Bill Oddie, the much-loved British television presenter, comedian, and passionate wildlife advocate, has died at the age of 85, his agent has confirmed.
His longtime agent, David Foster, described Oddie as “the country’s best-loved birder,” saying his passing marks the loss of a remarkable entertainer and conservationist whose influence stretched far beyond television.
Oddie first rose to fame in the 1970s as a member of the iconic comedy trio The Goodies, where his quirky humor and songwriting won over millions of fans.
Later in life, he became equally admired for his work in wildlife broadcasting, introducing audiences to the beauty of nature through popular BBC programs such as Springwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie, Britain Goes Wild with Bill Oddie, and Bill Oddie’s How to Watch Wildlife.In a heartfelt statement, Foster praised Oddie’s lifelong dedication to protecting the natural world.”Bill was a multi-talented entertainer—wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician, and conservationist. But more than anything, he wanted people to appreciate and protect nature.
His contribution to conservation will never be forgotten,” he said.Tributes have poured in from friends, colleagues, and conservation organizations following the news of his death.
Former Springwatch co-host Kate Humble remembered Oddie as someone with an extraordinary gift for inspiring people to connect with wildlife.”Nobody could tell a story or make people laugh quite like Bill,” she said. “He had a unique way of making everyone excited about the natural world, whether it was a robin in the garden or a rare bird in the countryside.”Humble also reflected on his personality, describing him as endlessly curious, talented, and honest about the mental health challenges he faced throughout his life.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (RSPCA) also honored Oddie, saying generations of wildlife rescuers and animal lovers were inspired by his passion and knowledge.Born in Rochdale and raised in Birmingham, Oddie attended Cambridge University, where he joined the famous Footlights comedy group.
His writing career began in the early 1960s before he became a household name through The Goodies, whose slapstick comedy and hit novelty songs entertained audiences for more than a decade.Away from comedy, Oddie’s love for birds and wildlife became his defining passion.
His engaging television work encouraged countless people to explore nature, earning him an OBE in 2003 for his services to wildlife conservation.Despite his success, Oddie openly spoke about living with depression and bipolar disorder. Following his departure from Springwatch in 2009, he revealed that he experienced one of the most difficult periods of his life. His willingness to discuss mental health publicly helped reduce stigma and encouraged others to seek support.Actor Samuel West praised Oddie’s enthusiasm for birdwatching, saying his television work inspired an entire generation to appreciate nature. Naturalist Stephen Moss also paid tribute, describing him as the person who did more than anyone else to popularize birdwatching in Britain.Bill Oddie is survived by his wife, children’s television writer and artist Laura Beaumont, their daughter Rosie, and his two daughters, Bonnie and Kate, from his first marriage.
Remembered for his wit, warmth, and unwavering commitment to wildlife, Bill Oddie leaves behind a legacy that touched both British entertainment and environmental conservation for decades.
