TV presenter and comedian Bill Oddie dies at 85

TV presenter and comedian Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85, his agent has said. Oddie became a household name in the 1970s as part of zany TV comedy trio The Goodies, before concentrating on his love of wildlife, as one of the original hosts of BBC TV’s Springwatch and other shows about birdwatching.

A Lifelong Passion for Wildlife

Bill Oddie was born in Rochdale, near Manchester, and grew up in Birmingham before attending Cambridge University, where he was a member of the illustrious Footlights comedy troupe. He went on to write and appear on programmes including I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again, At Last the 1948 Show, Twice a Fortnight and Doctor in The House. Oddie was known for his work with Monty Python’s John Cleese, Michael Palin, and Terry Jones, as well as his fellow future Goodies – Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.

A Pioneering Conservationist

Oddie was made an OBE in 2003 for services to wildlife conservation. He co-presented the first four series of the BBC’s annual Springwatch from 2005, as well as spin-off Autumnwatch. Jo Rowland, chief executive of the RSPCA, said: “I know many of our wildlife rescuers were inspired into animal welfare by Bill’s groundbreaking broadcasting work and incredible knowledge of British birds, which brought the wonders of nature into millions of homes across the country. Nature has lost one of its best friends, fiercest champions and most iconic defenders.”

Mental Health Advocacy

Oddie was open about his struggles with mental health, and was praised by Kate Humble for being one of the first celebrities to speak openly in public about his struggles. Humble said: “He was one of the earliest, bravest people to say, ‘No, this is something that I have, and this is something that I have to deal with, and my family has to deal with,’ and it was really tough for him.” Oddie had spoken about his struggles with depression and bipolar disorder, saying he suffered “probably the worst 12 months of my life” after being dropped from the BBC in 2009.

A Legacy of Laughter and Conservation

David Foster, Bill Oddie’s agent, paid tribute to his client, saying: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder. Bill was a multi-talented 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.” Foster continued that Oddie “taught us the wonder of” the environment, and led the way in conservation efforts that inspired people of all ages and backgrounds.

Source: JOY