Bill Oddie, the celebrated writer, comedian, and conservationist, has died at the age of 85. Oddie first rose to national prominence as a member of the iconic comedy trio The Goodies, before later establishing himself as a respected authority on wildlife, most notably through his presenting roles on the BBC's flagship nature programmes, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
His agent, David Foster, paid tribute to Oddie's "intelligence and wit," describing him as "the country's best-loved birder." Foster's statement highlighted Oddie's diverse talents as a wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician, and conservationist, emphasising that it was never fame he valued, but rather his passion for encouraging respect and protection of 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," Foster added.
Born in Rochdale, Lancashire, and raised in Birmingham, Oddie's journey into entertainment began at Cambridge University. There, he forged lifelong connections with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, with whom he would go on to form The Goodies. The trio's eponymous television series ran for a decade from 1970 to 1980, captivating audiences with its unique blend of surreal humour and musical numbers, including memorable hits like 'The Funky Gibbon' and 'Black Pudding Bertha'. The show briefly returned for an ITV Christmas special in 1981 and a subsequent six-part series in 1982.
Beyond comedy, Oddie's deep-seated passion for ornithology led him to a successful second career in natural history broadcasting. He began making forays into wildlife television in the 1970s and 1980s, eventually presenting numerous series for the BBC and authoring several books on conservation. His transition from comedic performer to respected naturalist cemented his place in the hearts of the British public, showcasing his versatility and genuine dedication to the natural world.
Oddie openly discussed his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, telling The Guardian in 2015 that he believed he had inherited a genetic predisposition similar to his mother's. In September 2020, he revealed on Twitter that he had been seriously ill due to lithium toxicity, expressing confusion but hope for recovery. Oddie is survived by his wife, Laura, and his three daughters, Rosie, Kate, and Bonnie.