If you cast your mind back over the past 50 years of documentary television, what stands out? Chances are, one of the many films that sprang to mind featured Sir David Attenborough, front and centre. The broadcaster has dedicated his life to the greater good – access and information for scientific studies, our understanding of natural history, and the protection and preservation of animals both great and small.
His influence on the travel industry is second to none. He’s taken us to the kaleidoscopic worlds of the Great Barrier Reef and the towering treetops of Borneo via the sprawling wilderness of the African savanna. He’s demonstrated the power of travel to educate, to connect, to unite, and he’s shown us the consequences of our own actions time and time again.
His vast portfolio of work is clear evidence of the stark changes that have occurred across the globe in his lifetime. His staunch advocacy for sustainability in the face of climate change has taken him from COP26 to the Pyramid Stage at Glastonbury, and has inspired an entire generation of eco-activists to follow in his footsteps. He’s worked alongside, interviewed and been interviewed by many fellow greats, from Jane Goodall and Greta Thunberg and to Barack Obama and Dave.
Turning 100 is a milestone to be celebrated regardless of your professional achievements, but since Sir David has given so much joy, excitement and knowledge over his long-standing career, we thought it felt right to honour some of his greatest moments. Plus, we’ve asked those who have known him, loved him, and been inspired by him to reflect on the moments that have stuck with them over the years.
Alastair Fothergill, long-time collaborator and close friend of David, has worked alongside him for decades. He produced, directed and executive produced some of David’s biggest and best series, from The Blue Planet and Planet Earth to the recently released Gorilla Story on Netflix. We asked him to start off this article by reflecting on what makes David such a globally revered icon.
“There’s a number of things,” he mused. “I think the first thing is he’s been around for a very, very long time. He started filming in the Fifties in black and white, and he’s been there forever. In the UK, he’s certainly been part of our lives forever.
