Michael Brennan is a retired British photographer, renowned for his extensive career in photojournalism and iconic portraiture. Born in Sheffield, Yorkshire, he began his photographic career as an assistant before being hired as a news photographer at The Croydon Times. From there, his career took off, and between 1964 and 1970, he worked for The Sunday People and The Daily Herald in Northern England, covering a wide range of significant events.
In 1967, Brennan gained international recognition for a series of photographs documenting the tragic death of Donald Campbell, who died while attempting the world water speed record. These images were published in Life magazine, and their powerful impact earned Brennan the British News Picture of the Year award.
Throughout his career, Brennan worked for some of the most influential newspapers of his time. After his tenure at The Sun, where he covered several pivotal events, he joined The Daily Mail, continuing to document key moments in history. Among his most notable assignments were covering the Troubles in Northern Ireland and the Indo-Pakistani conflicts, as well as spending time with Mother Teresa of Calcutta, who at the time was not yet widely known.
In 1973, Michael Brennan moved to the United States, where he continued his renowned photographic career. During this new chapter, he began capturing portraits of prominent figures in American culture and sports. One of his most emblematic projects was his series of photographs of Muhammad Ali for Sports Illustrated. These images not only captured the essence of the boxer but became some of the most iconic photos of the era.
One of Brennan’s most iconic photographs, taken in 1977, shows Muhammad Ali in action and has been recognized as one of the best images of the boxer. This photograph is part of the Smithsonian National Portrait Gallery collection, cementing its place as one of the most significant images in the history of sports photography.
After a career spanning over 50 years, in which he captured key moments of world history, Michael Brennan retired from photography. Today, he enjoys his time in Costa Rica, where he now resides, having stepped away from public life. His photographic legacy lives on, not only through his iconic images but also in the way he documented history through his lens, capturing both the tragedy and glory of his time.