Attenborough, Sir David

Attenborough, Sir David (Frederick)

(born May 8, 1926, London, Eng.) British television writer. For the BBC, which he joined in 1952, he originated the series Zoo Quest (1954–64). As controller of BBC-2 (1965–68) and director of programs (1968–72), he helped produce The Forsyte Saga, The Ascent of Man, and Civilisation. As an independent producer, he made innovative educational programs such as Life on Earth (1979) and The Living Planet (1984). He was knighted in 1985.