David Attenborough
His lifelong narration of the natural world has made generations of viewers fall in love with the planet they inhabit.
Born 1926 (age 100)·English broadcaster, natural historian and writer·Birthday: May 8·The Greatest Generation
Biography
For over seventy years, David Attenborough has been our wide-eyed guide to the living Earth. Starting as a young BBC producer presenting 'Zoo Quest,' he pioneered the art of the wildlife documentary, insisting on filming animals in their habitats rather than in studios. His career is a history of television itself, evolving from black-and-white adventures to the breathtaking high-definition spectacles of 'Planet Earth' and 'Blue Planet.' More than just a presenter, Attenborough's gentle, authoritative voice and palpable wonder have educated and advocated. In his later years, his tone shifted subtly from pure celebration to urgent witness, using his unparalleled credibility to highlight the climate crisis and biodiversity loss, transforming his life's work into a powerful plea for planetary stewardship.
The Greatest Generation
1901–1927
Grew up during the Depression, fought World War II, and built the postwar economic boom. Defined by shared sacrifice, institutional trust, and a belief that hard work and loyalty would be rewarded.
David was born in 1926, placing them squarely in The Greatest Generation. The events that shaped this generation — world wars, depression, and rapid industrialization — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When David Was Born
The biggest hits of 1926
#1 Movie
Ben-Hur: A Tale of the Christ
David's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1926Born
Robert Goddard launches the first liquid-fueled rocket
President: Calvin Coolidge"Baby Face" — Jan Garber
1931Started school
The Empire State Building opens as the world's tallest
Gas: $0.17/galPresident: Herbert Hoover"Minnie the Moocher" — Cab CallowayBest Picture: Cimarron
1939Became a teenager
World War II begins; The Wizard of Oz premieres
Gas: $0.19/galMin wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Over the Rainbow" — Judy GarlandBest Picture: Gone with the Wind
1942Could drive
Battle of Midway turns the tide in the Pacific
Gas: $0.20/galHome: $3,175Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"White Christmas" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Mrs. Miniver
1944Could vote
D-Day: Allied forces land at Normandy
Gas: $0.21/galHome: $3,400Min wage: $0.30/hrPresident: Franklin D. Roosevelt"Swinging on a Star" — Bing CrosbyBest Picture: Going My Way
1947Turned 21
India gains independence; the Dead Sea Scrolls found
Gas: $0.23/galHome: $6,600Min wage: $0.40/hrPresident: Harry S. Truman"Near You" — Francis CraigBest Picture: Gentleman's Agreement
1956Turned 30
Elvis Presley appears on The Ed Sullivan Show
Gas: $0.30/galHome: $10,050Min wage: $1.00/hrPresident: Dwight D. Eisenhower"Heartbreak Hotel" — Elvis PresleyBest Picture: Around the World in 80 Days
1966Turned 40
Star Trek premieres on television
Gas: $0.32/galHome: $14,200Min wage: $1.25/hrPresident: Lyndon B. Johnson"The Ballad of the Green Berets" — SSgt Barry SadlerBest Picture: A Man for All Seasons
1976Turned 50
Apple Computer founded; US bicentennial
Gas: $0.59/galHome: $29,300Min wage: $2.30/hrPresident: Gerald Ford"Silly Love Songs" — WingsBest Picture: Rocky
1986Turned 60
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1996Turned 70
Dolly the sheep cloned
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $99,700Min wage: $4.75/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Macarena" — Los del RioBest Picture: The English Patient
2006Turned 80
Twitter launches; Pluto reclassified as dwarf planet
Gas: $2.59/galHome: $174,700Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"Bad Day" — Daniel PowterBest Picture: The Departed
2026Age 100 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Created and presented the landmark 'Life' series, a comprehensive survey of Earth's animal and plant life.
- His documentary 'Blue Planet II' is credited with dramatically raising global public awareness of ocean plastic pollution.
- Holds the record for the longest-serving BBC television presenter, with a career spanning eight decades.
Did You Know?
He was offered the position of Director-General of the BBC in the 1970s but turned it down to continue making programs.
Several species of plants and animals, including a prehistoric reptile, have been named after him.
He is the only person to have won BAFTA awards in black and white, colour, HD, 3D, and 4K television.
“It seems to me that the natural world is the greatest source of excitement; the greatest source of visual beauty; the greatest source of intellectual interest. It is the greatest source of so much in life that makes life worth living.”
