Bill Oddie dead at 85
Wildlife presenter-and-comedian Bill Oddie has passed away at the age of 85.
Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85.
The wildlife presenter-and-comedian's death was announced by his friend-and-agent, David Foster, on Monday (27.07.26).
He said: "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.
“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.
“As Bill’s agent, I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend, and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years. I will miss him terribly.
“My thoughts and love are with Bill’s wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie, who have asked not to be contacted at this sad time. Please respect their wishes.”
Born in Rochdale, Lancashire, in July 1941, but moved to Birmingham at a young age, Bill shot to fame in the 1970s as a member of the comedy trio, The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor, who died in April 2020 at the age of 79, and Graeme Garden.
Bill went on to become a beloved wildlife presenter for the BBC, fronting shows such as Springwatch and Autumnwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie, and Bill Oddie Goes Wild.
In 2017, the TV ornithologist starred in The Real Marigold Hotel - based on the 2011 film The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel - and while filming the corporation's travel documentary series in Kochi, India, he almost died after drinking turpentine, which he mistook for water.
Bill told The Mirror: "I nearly killed myself after that painting thing.
"At the beginning of the evening one of the guys knocked on the door and put what I thought was a glass of water by my bed but it was turps, and I was drinking it. It could have killed me."
And in September 2020, the entertainer told fans he nearly died of "lithium toxicity" that summer.
Bill penned on Twitter - now called X: "Just so you know, I have 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 (sic)."
In 1966, Bill married Jeanne Hart, and they have two daughters, actress Kate Hardie, 58, and choreographer Bonnie Oddie.
After the pair divorced, he got hitched to visual artist Laura Beaumont in 1983, and they have one daughter, 41-year-old musician Rosie - also known as Rosie Bones.
