Bill Oddie, an English comedian known for The Goodies and for later work as a wildlife presenter, dies aged 85. Oddie first achieved mainstream fame in the 1970s with the comedy trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, which drew on the style of earlier sketch comedy and featured songs and recurring character-led gags. Sources note that Oddie had self-taught musical skills and contributed compositions that helped the group reach music chart success.
After his time as a comedy performer, Oddie became a prominent broadcaster focused on nature and birdwatching. Multiple outlets describe him as a well-known and widely loved wildlife presenter, including through BBC programmes. Reports specifically mention BBC nature series such as Springwatch and Autumnwatch, and describe Oddie as a figure associated with encouraging public interest in conservation and the natural world.
Oddie’s agent confirmed his death in a statement, with tributes describing him as multi-talented and highlighting attributes such as wit and intelligence. Outlets consistently characterize him as both a comedian and a conservation-minded presenter.
