, he received the United Nations’ highest environmental honour, namely the UN Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award. Along with Pope Francis and the World Health Organization, he was one of the nominees for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize.
He is the only person to earn a UK BAFTA award in every major era of television technology – from black and white to colour, HD, 3D and 4K. In his native UK, he is often referred to as a “national treasure” – a term which however is not appropriate for him.
Early fascination with fossils
David Frederick Attenborough was born on May 8, 1926 in England, the second of three boys. His brother, Richard, was a renowned actor and director who famously played John Hammond in the 1993 film “Jurassic Park” and its 1997 sequel, and directed the Oscar-winning film “Gandhi” in 1982.
He has been fascinated by fossils since childhood. In a 2019 interview with German magazine mirrorHe said he considered it a form of “magic” to see the remains of an ancient creature that “has not seen sunlight for 150 million years.” He would often ride his bicycle long distances to nearby mines, in the hope of uncovering more specimens.
In 1936, he attended a lecture by the famous British author and conservationist, Archibald Bellany, also known as Gray Owl, which made a deep impression on him and deepened his interest in the natural world.
big teeth and monty python
After graduating from Cambridge University with a degree in Natural Sciences in 1947, David Attenborough spent two years of National Service in the British Navy.
In 1950, he applied to work for the BBC‘‘s radio service, but he was asked if he would like to try the broadcaster‘New apprentice program instead.
However, his bosses were skeptical about his presentation on TV, Attenborough explained. daily Mail in 2010. “I found out 40 years later what he said about me as an intern: He may be a perfectly pleasant fellow, a perfectly good producer, but he should never be used as an interviewer on camera again because his teeth are too big.”
Finally, Attenborough became an on-camera presenter when he was asked to stand in for a host who had fallen ill.
Over time, he moved into senior roles at the BBC and eventually became Controller of BBC Two, where he played a key role in bringing color broadcasting to European audiences. He also approved the comedy troupe’s first major production series, “Monty Python’s Flying Circus”, in 1969.
Mother Nature’s ‘semi-whispering’ champion
However, he left the management career The BBC chose to integrate his love of nature into broadcasting. He narrated every episode of the long-running “BBC Wildlife on One” (1977–2005).
He was also the narrator for other high-profile BBC wildlife documentaries such as “The Blue Planet” and “Planet Earth”, having a “patented semi-whispering way of narrating”, as noted NPR Radio Once.
His 1979 series “Life on Earth” broke new ground by filming species in their natural environments across several continents. And it featured a legendary, unwritten scene when a three-year-old mountain gorilla named Pablo came and lay down in front of her. His close encounters with gorillas led him to say, also unscripted: “There is more meaning and mutual understanding in exchanging a glance with a gorilla than with any other animal I know.”
More than 40 species are named after him
Audiences have also been entertained by the creatures who have shared screen time with them, sometimes even overshadowing the naturalist.
During the filming of “Birds of Paradise”, a cheeky bird-of-paradise forced several retakes after repeatedly interrupting the delighted presenter with its sounds and fancy moves.
More than 40 species of flora and fauna – both living and extinct – are named after him. It includes a prehistoric marine reptile called Attenboroughosaurus, and a Madagascan dragonfly called Attenborough’s pintail.
However there is one animal that scares him.
He explained, “I really hate rats. I’ve handled deadly spiders, snakes and scorpions without blinking. But if I see a rat I’ll be the first one to run.” entertainment daily In 2021.
never lose hope
David Attenborough has also used his long career and public profile to advocate for climate action and environmental protection, frequently speaking at major international gatherings. Yet, it is his balanced choice of words – urgent but not serious – that appeals to the audience.
“Now we can destroy or we can cherish, the choice is ours,” he said in the 2009 miniseries, “Planet Earth.”
In 2022, he received the UN’s Champion of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award. In a congratulatory article for an online news outlet TortoiseAuthor Simon Barnes wrote: “If the world is indeed to be saved, Attenborough will have contributed more to its salvation than any other man.”
practical about mortality
In 2020, Attenborough told Anderson Cooper 60 minutes that he was not afraid of death; “I would like this to be a quick process, thank you very much.”
While saying that he was more afraid of “becoming helpless and lethargic”, he expressed surprise and gratitude for the relatively good health that enables him to work and remain active even at this advanced age. Something that fans will easily agree with.
Thus, it is no surprise that documentaries have been organized to commemorate his 100th year on Earth, including a live celebration event at the Royal Albert Hall featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra and special guests who will honor the naturalist and his illustrious career.
Edited by: Elizabeth Grenier