David Attenborough: His Age, Wife, Health & Net Worth

Few voices have shaped how we think about the natural world quite like Sir David Attenborough, and this article answers the most-asked questions about his age, family, health, and climate politics with verified facts.

Birth date: 8 May 1926 ·
Occupation: Broadcaster, natural historian ·
Years active: 1954–present ·
Notable series: Planet Earth, Blue Planet, Life ·
Children: 2

Six key biographical facts, one pattern: Attenborough’s life is marked by long tenure at the BBC, a single marriage that ended with his wife’s death in 1997, and consistent public engagement with natural history.

What condition does David Attenborough have?

Attenborough uses hearing aids due to age-related hearing loss, as noted in biographical profiles by Britannica. He has not publicly disclosed any other serious medical condition. His stamina at 98 is remarkable — he continues to travel and narrate long-form documentaries.

How old is David Attenborough?

• Born 8 May 1926 (Britannica)
• As of 2025, he is 98 years old.

Why this matters: his age puts him among the oldest active broadcasters in the world, a fact that amplifies the urgency of the environmental message he carries.

Is David Attenborough alive?

Yes, as of the latest verified records, David Attenborough is alive and working. Recent projects include Planet Earth III in 2023 (Amazon author bio) and a 2024 appearance at the COP events.

The implication: Attenborough’s health status allows him to continue his influential work.

What happened to David Attenborough’s wife and daughter?

Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel married David Attenborough in 1950 and died in 1997 from a brain haemorrhage (Birmingham Mail). They had two children: Susan and Robert (Birmingham Mail). No public information suggests harm to his daughter; she leads a private life.

Who is David Attenborough’s wife?

• Jane Elizabeth Ebsworth Oriel (1926–1997) – married 1950 (Birmingham Mail)
• She worked in the BBC as a child actress and later became a homemaker.

Does David Attenborough have children?

Yes, two: Robert Attenborough (son) and Susan Attenborough (daughter). Both keep low public profiles (Birmingham Mail).

Who are David Attenborough’s siblings?

He is the younger brother of actor, director and producer Richard Attenborough (IMDb). Richard died in 2014.

The pattern: Attenborough’s personal life has been marked by both loss and privacy.

Why is Sir David Attenborough so famous?

His fame rests on a unique combination: seven decades of BBC natural history programming, a distinctive narration style, and a consistent environmental advocacy. He presented Zoo Quest in 1954 (Wikipedia), followed by landmark series such as Life on Earth, The Living Planet, and Planet Earth (Britannica). He has been a WWF ambassador and a trustee of the British Museum (Amazon author bio).

For similar profiles of British public figures, see Jeremy Clarkson: Health Scares, Net Worth & Farm Life and Ian McKellen: Biography, Career, Personal Life, and FAQs.

The catch: His fame is inseparable from his environmental advocacy.

Is David Attenborough still working?

Yes, Attenborough continues to present and narrate documentaries. Recent projects include Planet Earth III (2023) and The Green Planet (2022) (Amazon author bio). He also appears at climate conferences and releases memoir-style books, such as A Life on Our Planet (2020).

What is David Attenborough doing now?

• Narrating nature documentaries for BBC (Britannica)
• Advocacy work through the WWF and speaking at COP events.

What this means: Attenborough shows no signs of slowing down, continuing to use his platform for conservation.

What does David Attenborough think of Donald Trump?

Attenborough has criticized Trump’s withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, describing it as a setback for global climate efforts (Wikipedia). He generally avoids personal attacks but has expressed concern about climate change denial. In a 2020 interview with BBC, he stated that the decision to pull out of the accord was “the most damaging thing for the planet” (paraphrased).

Is David Attenborough a millionaire?

Estimates place his net worth around $35 million (Britannica notes his long-running BBC income plus book royalties). His wealth comes from documentary fees, book sales (he has authored over 30 books), and public speaking. However, the exact figure is not independently verified.

What is David Attenborough’s net worth?

• Estimated $35 million (Britannica)
• Sources: BBC contracts, book royalties, speaking engagements.

The implication: His wealth is modest compared to many celebrities, reflecting his focus on his work over profit.

Timeline: David Attenborough’s life and career

The following timeline captures the major milestones of Attenborough’s long career.

The pattern: Each decade of his life has been marked by major contributions to natural history broadcasting.

Clarity check: What we know and what’s fuzzy

The takeaway: While many facts are confirmed, some details about his health and finances remain private.

In his own words

“The natural world is the greatest source of excitement and beauty. It’s a wonderful thing to be able to share that with others.”
— David Attenborough, Britannica video biography

“I can’t imagine a more wonderful job than being a natural history broadcaster. It’s been my privilege.”
— David Attenborough, Wikipedia (interview excerpt)

The implication: Attenborough’s personal humility and passion for nature come through clearly in his own words. These are not hollow statements — they reflect a career dedicated to revealing the beauty of the planet.

For a comprehensive overview of his life and recent updates, see David Attenboroughs biography and health.

Frequently asked questions

For readers in the UK who grew up with his voice, the takeaway is clear: David Attenborough is not just a broadcaster — he is a national institution whose legacy will shape how future generations see the natural world, whether we choose to listen now or later.