Bill Oddie, the British comedian, writer, and naturalist widely recognized for his role in the television comedy trio The Goodies and later as a prominent wildlife presenter, has died at the age of 85. His agent, David Foster, confirmed the death on July 25, 2026, highlighting Oddie’s multifaceted career as a comedian, broadcaster, songwriter, and conservationist.
Born on July 7, 1941, in Rochdale, Lancashire, Oddie grew up in Birmingham and later studied English at Pembroke College, Cambridge, where he met Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. Together, they formed The Goodies, which aired from 1970 to 1980 on the BBC and later briefly on ITV. The show combined slapstick, visual gags, and musical comedy, featuring memorable episodes such as “Kitten Kong,” which won the Silver Rose award at the Montreux Television Festival in 1972. Despite its popularity, with viewing figures reaching up to eight million at its peak, The Goodies was often relegated by BBC executives to a children’s programme status, a label that frustrated the trio. The show’s blend of surreal humor and social satire distinguished it among 1970s British comedy, yet it has not been regularly repeated or widely released, partly due to some content now considered inappropriate.
Beyond comedy, Oddie’s enduring legacy lies in his devotion to ornithology and wildlife conservation. His interest in birds began early in life, and he became a respected figure in birdwatching circles, eventually hosting the BBC’s Springwatch and Autumnwatch from the early 2000s. Through these programs, he encouraged public engagement with nature and raised awareness about environmental issues, including climate change. His contributions earned him an OBE in 2003 and the Peter Scott Memorial Award from the British Naturalists’ Association in 2012. He also served on the council of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds.
Oddie’s career was marked by personal challenges, including lifelong struggles with bipolar disorder and depression, conditions he shared with his mother, who had spent much of her life in psychiatric care. These health issues affected his work, leading to his departure from Springwatch in 2008 under circumstances he described as involuntary and resulting in further bouts of depression. Friends and colleagues noted his complex and sometimes difficult personality, shaped in part by his mental health. Despite this, his passion and expertise in both comedy and conservation commanded deep respect within both fields.
He is survived by his wife, Laura Beaumont, and three daughters, including actress Kate Hardie from his first marriage to jazz singer Jean Hart. Tributes from former colleagues, conservation organizations, and the wider public praised Oddie’s unique blend of humor and heartfelt advocacy for the natural world, which earned him a lasting place in British cultural and environmental life.