- The Goodies star Bill Oddie has died
- Latterly more famous as a bird-watcher, presenter and conservationist, he was 85
Bill Oddie has died, aged 85.
Rising to national stardom as one third of The Goodies in the 1970s, he has in more recent decades been better-known as a wildlife presenter, birder and conservationist.
Born in Rochdale in 1941, he attended the University of Cambridge and was part of the renowned Footlights dramatic society. From here he began contributing to staples of the 1960s’ satire boom, writing for the likes of That Was The Week That Was on television and I’m Sorry, I’ll Read That Again on radio – a series in which he also became a regular performer.
Also writing for the likes of Ronnie Barker, Tommy Cooper, and the landmark ITV sitcom franchise Doctor In The House, for more than a decade from 1970 he wrote, starred in and composed for multi-disciplinary comedy troupe The Goodies, alongside Graeme Garden and Tim Brooke-Taylor.
However, it was as a bird-watcher, conservationist and environmental campaigned that Oddie devoted much of his time since the mid-1980s. A long-standing passion, he utilised his fame to advocate for the natural world and share his particular passion for birdlife, fronting series including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie’s How To Watch Wildlife, Springwatch, Bill Oddie’s Top Ten Birds and Britain Goes Wild.
His agent, David Foster, said in a statement: “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.”
Born on 7th July 1941 and appointed an OBE in 2003, he died on Saturday 25th July and is survived by his second wife, Laura, and daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.
The Goodies – The Complete Collection
In 1970, The Goodies unleashed their legendary blend of surreal storylines, strikingly topical satire, slapstick and general lunacy on an unsuspecting viewing public. Capturing the irreverent and rebellious flavour of the decade, this phenomenally popular, award-winning series spread its mischief…
BCG may earn commission on sales generated through the links above.
