Who Is David Attenborough? Age, Biography and Wiki
David Attenborough, born on May 8, 1926, is an iconic English broadcaster and naturalist known for his extensive work in nature documentary filmmaking. As of 2025, Attenborough is 98 years old and continues to inspire generations with his captivating storytelling and dedication to wildlife conservation. He began his career with the BBC in the 1950s, eventually becoming a household name through series such as "The Blue Planet," "Planet Earth," and "Our Planet." His passion for nature and environmental advocacy has earned him numerous accolades and a dedicated global following.
| Occupation | Environmentalist |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | May 8, 1926 |
| Age | 99 Years |
| Birth Place | Isleworth, Middlesex, England |
| Horoscope | Taurus |
| Country | England |
Popularity
David Attenborough's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
At an advanced age, David Attenborough has always maintained a slim and agile build. While precise measurements may vary, he stands approximately 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall. His weight has fluctuated over the years but is generally around 150 pounds (68 kg). Despite his age, Attenborough's vitality and presence remain strong, reflecting his lifelong dedication to health and well-being.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
Although David Attenborough has experienced his fair share of relationships, he was married to his late wife, Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel, until her passing in 1997. The couple had two children: Robert and Susan, both of whom have followed their father's footsteps in various fields related to wildlife and broadcasting. As of 2025, Attenborough remains single, frequently expressing deep admiration for his late wife and valuing family time with his children and grandchildren.
He is the middle of three sons; his elder brother, Richard, became an actor and director and his younger brother, John, was an executive at the Italian car manufacturer Alfa Romeo. During the Second World War, through a British volunteer network known as the Refugee Children's Movement, his parents also fostered two Jewish refugee girls from Germany.
Net Worth and Salary
David Attenborough's net worth is estimated to be over $35 million in 2025. This remarkable figure has been amassed through a successful broadcasting career, book deals, and various endorsements. His documentaries have not only captivated audiences but have also generated significant revenue for production companies, further contributing to his earnings. Known for his philanthropic efforts, Attenborough invests a portion of his wealth into wildlife conservation and environmental education initiatives.
Career, Business and Investments
Attenborough's illustrious career spans decades, setting a standard in nature documentaries. He has worked on numerous successful series, including "The Trials of Life" and "The Life Collection." Beyond broadcasting, he has authored several books and collaborated with organizations that advocate for environmental protection. His investments often align with his values, supporting green technologies and sustainable businesses.
BBC Two was launched in 1964, but had struggled to capture the public's imagination. When Attenborough arrived as controller, he quickly abolished the channel's quirky kangaroo mascot and shook up the schedule.
With a mission to make BBC Two's output diverse and different from that offered by other networks, he began to establish a portfolio of programmes that defined the channel's identity for decades to come.
Under his tenure, music, the arts, entertainment, archaeology, experimental comedy, travel, drama, sport, business, science and natural history all found a place in the weekly schedules. Often, an eclectic mix was offered within a single evening's viewing.
Programmes he commissioned included Man Alive, Call My Bluff, Chronicle, The Old Grey Whistle Test, Monty Python's Flying Circus and The Money Programme. With the advent of colour television, Attenborough brought snooker to the BBC to show the benefits of the format, as the sport uses coloured balls.
The show – Pot Black – was later credited with the boom of the sport into the 1980s.
Social Network
David Attenborough maintains a significant presence on social media, connecting with fans and nature enthusiasts around the globe. His Instagram and Twitter accounts offer glimpses into his life, sharing moments of wildlife and conservation efforts. With millions of followers, he uses these platforms not only to entertain but to raise awareness about critical environmental issues.
After leaving the navy, Attenborough took a position editing children's science textbooks for a publishing company. He soon became disillusioned with the work and in 1950 applied for a job as a radio talk producer with the BBC.
Although he was rejected for this job, his CV later attracted the interest of Mary Adams, head of the Talks (factual broadcasting) department of the BBC's fledgling television service. Attenborough, like most Britons at that time, did not own a television and had seen only one programme in his life.
Education
Attenborough studied at the University of Leicester, where he earned a degree in Natural Sciences. His education laid the foundation for his remarkable career, blending scientific knowledge with an innate storytelling ability. Additionally, he attended the London College of Communication, further honing his skills in media production and communication.
In conclusion, David Attenborough remains a cherished figure in the realm of broadcasting and environmental advocacy. As he approaches his centenary, his contributions continue to inspire both audiences and future generations of naturalists and filmmakers. His legacy as a champion for the natural world is secured, and his story will undoubtedly live on for years to come.
In 1936, Attenborough and his brother Richard attended a lecture by Grey Owl (Archibald Belaney) at De Montfort Hall, Leicester, and were influenced by his advocacy of conservation.
According to Richard, David was "bowled over by the man's determination to save the beaver, by his profound knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Canadian wilderness and by his warnings of ecological disaster should the delicate balance between them be destroyed.
The idea that mankind was endangering nature by recklessly despoiling and plundering its riches was unheard of at the time, but it is one that has remained part of Dave's own credo to this day." In 1999, Richard directed a biopic of Belaney entitled Grey Owl.
