Bill Oddie, naturalist and broadcaster, dies aged 85
Oddie came to fame as one of the comedy trio The Goodies, but was later known for his expertise on wildlife and birds – which led to him presenting the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch
The writer, comedian and conservationist Bill Oddie has died aged 85 . Having come to prominence with the comedy group The Goodies, Oddie later established himself as an authority on wildlife, presenting television series including the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
Oddie’s agent paid tribute to his “intelligence and wit”. In a statement, David Foster said: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder. Bill was a multitalented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. Yet it was never fame that he valued.
“Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment. He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it. He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten.
“As Bill’s agent I witnessed close-hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly. My thoughts and love are with Bill’s wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie, who have asked not to be contacted at this sad time. Please respect their wishes.”
Oddie was born in Rochdale in Lancashire, and grew up in Birmingham, later studying at Cambridge University. It was at Cambridge that he met Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, with whom he would form the sketch group The Goodies. Following various TV projects, Oddie went on to appear alongside Brooke-Taylor and Garden in the TV show The Goodies for 10 years between 1970 and 1980. The show was revived by ITV for a 1981 Christmas special and a six-part series which aired in 1982.
As well as creating and performing comic musical numbers, including The Funky Gibbon and Black Pudding Bertha (The Queen of Northern Soul), with The Goodies, Oddie’s music projects included a role in the English National Opera production of The Mikado in the late 1980s.
An avid birder, Oddie made forays into natural history television in the 1970s and 1980s, going on to present a number of wildlife series for the BBC and publishing several books on the subject of conservation.
Oddie had depression and bipolar disorder. In 2015, he told the Guardian that he had “inherited the same genetic flaw” as his mother, who was diagnosed with schizophrenia but may have also had bipolar disorder.
In September 2020, Oddie said on Twitter that he had been “very ill most of this summer. Lithium toxicity. Almost fatal! I am still here but very confused about most things! But then aren’t many of us. IT fuddles my brain. Confusion. Will I return? I Really dunno. I do hope so. Please wish me luck. XX.” Lithium is prescribed as a mood stabiliser.
Oddie is survived by his wife, Laura, and three daughters – Rosie, from his marriage to Laura, and Kate and Bonnie from his first marriage to the jazz musician Jean Hart.
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