The author, comic and conservationist Bill Oddie has died aged 85. Having come to prominence with the comedy group The Goodies, Oddie later established himself as an authority on wildlife, presenting tv sequence together with the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch.(*85*)
Oddie’s agent paid tribute to his “intelligence and wit”. In an announcement, David Foster stated: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder. Bill was a multitalented 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.”(*85*)
Oddie was born in Rochdale in Lancashire, and grew up in Birmingham, later finding out at Cambridge University. It was at Cambridge that he met Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, with whom he would type the sketch group The Goodies. Following numerous TV tasks, Oddie went on to look alongside Brooke-Taylor and Garden within the TV present The Goodies for 10 years between 1970 and 1980. The present was revived by ITV for a 1981 Christmas particular and a six-part sequence which aired in 1982.(*85*)
As effectively as creating and performing comedian musical numbers, together with The Funky Gibbon and Black Pudding Bertha (The Queen of Northern Soul), with The Goodies, Oddie’s music tasks included a task within the English National Opera manufacturing of The Mikado within the late Eighties.(*85*)
An avid birder, Oddie made forays into pure historical past tv within the Nineteen Seventies and Eighties, happening to current various wildlife sequence for the BBC and publishing a number of books with reference to conservation.(*85*)
Oddie had despair and bipolar dysfunction. In 2015, he told the Guardian that he had “inherited the same genetic flaw” as his mom, who was recognized with schizophrenia however might have additionally had bipolar dysfunction.(*85*)
In September 2020, Oddie stated on Twitter that he had 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.” Lithium is prescribed as a temper stabiliser.(*85*)
Oddie is survived by his spouse, Laura, and three daughters – Rosie, from his marriage to Laura, and Kate and Bonnie from his first marriage to the jazz musician Jean Hart.(*85*)
