Bill Oddie facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Bill Oddie
|
|
|---|---|
.jpg)
Oddie in 2007
|
|
| Born | 7 July 1941 Rochdale, Lancashire, England
|
| Occupation |
|
| Years active | 1963–present |
| Political party | Green |
| Spouse(s) |
|
| Children | 3 daughters, including Kate Hardie and Rosie Bones |
William Edgar Oddie (born 7 July 1941) is an English actor, comedian, musician, and writer. He is famous for being a member of the comedy group The Goodies. He is also very well known as a TV presenter for wildlife shows and an expert on birds.
Oddie has loved birdwatching since he was a child. He has become a respected naturalist and conservationist, working to protect wildlife. He has hosted many popular wildlife shows for the BBC, including Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and Birding with Bill Oddie. Many of his books about nature feature his own paintings and drawings.
Contents
Early Life and Education
Bill Oddie was born in Rochdale, Lancashire, England, but he grew up in Birmingham. He was raised by his father, Harry, and his grandmother. His mother, Lilian, had a serious long-term illness and spent a lot of time in the hospital while he was growing up.
He went to King Edward's School, Birmingham, where he was the captain of the school's rugby union team. After finishing school, he studied English literature at Pembroke College, Cambridge.
Career
Comedy and Television
While at Cambridge University, Oddie joined the famous Footlights drama club. He performed in a show that was so popular it moved to London's West End and even to Broadway in New York City.
He was a key member of the BBC radio comedy show I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again, where he wrote and performed many funny songs. He became known for making parodies of famous rock songs. For example, he sang a traditional folk song called "On Ilkla Moor Baht'at" in the style of rock singer Joe Cocker.
Oddie's biggest comedy success was the TV show The Goodies, which he wrote and starred in with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. The show ran from 1970 to 1982 and was about three friends who would do "anything, anytime, anywhere" for money. The Goodies also had hit songs, including "The Funky Gibbon".
He also voiced characters in the 1983 cartoon Bananaman and has appeared in many other TV shows, including the panel game I'm Sorry I Haven't a Clue.
Wildlife and Nature Shows
Oddie's passion for nature started when he was young. His first published writing was an article about birds near his home in 1962. Since then, he has written many books and articles about birds and birdwatching.
In 1976, he helped identify a Pallas's reed bunting on Fair Isle, Shetland. This was the first time this type of bird had ever been recorded in Great Britain.
He began hosting nature programmes on television and became one of Britain's most popular wildlife presenters. Some of his famous shows include:
- Birding with Bill Oddie (1997–2000)
- Bill Oddie Goes Wild (2001–2003)
- Springwatch and Autumnwatch (2005–2008)
- Bill Oddie's How to Watch Wildlife (2005–2006)
These shows were very popular and taught millions of people about the wildlife in their own backyards and across Britain.
Oddie is also a strong supporter of animal protection. He is a president of the League Against Cruel Sports and has worked with the RSPB (Royal Society for the Protection of Birds).
Music Career
Besides writing funny songs for his comedy shows, Oddie is also a talented musician. He plays the drums and saxophone. In the 1960s and 1970s, he released several songs.
In 1973, he performed in a special production of the rock opera Tommy by the band The Who. He has also sung on an album by the musician Rick Wakeman.
In 2007, he appeared on a BBC show called Play It Again, where he learned to play lead guitar. He got lessons from famous guitarists like Mark Knopfler of the band Dire Straits. He achieved his goal of playing with his daughter Rosie's band for her 21st birthday party.
Personal Life
Oddie has been married twice. He has two daughters from his first marriage, including the actress Kate Hardie. He married his second wife, Laura Beaumont, in 1983. They have a daughter named Rosie, who is a musician known as Rosie Bones.
Oddie has spoken openly about his experiences with depression and bipolar disorder. He has worked with charities like Bipolar UK to help raise awareness and support for people with mental health challenges. He has said that learning about his family history helped him understand his own health better.
Honours and Awards
- In 2003, Oddie was awarded an OBE by the Queen for his work in wildlife conservation.
- In 2005, he received the Peter Scott Memorial Award from the British Naturalists' Association for his contribution to understanding natural history.
- He has also received the RSPB Medal, the highest honour given by the bird protection charity.
Images for kids
-
Oddie performing at the Astor Theatre in Perth, Western Australia, 2013
.jpg)
