Canadian icon David Suzuki retires after 44 years of 'The Nature of Things'

David Suzuki is a beloved Canadian icon. Suzuki is a scientist, broadcaster, author, and activist who has been a prominent figure in the environmental movement for decades.

However, he is probably best known in Canada for his long-running science tv show called 'The Nature of Things.' Recently David announced his retirement from the show after impressive 44-year-long years on the air, and at 87, Suzuki has undoubtedly earned some downtime. Click on to read more about the life and career of this esteemed Canadian legend.

Photo: Screenshot, CBC

David Suzuki was born along with his twin sister Marcia in Vancouver, British Columbia, in 1936. Suzuki grew up in a Japanese-Canadian family; his parents, Setsu Nakamura and Kaoru Carr Suzuki were second-generation Japanese-Canadians, who were also born in Vancouver, like David.

However, despite both David and his parents being born in Canada, it did not save them from discrimination during the second world war. According to Suzuki's biography 'Metamorphosis: Stages in a life,' in 1942, his father was sent to a labour camp in the Southern Interior region of British Colombia.

Two months later, the Canadian government sold his family's dry-cleaning business and then sent David, his mother and two sisters to an intern camp in Slocan, BC, where the family was forced to live in deplorable conditions because of their Japanese heritage.

This experience had a profound impact on Suzuki's life and work, leading him to become a vocal advocate for human rights and environmental justice.

When the war ended, David Suzuki's family was released from the camp and told to move east, and after some moving around, they eventually settled in London, Ontario.

David has always had a keen interest in nature and animals and has credited his father for supporting his interests. Suzuki earned his Ph.D. in zoology from the University of Chicago in 1961 and went on to become a professor of genetics at the University of British Columbia.

In 1970 David became known on television thanks to a weekly children's show called 'Suzuki on Science,' and in 1974, he founded the beloved CBC radio program, which still runs to this day called 'Quirks & Quarks.'

Photo: CBC

However, Suzuki became a true household name in Canada when he began hosting the CBC television series, 'The Nature of Things.'

Photo: Retro Ontario

In interviews over the years, Suzuki has stated that prior to getting involved in television, he held disdain for tv shows.

However, he was motivated to do a program on science to educate the public and create an interest in nature while inspiring others to live more sustainably and care about the future of our planet.

Photo: CBC

Through his work on 'The Nature of Things,' Suzuki has brought scientific knowledge and environmental issues to a broad audience.

David soon became a beloved figure in Canada and beyond, as the program has been broadcast in over 40 countries during its 44 years on the air.

Throughout his career, Suzuki has been a tireless advocate for the environment and sustainable living.

David Suzuki has written dozens of books, including 'The Legacy: An Elder's Vision for Our Sustainable Future' and 'The Sacred Balance: Rediscovering Our Place in Nature,' and has spoken out on a wide range of issues, from climate change and biodiversity to food security and social justice.

He has also founded and served as the chair of the David Suzuki Foundation, a non-profit organization that works to protect the natural world and promote environmental sustainability.

In April 2023, at the age of 86, Suzuki announced his retirement from 'The Nature of Things,' after 44 years of hosting the program.

In an interview with CBC, he said he would have liked to retire earlier but feared that the program might stop airing if he wasn't the host.

Photo: CBC

In a statement to CBC News, Suzuki expressed his gratitude for his time on the program and his continued commitment to environmental advocacy: "I've been privileged to be part of 'The Nature of Things' for so many years, and I'm grateful to CBC for giving me the opportunity to share my passion for science and the environment with Canadians. As I retire from the show, I want to thank everyone who has supported me over the years and encourage them to continue to fight for a sustainable future."

David might be leaving television, but he doesn't plan on going quiet. Suzuki told CTV News he has plans to start video blogging to speak out and be a voice for the environment.

As for 'The Nature of Things,' fortunately for viewers, the show will go on. Co-host Anthony Morgan and Suzuki's daughter Sarika Cullis-Suzuki, a marine biologist, will continue David's work.

Photo: CBC

David is delighted that suitable replacements have been found to keep the show going telling CTV News, "I'm delighted with the replacements. They're terrific. I've had a good run and the most important thing is the series."