Attenborough’s elder child is Robert Attenborough, born in 1951. That makes him 72 or 73 (depending on the exact month, which he keeps private). Robert followed a scientific path himself, working as a senior lecturer in biological anthropology at the Australian National University.
His daughter, Susan Attenborough, was born in 1955 or 1956, placing her in her late sixties. She works as a primary school teacher in the UK, living a remarkably normal life. Neither child has pursued media or television fame—a deliberate choice their father has always respected.
Why They Stay Out of the Spotlight
Sir David has been famously protective of his family’s privacy. In interviews, he’s said his children “don’t want to be public figures,” and he’s never pushed them into the limelight. It’s a refreshing counterpoint to the modern culture of celebrity offspring becoming influencers.
This is a man who once described his parenting style as “hands-off,” letting his kids explore their own interests. The result? A professor and a teacher—hardly the tabloid fodder you’d expect from a global icon’s family.
Fun fact: Sir David’s brother, the late actor Richard Attenborough, had a very different family story. Richard’s children included actor Michael Attenborough and director Tom Attenborough, who stayed in the arts. Sir David’s kids? They went the exact opposite direction.
