David Attenborough, 100, Is Beloved Around the World but Still the Most ‘Down-to-Earth Human,’ Says Cinematographer (Exclusive)

The atmosphere at the London premiere of the much-anticipated documentary series, “Blue Planet III,” was characterised by mutual admiration, particularly towards its iconic narrator, Sir David Attenborough. At the age of 100, Sir David continues to capture audiences worldwide with his profound knowledge and passion for the natural world, as noted by wildlife cinematographer Anna Dimitriadis during her chat with PEOPLE.

Dimitriadis, who worked alongside Attenborough on the previous series, recounted the impact of his presence. “His presence is just something that rocks you to your core,” she remarked, reflecting on the longstanding influence that Sir David has had throughout her life. The enduring legacy of the naturalist is undeniable; Dimitriadis emphasised that from the moment of her birth, Attenborough’s voice has been a staple, making his continued contributions to documentaries even more remarkable.

Those who have collaborated with Attenborough echo similar sentiments. Gordon Buchanan, a fellow wildlife filmmaker involved in the “Planet Earth II” series, described Sir David as an exception to the widely held belief that one should never meet their heroes. Buchanan highlighted the authenticity of Attenborough, stating, “The trustworthiness that he projects on screen is very much him in real life.” He praised Attenborough’s passion, which remains palpable both during filming and in more informal settings—a testament to the genuine nature of the man.

Dimitriadis further elaborated on her personal experience working with Attenborough, emphasising the casual demeanour he maintained outside of filming. She fondly reminisced about a day when he casually wandered into their shared accommodation, embodying the humble spirit that belies his status as a global icon. “He is still just the most down-to-earth human being there is,” she stated.

Speaking of Attenborough’s presence in front of the camera, Dimitriadis remarked, “His ability to come alive in front of the camera is like nothing I’ve ever experienced.” Such admiration for his on-screen persona illustrates the powerful connection he fosters with audiences through his storytelling. This is essential in documentaries that showcase the wonders of nature, particularly as we witness the remarkable marine life featured in “Blue Planet III.”

During the premiere, Attenborough shared a heartfelt message, reflecting on his extensive career. He noted, “Twenty-five years ago, when I narrated the first “Blue Planet,” it didn’t occur to me that I would be narrating a third series in my centennial year.” He expressed his joy in continuing to explore the mysteries of the ocean, a topic that remains as fascinating today as it did when he first embarked on this journey into nature exploration.

He added, “In these new programmes we uncover a further wonderful array of underwater life, which is more surprising, more sophisticated and even more important than we ever realised.” Attenborough’s commitment to educating viewers about the intricacies of marine ecosystems connects deeply with audiences, fostering a broader appreciation for our oceans.

Musician Jade Thirlwall, who collaborated with composer Hans Zimmer to create the series’ official theme song, shared her admiration for Attenborough. Describing him as “hugely inspiring,” she highlighted his persistent message about environmental conservation. “He has continued to show us… it’s never too late to keep trying to make it a better place,” Thirlwall said.

The importance of learning from Sir David Attenborough cannot be overstated, according to Thirlwall. She called for viewers to gain insights on how to make positive contributions towards preserving our planet, underscoring the relevance of sustainability and environmental friendliness in today’s world.

“Blue Planet III,” co-produced by the BBC and BBC America, aims to capture the splendour of the world’s oceans while also addressing the pressing ecological issues they face. The series is set to premiere in the United States on BBC America and AMC+ in 2027, offering audiences a chance to engage with both the beauty and the fragility of our marine environments, all narrated by the legendary Sir David Attenborough. His influence and dedication continue to inspire generations, proving that even at the age of 100, he remains a pivotal figure in the fight for environmental stewardship.