Bill Oddie, a British comic actor and beloved wildlife presenter, died on Saturday. He was 85.
Oddie gained widespread recognition as a member of The Goodies, a comedy trio alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. The trio starred in a popular BBC comedy series of the same name that aired from 1970 to 1982. Following his success in comedy, Oddie developed a second career as a passionate advocate for wildlife, hosting numerous BBC nature programs.
His television work in wildlife included shows such as “Birding With Bill Oddie,” “Bill Oddie Goes Wild,” and “Springwatch.” His agent, David Foster, described Oddie as a “multi-talented celebrity — wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.” Foster added that Oddie “encouraged us to respect and protect the environment.”
Born in Rochdale, northwestern England, in 1941, Oddie studied English literature at Pembroke College, Cambridge. While at Cambridge, he participated in productions with the Cambridge Footlights, a renowned student sketch comedy troupe. His early work in sketch comedy, alongside future stars like John Cleese and Graham Chapman, led to roles in London's West End and on Broadway. This early success persuaded Oddie to pursue a career in entertainment rather than his initial plans to become an English teacher or bird observatory warden.
Oddie later successfully merged his personal interest in birdwatching with his professional life, presenting various wildlife shows and authoring several books on the subject, including “Bill Oddie's Little Black Bird Book” and “Follow That Bird.”
He is survived by his wife, Laura, and their daughters Bonnie, Kate, and Rosie.