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.