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In the mid-sixties became the Controller of BBC2. Later, he became the BBC's Director of Programmes. The British Academy awarded David Attenborough the Desmond Davis Award in 1970, and a Fellowship in 1979.
Brother of actor/director Lord Richard Attenborough and John Attenborough. Also, during World War Two, his parents adopted two German Jewish girls, who had been brought to Britain as part of the Kindertransport.
Elected a Fellow of the Royal Society in 1983.
Brother-in-law of Sheila Sim
Uncle of director Michael Attenborough and actress Charlotte Attenborough
Filming "The Living Planet" saw his balloon crash land in southern Scotland. When he finally found a farmhouse, the farmer recognised him from the TV, and said he could he use the phone if he wished his wee daughter a happy birthday. When he returned with his young girl he said to her: "This is David. He's come by balloon to wish you a happy birthday." Attenborough said "Happy birthday." The dour farmer replied: "The telephone's over there."
50 years of natural history programme making series has made him the most travelled person in human history, except for astronauts.
As head of BBC-2 he introduced British audiences to colour TV, and gave the go-ahead to Monty Python's Flying Circus.
He was awarded the Order of Merit (OM) by Queen Elizabeth in 2005.
Has a daughter, a son, and several grandchildren.
In addition to his knighthood in 1985 which made him Sir David Attenborough, he was also appointed a CBE in 1974, a CVO in 1991 and a CH in 1996.
Is a fan of Emmylou Harris.
A fan of the music of Gustav Mahler.
Won the title of Greatest Living British Icon, voted for by viewers of BBC Two's The Culture Show, beating singers Sir Paul McCartney and Morrissey (Steven Patrick Morrissey). [16 December 2006] |
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