Bill Oddie, the British wildlife presenter and Goodies star, has died at the age of 85.
His agent said Oddie died on Saturday. He first became widely known in the 1970s as part of comic trio The Goodies with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, then later built a major television career presenting BBC wildlife shows including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
Announcing his death on Monday, his friend and agent David Foster said: “It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder,”
He added: “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.”
Oddie had been watching birds since childhood in Birmingham and went on to become a respected ornithologist who represented a number of nature organisations. He also wrote several books about birds and other wildlife subjects.
His comedy career started with Cambridge Footlights, where he began writing for productions including That Was The Week That Was. He later wrote for and appeared in a string of programmes, among them I’m Sorry I’ll Read That Again, which included many of his comic songs.
His breakthrough came with The Goodies, whose success turned the trio into household names not only in Britain but also in Australia and New Zealand, where the television series drew millions of viewers at its peak. His songwriting also helped produce several major chart hits for the group, especially The Funky Gibbon.
Oddie later continued working with his fellow Goodies on programs including Bananaman before shifting his focus to nature broadcasting.
He also spoke candidly about severe depression. In 2009, after being dropped from the BBC’s Springwatch, where he had been one of the original presenters, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital. He was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a condition marked by alternating depressive periods and manic activity.
In 2014, he said he still carried some sadness over the way his time on Springwatch ended, although he backed the programme’s role in encouraging people to connect with the natural world.
“That’s all to the good because I fear so many people wear earphones for their phones and music players that increasingly they miss out on everyday joys like birdsong,” he said.
“My plea to people would be to ‘go naked’ occasionally – take off those earpieces so you hear nature and, of course, birdsong. You may not realise how precious it is until it’s gone.”
