Industry fellows pay tributes as comedian Bill Oddie dies at 85
Bill Oddie, best known for The Goodies and Springwatch, has died at the age of 85
Bill Oddie the British comedian, broadcaster and wildlife conservationist best known for The Goodies and the BBC's Springwatch has died at the age of 85.
His agent David Foster confirmed the news in a statement describing Oddie as "the country's best-loved birder."
"Bill was a multi-talented celebrity – wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist," Foster said.
"Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment."
Foster praised Oddie's lifelong commitment to conservation saying he inspired generations to appreciate nature through his broadcasting and environmental campaigning.
Beyond comedy Oddie became one of Britain's most recognisable wildlife presenters, fronting programs including Birding with Bill Oddie, Britain Goes Wild, Bill Oddie's How to Watch Wildlife and serving as one of the original presenters of Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
He was awarded an OBE in 2003 for his services to wildlife conservation.
Former Springwatch co-host Kate Humble paid tribute to Oddie remembering him as someone who made nature accessible to everyone.
"No one could tell a story like Bill. No one could make me laugh like Bill," she said adding that he had a unique ability to inspire people to appreciate even the simplest moments in nature.
She also praised his openness about living with depression and bipolar disorder calling him one of the first public figures to speak honestly about mental health.
Tributes also poured in from across the wildlife and entertainment communities. The RSPCA hailed him as "one of nature's fiercest champions" while naturalist Stephen Moss said Oddie "did more than anyone to popularize birding."
Actor Samuel West credited Oddie with inspiring an entire generation of birdwatchers through his passion and enthusiasm.
Oddie is survived by his wife Laura Beaumont their daughter Rosie and daughters Bonnie and Kate from his first marriage to Jean Hart.
