David Attenborough Makes History as Oldest Daytime Emmys Winner at Age 99
Sir David Attenborough has made history as the oldest winner at the Daytime Emmys. At 99 years old, he received the award for Outstanding Daytime Personality – Non-Daily for his work on Netflix’s “Secret Lives of Orangutans.” Attenborough will celebrate his 100th birthday next May.
Breaking Records at the Daytime Emmys
This recent achievement surpasses the previous record held by Dick Van Dyke, who won the award at age 98. Van Dyke received the Daytime Emmy for Guest Performer in a Daytime Drama Series for his appearance on Peacock’s “Days of Our Lives” last year.
Highlights of the Award Ceremony
- The 52nd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards were held on October 17, 2024.
- The event took place at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium.
- Attenborough’s win was part of three victories for “Secret Lives of Orangutans.”
The documentary also secured the award for Outstanding Directing Team for a Single Camera Daytime Non-Fiction Program.
Notable Competitors
Attenborough triumphed over several notable figures, including:
- Brad Bestelink for “Living with Leopards” (Netflix)
- Andi Sweeney Blanco, Courtney Dober, Rob North & Kirin Stone for “The Fixers” (BYUtv)
- Anthony Mackie for “Shark Beach with Anthony Mackie: Gulf Coast” (National Geographic)
- Martha Stewart for “Martha Gardens” (Roku)
Legacy of David Attenborough
David Attenborough is renowned as one of the finest natural sciences broadcasters globally. He began his illustrious career in 1954 with “Zoo Quest.” His recent projects include iconic series like “Planet Earth,” “Blue Planet,” and “The Green Planet.”
In “Secret Lives of Orangutans,” Attenborough narrates the journey of an extraordinary group of orangutans in Sumatra, focusing particularly on an eight-year-old named Eden. This documentary emphasizes the bonds humans share with these great apes.
Attenborough’s recent accolade at the Daytime Emmys underscores his enduring impact on broadcasting and environmental awareness.
