'Springwatch' Star Bill Oddie Dies at 85

Bill Oddie, the comedian, broadcaster and wildlife presenter best known for co-creating The Goodies and presenting the BBC's Springwatch, died at the age of 85.

His agent, David Foster, announced the news in a statement shared by the Daily Mail on Monday, July 27, and wrote, "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," Foster said.

Throughout his career, Oddie supported environmental causes and worked with several wildlife organizations.

Foster reflected on Oddie's lifelong commitment to conservation.

"He taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it," Foster said. "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."

The agent also remembered Oddie on a personal level.

"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," Foster added.

He even concluded the statement by offering his condolences to Oddie's family, stating, "My thoughts and love are with Bill's wife, Laura, and his daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie."

Born in Rochdale and raised in Birmingham, Oddie developed a passion for birdwatching as a child.

He began his comedy career with the Cambridge Footlights before writing for television shows including That Was the Week That Was and I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again.

Oddie later rose to fame alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden as one-third of The Goodies. The comedy series became a major success in Australia and New Zealand, while songs including "The Funky Gibbon" also found chart success.

The artist later turned his attention to wildlife broadcasting and fronted programs including Springwatch, Autumnwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie and Bill Oddie Goes Wild.

He also served as a council member of the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds, the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust and The World Wide Fund for Nature, while supporting several other conservation organizations throughout his career.

Away from television, Oddie spoke openly about living with depression and bipolar disorder. In 2009, he was admitted to a psychiatric hospital after leaving Springwatch. He later said being diagnosed with bipolar disorder helped explain his long-running mental health struggles.

During a 2014 interview, as reported by The Guardian, Oddie reflected on leaving the BBC wildlife series.

"I very much miss it, but when I do see it, it brings back many happy memories and I like to think I contributed to its success," he revealed.

He also encouraged people to spend more time enjoying the natural world.

"My plea to people would be to 'go naked' occasionally – take off those earpieces so you hear nature and, of course, birdsong. You may not realise how precious it is until it's gone," Oddie said.

In 2020, Oddie revealed he had nearly died after developing lithium toxicity while taking medication to treat his bipolar disorder. Per the Daily Mail, after discussing his recovery, Oddie also shared his thoughts on long-term treatment.

"Nobody wants to be on medication but if you know it helps and is keeping you going, why give it up?" he said.

Oddie also talked about the connection between nature and mental health.

He revealed, "It's undeniable that being outdoors and having an interest in the outdoors is good for mental health in general."

"There's no doubt that being involved with nature is good for you," he concluded.