David Frost
David Frost – Life, Career, and Memorable Quotes
Meta Description:
Discover the life and legacy of Sir David Frost (1939–2013), the iconic English journalist, broadcaster, and master interviewer. Explore his journey, major interviews, philosophy, and famous quotes.
Introduction
Sir David Paradine Frost was an English journalist, television presenter, writer, and interviewer whose name became synonymous with incisive, revealing conversations with some of the most powerful figures of the 20th century. Frost/Nixon interviews, Frost helped define what it means to interrogate public life with poise, rigor, and wit. His legacy lives on in the art of the interview and broadcast journalism worldwide.
Early Life and Education
David Frost was born on April 7, 1939, in Tenterden, Kent, England.
Frost attended several schools: Barnsole Road Primary in Gillingham, St Hugh’s School, then Gillingham Grammar, and later Wellingborough Grammar School while living in Northamptonshire.
He went on to study English literature at Gonville & Caius College, Cambridge. Varsity student newspaper, was involved with the literary magazine Granta, and served as secretary of the Footlights Drama Society. Town and Gown.
Career and Achievements
Rise via Satire & Television
Frost’s breakthrough came in 1962 when he became the host of the satirical television show That Was the Week That Was (TW3).
Following TW3, Frost participated in its successors, such as Not So Much a Programme, More a Way of Life. The Frost Report, a program that featured sketches and commentary, and which proved to be a launching point for talents like John Cleese, Ronnie Barker, and Ronnie Corbett. The Frost Programme, an interview-oriented show that allowed him to sharpen his skills in serious journalism.
By the late 1960s, Frost began crossing over into the U.S. television sphere. He hosted The David Frost Show in America from 1969 to 1972, while also maintaining his UK projects.
The Nixon Interviews & Global Recognition
One of Frost’s most famous achievements was his 1977 televised interviews with Richard Nixon. These were groundbreaking: Frost managed to persuade Nixon to appear, and the conversations addressed Watergate, presidential power, and accountability. Frost/Nixon interviews became such cultural touchstones that they inspired a stage play and a film adaptation in 2008.
Frost was notable for being the only person to interview all eight British prime ministers from 1964 to his death, and all seven U.S. presidents in office between 1969 and 2008.
Later Work & Legacy Broadcasting
In 1983, Frost was among the “Famous Five” who helped launch the breakfast TV station TV-am in the UK. Frost on Sunday on ITV, and from 1993 to 2005 he presented the BBC’s Breakfast with Frost.
Frost also branched into entertainment television: he long hosted Through the Keyhole, a whimsical show where guests guessed whose home was being shown.
Later in his career he turned to global current affairs: from 2006 to 2012 he hosted Frost Over the World on Al Jazeera English; and from 2012 until shortly before his death, he hosted The Frost Interview.
Awards & Honors
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Frost was appointed Officer of the Order of the British Empire (OBE) in 1970.
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He was knighted in 1993 (Knight Bachelor) in recognition of his services to broadcasting.
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Among many broadcaster awards, he received a BAFTA Fellowship in 2005.
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In 2009 he won a Lifetime Achievement Award at the Emmy Awards.
Personality, Approach & Philosophy
David Frost was often described as charming, urbane, and affable—someone who could put interview subjects at ease yet still draw out candid revelations.
He believed in preparation, deep research, and persistence: his interviews often revealed new insights because he avoided superficial questions. Frost was also skilled at combining journalism with narrative—making his shows engaging, not merely adversarial.
Another essential trait was versatility: Frost moved fluidly from satire and entertainment to high-stakes political interviews and global affairs.
Famous Quotes of David Frost
Here are a selection of memorable David Frost quotes and their insights:
| Quote | Reflection / Meaning |
|---|---|
| “Don’t aim for success if you want it; just do what you love and believe in, and it will come naturally.” He argues for passion and conviction as core motivators rather than chasing fame or accolades. | |
| “Diplomacy, n. is the art of letting somebody else have your way.” A witty take on how influence and persuasion often rely on subtle, indirect tactics. | |
| “Being upbeat is the key to life.” Frost emphasizes optimism and attitude in public life and personal conduct. | |
| “The most important advice you can give anyone about to appear on TV is incredibly prosaic – be yourself.” A reminder that authenticity often resonates more than performance. | |
| “Love is when each person is more concerned for the other than for one's self.” A lyrical observation on empathy and relational connection. | |
| “Having one child makes you a parent; having two you are a referee.” A humorous, grounded insight into family dynamics and sibling relationships. |
These quotes highlight his blend of seriousness, humor, and insight—qualities that served him well both on and off camera.
Lessons We Can Learn from David Frost
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Master the interview with both warmth and rigor
Frost demonstrated that trust and persistence are not mutually exclusive in questioning. -
Follow your passion, not just status
His advice to “do what you love and believe in” shows how purpose fuels longevity and impact. -
Be prepared and deep in research
Good interviews often come from knowing the subject, context, and contradictions. -
Bridge entertainment and substance
Frost’s career spans satire, talk shows, political interviews, and global affairs—showing that journalistic integrity can live within popular formats. -
Adapt over time
From the 1960s to the 2000s, he evolved to suit changing media landscapes (e.g. satellite TV, global news channels).
Conclusion
Sir David Frost was more than a familiar TV face—he was a craftsman of conversation, a cultural bridge between politics and public life, and a pioneer of modern broadcast journalism. His interviews didn’t just ask questions; they created moments of accountability, insight, and sometimes confessions. His versatility, integrity, and wit continue to influence journalists, broadcasters, and conversationalists around the world.