Bill Oddie, the comedian, ornithologist, and television presenter, has died at the age of 85. His daughter, actress Kate Hardie, paid tribute to her father, praising his diverse talents and sharing her own experiences with mental health challenges.
Kate Hardie took to Instagram to share her thoughts, creating an account specifically to post the tribute. She described her father as "bloody amazing," highlighting his musical abilities, artistic skills including sketches and paintings, and his extensive knowledge of wildlife. She also acknowledged the complexities of having him as a father, noting his significant talents.
"If you don't know his music - google it! It's not just comedy songs he was musical to his very core with a vast knowledge and incredible self taught skill - if you don't know his art - search it out he was an incredible artist - sketches and the most delicate brilliant paintings," Hardie wrote. She also encouraged readers to explore his comedy, with a caveat about some of the material from the 1970s, and to learn about his advocacy work in wildlife conservation.
Hardie also spoke candidly about her own mental health struggles, drawing parallels with her father's known battles with depression and bipolar disorder. "I have had my own marble struggles and the crazy a**e world of social media I found (eventually!!) - apart from the bird photos - does little for them so I'll be out of here again sharpish," she stated.
She reflected on supporting her father toward the end of his life and how overwhelming it has been to see the impact he had on so many people. "His legacy is definitely something to behold!" she added.
Bill Oddie first gained prominence as part of the comedy trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. He also wrote for and performed in satirical shows. In later life, he became widely known for his wildlife television programs, including BBC's Springwatch and Autumnwatch, and advocated for environmental causes. He openly discussed his mental health issues, which he said were exacerbated by being replaced on Springwatch and Autumnwatch in 2008. He had previously undergone hospital admissions for mental health problems, including after a near-fatal lithium poisoning in 2020.
Oddie is survived by his second wife, Laura Beaumont-Giles, their daughter Rosie, and his daughters from his first marriage, Bonnie and Kate.
