Bill Oddie, naturalist and broadcaster, dies aged 85

Bill Oddie, the British naturalist, comedian and broadcaster best known for The Goodies and BBC wildlife shows including Springwatch, has died aged 85. His agent, David Foster, confirmed the news and praised the country's best-loved birder for a lifetime spent urging people to respect and protect the natural world.

Key Takeaways

• Bill Oddie has died aged 85, his agent David Foster announced.
• He rose to fame with The Goodies before becoming a leading wildlife presenter.
• Oddie fronted BBC series including Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
• Foster hailed his intelligence, wit and lasting conservation campaigning.
• He is survived by his wife, Laura, and daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.

Who was Bill Oddie and why does his death matter?

For UK audiences, Bill Oddie bridged zany comedy and serious nature broadcasting. According to The Guardian, the writer, comedian and conservationist later established himself as an authority on wildlife after first coming to prominence in comic roles.

The Independent reported that Oddie died on Saturday. Foster called him "the country's best-loved birder" and said fame was never what he valued. Instead, Oddie encouraged people to respect and protect the environment, teaching its wonder while protesting, lobbying and campaigning for it.

How did Bill Oddie move from comedy to wildlife TV?

Born in Rochdale in Lancashire and raised in Birmingham, Oddie studied at Cambridge University, where he met Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. The trio formed The Goodies and starred in the TV show for a decade between 1970 and 1980, with an ITV Christmas special in 1981 and a six-part series in 1982.

Oddie helped create comic musical numbers such as The Funky Gibbon and Black Pudding Bertha, and later appeared in the English National Opera's production of The Mikado in the late 1980s. An avid birder, he moved into natural history television in the 1970s and 1980s, presenting BBC wildlife series and publishing conservation books.

The Independent noted later credits including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch. That second act made him a familiar face for viewers who discovered birds and seasonal wildlife through his programmes.

What tributes have been paid to Bill Oddie?

Foster said Oddie was a multitalented wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. "He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call," Foster said, adding that such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten.

As Oddie's agent, Foster said he witnessed "close-hand his intelligence and wit," calling him a friend and saying it had been an honour to represent him. Thoughts were with Oddie's wife, Laura, and daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie, who asked not to be contacted.

Oddie had spoken publicly about depression and bipolar disorder. In 2015 he told The Guardian he had "inherited the same genetic flaw" as his mother. In September 2020 he said on Twitter he had been very ill with lithium toxicity that was "almost fatal," leaving him confused but still hopeful of returning.

He is survived by Laura and three daughters: Rosie, from his marriage to Laura, and Kate and Bonnie from his first marriage to jazz musician Jean Hart.