Bill Oddie, Comedian and Naturalist, Dies Aged 85
The Goodies star and Springwatch presenter passed away, his agent confirmed.
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Comedian and naturalist Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85. His agent, David Foster, announced his passing, stating that Oddie was "the country's best-loved birder." Oddie gained fame in the 1970s as part of the comedy trio The Goodies before becoming a well-known presenter of BBC nature programmes, including Springwatch.
A Career in Comedy and Conservation
Born William Edgar Oddie on July 7, 1941, near Rochdale, Lancashire, Oddie was a member of the Cambridge Footlights. He rose to prominence in the 1970s with The Goodies, a comedy group that featured slapstick and comic songs, some of which reached the UK charts. The show ran for most of the decade on BBC Television. Beyond comedy, Oddie developed a significant career as a naturalist. His childhood interest in bird watching evolved into presenting nature programmes, making him a familiar face on shows like Springwatch and Autumnwatch. He was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his contributions to wildlife conservation. Tributes from colleagues highlighted his ability to make the natural world accessible and exciting to a wide audience.
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“No-one could tell a story like Bill. No-one could make me laugh like Bill. No-one could enthuse anyone, whoever they were, to go outside and get excited about a robin.”
Kate Humble, former Springwatch co-host
Oddie also spoke openly about his struggles with mental health, including bouts of depression and bipolar disorder. His former Springwatch co-host Kate Humble described him as one of the first celebrities to bravely discuss these challenges publicly. Chris Packham, who succeeded Oddie on Springwatch, remembered him as a "renegade polymath" who was both funny and passionate about protecting wildlife.
Legacy and Tributes
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Tributes have poured in from various organisations and individuals. Mike Pratt of Northumberland Wildlife Trust noted Oddie's "influential" presence as a naturalist and his long-standing role as the charity's patron. The RSPCA's chief executive, Jo Rowland, stated that Oddie's broadcasting work inspired many into animal welfare. Reading Football Club also paid tribute to Oddie, a club guest of honour on many occasions.
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