Comedian and actor Michael Palin has made a name for himself in travel documentaries over the past 25 years.

This time, Palin is off to explore the South American country of Brazil. From religious rituals to beach playgrounds, he showcases the growing reputation of the world's fifth largest country in his documentary Brazil starting Wednesday, 13 February at 21:00 on BBC Knowledge.

The Arthur Christmas actor is not the only celebrity to host or narrate a factual show and we are taking look at other famous faces who have dabbled in the documentary world.

Dominic Monaghan



The actor, who is known best for his roles in Lost and Lord of the Rings, travels extensively in search of bugs, snakes and reptiles. Dominic shares his passion for the scariest creepy-crawlies in his documentary, Wild Things with Dominic Monaghan. Watch it every Thursday at 22:00 on Animal Planet (channel 264).

Morgan Freeman


This Academy Award winner has starred in numerous movies over the years including a role as God in Tom Shadyac's movie Bruce Almighty and the sequel, Evan Almighty. In a twist of irony, Freeman now explores the mysteries of the universe in Discovery channel’s Through the Wormhole documentary series. Watch it every Friday at 22:00 on Discovery Showcase (channel 172).

Jake Gyllenhaal


The End of Watch actor tried his best to survive the freezing elements with adventurer Bear Grylls. The two travelled to an Arctic glacier in an episode of Man vs Wild. Watch Bear Grylls in Ultimate Survival, Saturdays at 9:30 on Discovery (channel 121).

Ewan McGregor



Ewan documented his motorcycle travels with his friend Charley Boorman. In Long Way Down, these two travel from Scotland to Cape Town, South Africa as they make their way down Africa on bikes. He has also documented his trip from London to New York via Europe and Russia in Long Way Around. Get the box set of Long Way Round from Kalahari.com.

Jack Osbourne


Son of rocker Ozzy Osbourne, Jack turned his life around and caught it all on tape for the documentary Adrenaline Junkie. The reality TV star travelled the globe as he took on the mental and physical challenge of getting fit while doing extreme activities.

Alec Baldwin


30 Rock actor and father-to-be Alec Baldwin is no stranger to voice-over work having lent his husky voice to numerous characters in children’s shows and movies. The actor recently narrated the acclaimed documentary Frozen Planet. Catch Frozen Planet, Sundays at 16:10 on BBC Knowledge (channel 251).

Tune in to Brazil with Michael Palin starting Wednesday, 13 February at 21:00 on BBC Knowledge.