What is David Attenborough's Net Worth?
David Attenborough, an acclaimed English broadcaster and naturalist, boasts a net worth of $15 million. He is renowned for narrating the seminal nine-part natural history documentary series known as the 'Life' collection. David, brother of actor Lord Richard Attenborough, has had an illustrious career that began after he graduated from Cambridge University with a degree in Natural Sciences in 1947.
After his stint with the Royal Navy starting in the same year, he joined BBC Television in 1952, quickly establishing himself with the popular 'Zoo Quest' series in 1954.
BBC Salary
David Attenborough is one of the highest-paid figures at the BBC, with annual earnings around 1.1 million pounds, supplemented by global networks like Sky News.
Early Life
Born on May 8, 1926, in Isleworth, Middlesex, David was raised in College House, University of Leicester's campus. His father was a principal, and during World War II, his family fostered two Jewish refugee girls. An avid collector of fossils and natural specimens, David attended Wyggeston Grammar School for Boys and earned a scholarship to Clare College, Cambridge, in 1945.
Following a degree in natural sciences and two years of Royal Navy service, he started his professional career editing children's science textbooks, later joining the BBC.
Career
Despite an initial rejection for a radio talk position, Attenborough's resume led Mary Adams of the BBC's new television service to offer him a training course in 1952. His career in television began with quiz shows and musical series, eventually leading to natural history programs like the three-part 'Animal Patterns'.
He soon met Jack Lester of the London Zoo, collaborating on 'Zoo Quest' in 1954 after Lester fell ill. In 1957, Attenborough formed the Travel and Exploration Unit, producing more documentaries while raising his family in London.
In 1965, Attenborough became Controller of BBC2, introducing color television and series like Monty Python's Flying Circus. Preferring program-making over administrative duties, he left his director role in 1973. By 1979, he created 'Life on Earth,' the first of the 'Life' trilogy tackling animal behavior in different life stages.
Stuart C. Wilson/Getty Images
Continuing with 'The Living Planet' and 'The Trials of Life,' he expanded the 'Life' collection with series like 'Life in the Freezer,' 'The Private Life of Plants,' 'The Life of Birds,' 'The Life of Mammals,' 'Life in the Undergrowth,' 'Life in Cold Blood,' 'Life on Land,' and 'First Life.'
He narrated 'Wildlife on One,' 'BBC Wildlife Specials,' and worked with the 'Planet Earth' team on groundbreaking documentaries, including 'Planet Earth II' in 2016.
Throughout his career, Attenborough earned numerous awards, including BAFTAs in multiple formats and three Emmy Awards for Outstanding Narration. By January 2013, he had amassed 32 honorary degrees from British universities, the most of any individual.
In recent years, Attenborough has significantly contributed to advocacy, focusing on biodiversity restoration, population control, renewable energy, climate change mitigation, reduced meat consumption, and land preservation.
Personal Life
David married Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel in 1950. They had two children, Robert and Susan. Jane passed away in 1997. His children pursued careers in education. In 2013, David was fitted with a pacemaker and had knee surgery in 2015.
