A legendary composer behind some of Hollywood’s most memorable films – as well as David Attenborough’s beloved nature documentaries – has passed away. British composer George Fenton is dead at 76.
The world has lost one of its most talented creators. British composer George Fenton has died unexpectedly at 76, leaving behind a remarkable career spanning more than five decades.
“We are very sad to announce that George Fenton passed away unexpectedly on Monday 5th October 2026. He is survived by his loving wife Amanda, ex-wife Jane, children Gemma, Grace and Bridget, and Grandchildren Lola, Audrey, Alfred, George, Frank and Beatrice, and a life of music,” a statement on Fenton’s website read.
Fenton was known for his work on more than 100 films, including Groundhog Day, Gandhi and Dangerous Liaisons. He also created music for some of television’s most popular nature documentaries, including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth and Frozen Planet.
Born George Howe in Bromley, Kent, in 1949, Fenton developed a love of music early on, first learning to play the guitar before studying the organ. As a young man, he dreamed of performing as both a musician and an actor.
He even recorded a cover of the Beatles song Maxwell’s Silver Hammer, which became a Top 10 hit in Sweden.
In 1968, he made his West End debut in Alan Bennett’s first stage production, Forty Years On, adopting the name George Fenton. He later turned to television, landing a recurring role in the British soap opera Emmerdale Farm in the mid-1970s.
‘Groundhog Day’ and ‘Planet Earth’ composer George Fenton dies at 76
By 1982, a new collaboration would be the beginning of a new era for both Fenton and his colleague. He began working with Sir David Attenborough on the 1982 film Gandhi, which earned him his first Oscar nomination alongside Ravi Shankar.
He received two more nominations for their next collaboration, Cry Freedom: one for Best Original Score and another for Best Original Song. George Fenton also contributed vocals to the song and performed it at the Academy Awards.
In total, Fenton earned five Academy Award nominations throughout his career, receiving recognition for films including Gandhi, Cry Freedom, Dangerous Liaisons and The Fisher King. Moreover, he also received several other honors, including BAFTA Awards, Emmy Awards and Ivor Novello Awards.
But perhaps most importantly, in 2023, he was appointed a Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) for his services to music.
George Fenton and David Attenborough would work together many times. And most might recognize his work with the legendary storyteller.
He worked with Attenborough on several acclaimed documentaries, including The Blue Planet, Planet Earth, Frozen Planet and Wild Isles. George Fenton also composed familiar themes for British television, including Newsnight, the BBC’s Six O’Clock News and Nine O’Clock News, and the detective series Bergerac.
Fenton’s work reached millions, but many probably didn’t know the name behind the music. He remained active in music in the years before his death and continued creating new work. His work will live on for many years to come.
Rest in peace, George Fenton. Our thoughts are with his loved ones.