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Professor Brian Edward Cox OBE CBE FRS

Brian Cox began his career in the music industry as keyboard player with rock band Dare and later with chart-toppers D:Ream. He obtained a first-class honours degree in physics from the University of Manchester and a PhD in High Energy Particle Physics. He is now Professor of Particle Physics at the University of Manchester, the Royal Society Professor for Public Engagement in Science, and a Fellow of the Royal Society. He is also the presenter of the series, Wonders of Life on BBC Two.

Overview

Professor Brian Edward Cox OBE CBE FRS's Profile

Brian Edward Cox was born on 3 March 1968 in Oldham, England. He lived in nearby Chadderton from 1971. His parents worked for Yorkshire Bank — his mother as a cashier and his father as a middle manager in the same branch. He has a younger sister. A pivotal moment came at age 12 when he read Carl Sagan’s Cosmos, which inspired him to pursue a career in physics.

Cox began his career as a rock star when his band Dare signed with A&M Records in 1986. He later joined D:Ream, whose song Things Can Only Get Better was famously used as the Labour Party election anthem in 1997. Cox studied physics at the University of Manchester during his music career, earning a first-class BSc in 1991, and completed a PhD in high-energy particle physics at the DESY laboratory in Hamburg in 1998 after D:Ream disbanded.

He presented the popular five-part BBC Two series Wonders of the Solar System in 2010, followed by Wonders of the Universe in 2011. In 2013, he presented Wonders of Life, describing a physicist’s view on natural history. As an author, Brian has sold over one million books worldwide, and has undertaken several sell-out live arena tours, setting world records including for the biggest-selling science tour.

Cox married US science presenter Gia Milinovich in 2003. Their son George was born on 26 May 2009, with the middle name Eagle — taken from the Apollo 11 lunar module. Gia also has a son from a previous relationship. The family lives in London.

Quick Facts

  • Full Name: Professor Brian Edward Cox OBE CBE FRS
  • Gender: Male
  • Date of Birth: 1968-03-03
  • Nationality: British
  • Ethnicity: White
  • Sexual Orientation: Straight
  • Marital Status: Married
  • Career Start: 2013
  • Current Network:
  • Years Active
  • Estimated Salary: Undisclosed

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TV Shows

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Current Hosts

20
Years Active

50
Awards Won

TV Shows​

A list of television shows hosted by this host, including current programs and previous presenting roles.

Wonders of Life

Networks

A list of Networks that this host has worked for.

Personal Life

Family, relationships and background

  • Marriage Gia Milinovich from 2003 to (Current wife)
  • Alex, a stepchild child with Gia Milinovich, born in
  • George Eagle Cox, a biological child with Gia Milinovich, born in 2009

Education

Educational background and qualifications

  • Completed secondary education at Hulme Grammar School, Oldham
  • Attended University of Manchester; graduated with a BSc in Physics
  • Attended University of Manchester / DESY laboratory, Hamburg; graduated with a PhD in High Energy Particle Physics (

Net Worth & Income

Income sources, net worth, and properties.

  • Fees from presenting roles on BBC television and radio
  • Income from his University of Manchester professorial position and research grants
  • Earnings from live arena tours - his record-breaking science tours include Horizons, spanning the UK, USA, Australia, and Europe
  • Book royalties — over one million books sold worldwide, including Why Does E=mc²?, The Quantum Universe, Universal, Black Holes, and series companion books
  • D:Ream music royalties, including Things Can Only Get Better
  • Earnings from public speaking and corporate events

Awards

Awards & recognition