Renowned British broadcaster, naturalist, and author Sir David Attenborough has turned 100. He has been knighted twice, nominated for the 2022 Nobel Peace Prize, and is arguably the world's most recognizable nature enthusiast.

Attenborough's television career spans over 70 years, beginning with his on-screen debut in 'Animal Disguises' in 1953. His documentary 'Blue Planet II' was so popular in China in 2017 that local media reported internet slowdowns as viewers rushed to stream it.

He was first knighted by Queen Elizabeth II in 1985. In June 2022, he was knighted a second time by then-Prince Charles. That same year, he received the UN's highest environmental honor, the Champions of the Earth Lifetime Achievement Award.

Born on May 8, 1926, in England, Attenborough developed a fascination with fossils as a child. He studied Natural Sciences at Cambridge University and later joined the BBC, where he eventually became controller of BBC Two and helped bring color broadcasting to Europe.

His 1979 series 'Life on Earth' broke new ground by filming species in their natural habitats across multiple continents. An iconic, unscripted moment featured a three-year-old mountain gorilla named Pablo lying across him.

Attenborough has used his platform to advocate for climate action and environmental protection. 'We can now destroy or we can cherish, the choice is ours,' he said in the 2009 mini-series 'Planet Earth.'

In 2020, he set a social media record by gaining 1 million followers on Instagram in 4 hours and 44 minutes. A live celebratory event at the Royal Albert Hall, featuring the BBC Concert Orchestra, is planned to honor his centenary.

Source: www.dw.com