David Suzuki Biography: Books, Movies, Age, Net Worth, Wikipedia, Awards, Parents, Siblings, Wife, Children

David Suzuki is a distinguished Canadian scientist, environmental activist, author, and broadcaster, widely recognized for his efforts in promoting environmental awareness and sustainability.

Born on March 24, 1936, in Vancouver, British Columbia, Suzuki’s early life was marked by the internment of Japanese Canadians during World War II. This experience profoundly influenced his worldview and commitment to social justice and environmental issues.

Profile

• Full name: David Takayoshi Suzuki
• Date of birth: March 24, 1936
• Age: 89 years old
• Gender: Male
• Place of birth: Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada
• Nationality: Canadian
• Profession: Scientist, broadcaster, author, environmental activist
• Height: 5′ 4″ (1.63 m)
• Parents: Setsu Nakamura and Kaoru Carr Suzuki
• Siblings: Marcia Suzuki, Geraldine Suzuki (now known as Aiko), Dawn Suzuki and Jenny Suzuki
• Spouse: Tara Cullis (married 1973)
• Children: Leslie Suzuki, Lisabeth Suzuki, Melanie Suzuki
• Relationship status: Married
• Ethnicity: Japanese-Canadian
• Net worth: $25 million

Early Life and Education

David Suzuki is now at the age of 89, as he was born on March 24, 1936, in Vancouver, British Columbia to parents, Setsu Nakamura and Kaoru Carr Suzuki. At the age of five, he and his family were interned in a camp in Slocan Valley due to their Japanese heritage during World War II.

After the war ended, they relocated to Ontario. This early experience taught him a strong sense of justice and an understanding of the importance of community resilience. Suzuki has a twin sister named Marcia, as well as three other siblings, Geraldine (now known as Aiko), Dawn and Jenny

Suzuki attended Amherst College in Massachusetts, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in biology in 1958. He then pursued a Ph.D. in zoology at the University of Chicago, graduating in 1961.

His academic focus was on genetics, specifically studying fruit flies as model organisms for genetic research. After completing his doctorate, he worked at Oak Ridge National Laboratory in Tennessee before returning to Canada.

Personal Life

David Suzuki married Tara Cullis in 1973; they have collaborated on various projects through the David Suzuki Foundation. The couple has three children together—Leslie, Lisabeth, and Melanie—who have largely maintained private lives away from the public.

Suzuki has been open about his commitment to environmental activism throughout his family life; he often emphasizes the importance of instilling values related to sustainability and respect for nature within his children.

Career

Suzuki’s professional career began as an academic when he joined the University of Alberta as an assistant professor in genetics from 1962 to 1963. He then moved to the University of British Columbia (UBC) in 1963, where he became a full professor by 1969 and continued his research until his retirement in 2001. His research primarily focused on meiosis and genetic mutations caused by environmental changes.

In the early 1970s, Suzuki recognized the need to communicate scientific findings to the public effectively. He started his broadcasting career with Suzuki on Science, which aired from 1971 to 1972 on CBC Television. Although he left due to dissatisfaction with its production quality and time slot, this initial foray into media set the stage for his future success.

In 1974, he began hosting Science Magazine on CBC Television and later launched Quirks & Quarks, a radio program that explored scientific topics for a general audience. In 1979, these programs merged into The Nature of Things, which became one of Canada’s longest-running science shows and aired until his retirement in 2023.

Throughout his broadcasting career, Suzuki produced numerous television specials that garnered critical acclaim. Notable works include A Planet for the Taking (1985), The Secret of Life (1993), and The Brain (1994). His ability to make complex scientific concepts relatable to everyday audiences helped him become a beloved figure across Canada.

In addition to his media work, Suzuki co-founded the David Suzuki Foundation in 1990. The foundation focuses on sustainability issues such as climate change, ocean conservation, and biodiversity protection. It aims to promote solutions that allow society to live harmoniously with nature.

Suzuki has authored over 30 books covering topics from genetics to environmentalism. His writing often emphasizes the interconnectedness of human life and nature while advocating for sustainable practices.

Awards

• Companion of the Order of Canada
• Order of British Columbia
• Right Livelihood Award (2009)
• John Drainie Award for broadcasting excellence
• Canadian Screen Awards’ Lifetime Achievement Award

Net Worth

David Suzuki’s estimated net worth is around $25 million. His wealth primarily comes from his successful career as a broadcaster, authoring numerous books, and leading the David Suzuki Foundation.

Social Media

• Instagram: N/A
• Twitter: N/A

Filmography

• The Nature of Things
• Suzuki on Science
• Quirks & Quarks
• A Planet for the Taking
• The Secret of Life
• The Brain

Books

• David Suzuki: The Autobiography
• The Sacred Balance
• The Legacy
• Let’s Talk About Death
• Tree: A Life Story