Broadcaster and comedian Bill Oddie dead at 85
Wildlife broadcaster, comedian and actor Bill Oddie has died aged 85.
His agent, David Foster, confirmed the sad news, writing, “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder.”
Foster remembered Oddie as a “a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. Yet it was never fame that he valued.”
He proudly added of Oddie, “Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment. He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it.”
The tribute continued, “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.”
On a personal level, Foster spoke of his admiration for Oddie’s “intelligence and wit”, before adding, “He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.”
The broadcaster first got a taste for the entertainment world as a student at Cambridge University, when he joined the famous Footlights, and also met Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, who he’d form The Goodies alongside.
Together, the trio had their own television show that ran between 1970 and 1980 on the BBC. The Goodies also had a number of novelty musical hits together.
Simultaneously, in the late 1970s, Oddie began to dip his feet into the world of natural history and open up about his love of birdwatching, which had been an important part of his life since childhood. He then began to regularly make wildlife documentaries.
This would prove to be Oddie’s true calling, delighting millions on Springwatch, Autumnwatch, as well as Bill Oddie Goes Wild and Birding with Bill Oddie.
He also spoke candidly about his troubles with depression and bipolar disorder, revealing in 2010 that he had suffered “probably the worst 12 months of my life”, which saw him spend two periods in hospital.
Additionally, in 2020, he shared that he’d 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 a common treatment for bipolar.
Oddie is survived by his wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.
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