Bill Oddie, the much-loved comedian, broadcaster and wildlife campaigner who entertained generations both through comedy and his passion for nature, has died at the age of 85.

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His sad passing was confirmed by his longtime agent, David Foster, who announced that Oddie passed away on Saturday.

Confirming the news, Foster paid tribute to both Oddie’s remarkable career and the impact he had away from the spotlight.

“It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country’s best-loved birder,” Foster wrote. “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.”

While many viewers knew him as one of Britain’s most recognisable wildlife presenters, Oddie first found national fame as one-third of the hugely popular comedy trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.

Over a career spanning decades, he became equally celebrated for making wildlife accessible to television audiences, fronting BBC programmes including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, Springwatch and Autumnwatch.

Born in Rochdale before growing up in Birmingham, Oddie later attended Cambridge University, where he met Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden.

The trio would go on to form The Goodies, a sketch group that became one of British television’s defining comedy acts during the 1970s.

Following several early television appearances, The Goodies ran for a decade between 1970 and 1980 before returning for a Christmas special in 1981 and a six-part ITV series the following year.

Alongside their surreal comedy, the group also enjoyed musical success with novelty songs including The Funky Gibbon and Black Pudding Bertha (The Queen of Northern Soul).

Oddie’s own musical interests stretched beyond comedy, with the performer also appearing in the English National Opera’s production of The Mikado during the late 1980s.

Although comedy made him famous, it was his lifelong fascination with birds and wildlife that came to define the second half of his career.

An enthusiastic birder from an early age, Oddie began making natural history programmes during the 1970s and 1980s before becoming one of the BBC’s most familiar faces in wildlife broadcasting.

Whether introducing viewers to rare birds, celebrating Britain’s changing seasons or encouraging people to appreciate the natural world around them, Oddie developed a reputation for making conservation both entertaining and accessible.

Away from television, he also wrote numerous books focusing on birds, wildlife and environmental conservation.

Throughout his life, Oddie was also open about his struggles with mental health.

He lived with depression and bipolar disorder, and in a 2015 interview explained that he believed he had “inherited the same genetic flaw” as his mother, who had been diagnosed with schizophrenia but may also have had bipolar disorder.

In 2020, Oddie revealed he had become seriously ill after suffering lithium toxicity, a potentially life-threatening complication linked to medication commonly prescribed as a mood stabiliser.

Writing on social media at the time, he said:

“I 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.”

Despite the health challenges he faced later in life, Oddie remained one of Britain’s most recognisable voices for wildlife conservation, using his platform to campaign for environmental protection and inspire new generations to engage with nature.

He is survived by his wife, Laura, their daughter Rosie, and his daughters Kate and Bonnie from his first marriage to jazz musician Jean Hart.

For many, Bill Oddie’s legacy stretches far beyond comedy or television presenting. Whether making audiences laugh with The Goodies or encouraging viewers to look more closely at the birds and wildlife around them, he spent decades sharing his enthusiasm with millions.

Our thoughts go out to Oddie’s family, friends, and fans at this time.

Featured image credit: YouTube/ITV/WildBritainUnseen (screenshots)