Leonardo DiCaprio, Sir David Beckham, and Morgan Freeman are among the stars who have wished Sir David Attenborough a happy 100th birthday on Friday. The beloved environmentalist has been inundated with birthday messages, and tributes poured in from the King and Queen, and stars including Dame Judi Dench, Geri Halliwell-Horner, and Bill Bailey.
Hollywood and Royal Tributes
In the week leading up to the veteran broadcaster's centenary, there were also birthday wishes from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer and the Duke of Sussex. Hollywood star DiCaprio called Sir David 'one of the most enduring champions of our shared planet' in a lengthy post on Instagram on Friday. The 'One Battle After Another' star posted an image of the broadcaster and hailed his 'extraordinary legacy', adding: 'He has reshaped global awareness of conservation and reminded us, time and again, that protecting nature is not optional — it is fundamental to our future. His words continue to guide and challenge us.' The actor and environmental advocate wrote: 'Thank you, Sir David, for a lifetime dedicated to protecting our planet.'
Royal Family and Sports Stars Join In
Charles and Camilla posted photographs of Sir David on the official royal family Instagram account as they wished him a 'very happy 100th birthday'. Former England footballer Sir David also marked the occasion by posting several images of the naturalist on Instagram, writing: 'Happy 100th Birthday to our National Treasure.'
Celebrity Video and Messages
A one-minute-long video, featuring 'Sex Education' star Asa Butterfield, 'Merlin' star Miranda Richardson, and presenter Liz Bonnin, includes a spoken word reinterpretation of the Louis Armstrong classic 'What A Wonderful World'. Outlander's Sam Heughan and 'Misfits' actor Iwan Rheon could also be heard in the video. Broadcaster Ben Fogle, known for hosting wildlife documentaries including 'Animal Park' and 'Countryfile', called Sir David 'the most important teacher, guide, informer and communicator in my life'.
More Celebrity Wishes
Other stars who wished Sir David a happy 100th birthday include business mogul Sir Richard Branson, 'Stranger Things' star Nell Fisher, and 'Blue Peter' presenter Richie Driss. Comedian Bill Bailey posted on Instagram, reminiscing about the 'extraordinary opportunity' he had to interview Sir David, calling it 'one of my greatest memories', adding: 'It was a privilege just to spend time with him. He was, as you would imagine, utterly charming and charismatic. A day I shall never forget.' Among the celebrity tributes was 'Dragons Den' star Deborah Meaden, who said she does not think 'anyone has shaped the way we think about the natural world more than (Sir David) has'. Sir Keir also joined in the celebrations with a post calling him a 'true national treasure and a pioneer in his field'.
Upcoming Events and Public Celebrations
The tributes come ahead of a live event at the Royal Albert Hall, which will feature music from Sir David's programmes along with stories and reflections from public figures and leading advocates for the natural world. Sir David said in a recorded audio message shared the night before his birthday that he was 'completely overwhelmed' by the birthday greetings and that he thought it would be celebrated quietly. The Duke of Sussex has also paid tribute to Sir David, previously hailing the broadcaster as 'an institutional pillar as essential to the national fabric as a cup of tea'. The Royal Albert Hall celebration, which will be broadcast on BBC One, will be hosted by Kirsty Young and will include performances from the BBC Concert Orchestra of the scores associated with some of the most unforgettable moments from Sir David's programmes.
Public Displays of Affection
It is just one of many events to mark his birthday, as the Piccadilly Lights were taken over by BBC studios to display a tribute on Friday. Fans also flocked to Outernet London in Tottenham Court Road to view 'Our Story With David Attenborough', as the Natural History Museum's immersive exhibition presented by Sir David was transformed into a free five-minute show. Philip O'Ferrall, chief executive of Outernet Global, said: 'Seeing the piece go live on the screens and hearing Sir David's famous voice narrating is a really special moment. As people visit you can really see how effecting Our Story is – both the visuals themselves and the message too.'
