Bill Oddie facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Bill Oddie OBE
Oddie in 2007
Born	William Edgar Oddie (1941-07-07)7 July 1941 Rochdale, Lancashire, England
Died	25 July 2026(2026-07-25) (aged 85)
Education	Pembroke College, Cambridge
Occupation	Actor artist comedian conservationist musician ornithologist songwriter television presenter writer
Years active	1963–2026
Spouse(s)	Jeanne M Hart ​ ​ (m. 1966, divorced)​ Laura Beaumont ​ (m. 1983)​
Children	3, including Kate Hardie and Rosie Bones

William Edgar Oddie (born 7 July 1941 – died 25 July 2026) was a talented English actor, artist, and comedian. He was also a passionate conservationist, musician, and writer. Many people knew him as a member of the famous British comedy group, The Goodies.

Bill Oddie loved birds from a young age. He grew up to be a well-known naturalist and a television presenter who taught people about wildlife. He even illustrated some of his books with his own drawings and paintings. His popular wildlife shows for the BBC included Springwatch, Autumnwatch, and How to Watch Wildlife.

Early Life and Education

William Edgar Oddie was born on 7 July 1941 in Rochdale, England. He moved to Birmingham when he was young. Bill was raised by his father, Harry Oddie, and his grandmother, Emily.

He attended Lapal Primary School and Halesowen Grammar School. Later, he went to King Edward's School, Birmingham. Bill was very active in school, even leading his school's rugby union team. He then studied English literature at Pembroke College, Cambridge, and finished his studies in 1963.

Bill Oddie's Career Highlights

Bill Oddie had a diverse career, bringing joy and knowledge to many through comedy, music, and his love for nature.

Comedy and Entertainment

While at Cambridge University, Bill Oddie performed in several shows with the Footlights Club. One show, A Clump of Plinths, was so popular that it traveled to London's West End and even to Broadway in New York.

He also wrote scripts for and appeared on TV shows like That Was the Week That Was. Bill was a key performer in the BBC radio series I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again. He often included his own funny songs in the show. He was known for parodying popular songs, like singing a traditional folk song in the style of a rock star.

On television, Bill Oddie co-wrote and performed in comedy series such as Twice a Fortnight and Broaden Your Mind.

The Goodies: A Comedy Trio

Bill Oddie, along with Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden, created and starred in their own TV comedy series, The Goodies, from 1970 to 1982. The Goodies also released hit songs like "The Funky Gibbon". They even reunited for a tour in Australia in 2005.

The trio also lent their voices to the animated children's show Bananaman in 1983. Bill Oddie also co-wrote many episodes of the TV comedy series Doctor in the House.

Passion for Natural History

Bill Oddie's love for birds began early. His first published writing was an article about birds at Birmingham's Bartley Reservoir in 1962. He wrote many books and articles about birds and birdwatching.

He often appeared on radio and TV to share his knowledge of nature. In 1976, he helped identify Britain's first-ever recorded Pallas's reed bunting, a rare bird, on Fair Isle.

In 1985, a special TV show called Nature Watch Special: Bill Oddie – Bird Watcher featured him. He visited places where he enjoyed watching birds.

Bill Oddie hosted many successful nature programs for the BBC. These included:

His show Britain Goes Wild, later renamed Springwatch, became incredibly popular. It attracted millions of viewers who wanted to learn about British wildlife.

Bill Oddie was also involved with several conservation groups. He became president of the West Midland Bird Club in 1999. He was also a vice-president of the British Trust for Conservation Volunteers. In 2003, he organized a half-marathon to raise money for wildlife charities.

Musical Talents

Bill Oddie wrote music for his university shows and later for the radio series I'm Sorry, I'll Read That Again. He also composed many funny songs for the Goodies, which he often performed himself.

In the 1960s and 1970s, he released several singles and an album called Distinctly Oddie. He played the drums and saxophone. He even performed in a production of the Who's rock opera Tommy in 1973.

In 2010, Bill Oddie and his fellow Goodies members re-released their hit song "The Funky Gibbon". This was to help raise money for the International Primate Protection League's Save the Gibbon appeal.

Other Television and Voice Work

Bill Oddie appeared in various other TV shows and films. He was a window cleaner in the comedy film The Plank in 1967. He also hosted the children's Saturday morning show Saturday Banana in the late 1970s.

He voiced Asterix in the 1989 animated film Asterix and the Big Fight. In 1996, he voiced the chimney sweep in The Willows in Winter.

Bill Oddie was a guest on the archaeological show Time Team in 1997 and 1998. He also appeared on the BBC series Who Do You Think You Are? in 2004, where he explored his family history.

Oddie performing at the Astor Theatre in Perth, Western Australia, 2013

In 2013, Bill Oddie toured Australia with his show An Oldie but a Goodie. He continued to make guest appearances on TV shows like Pointless Celebrities and The Real Marigold Hotel in later years.

Personal Life

Family Life

In 1966, Bill Oddie married Jeanne Hart. They had two daughters, including actress Kate Hardie. They later divorced.

In 1983, Bill Oddie married Laura Beaumont-Giles. They worked together on many children's projects, including scripts and books. They had a daughter named Rosie, who is also a musician known as Rosie Bones.

Health Challenges

Bill Oddie openly shared that he faced health challenges throughout his life. These challenges sometimes affected his work, including his appearances on Springwatch. He spoke about these experiences to help others understand and support mental well-being.

Honours and Recognition

On 16 October 2003, Bill Oddie was awarded an OBE. This honour recognized his important work in wildlife conservation. He received his medal at Buckingham Palace.

In 2005, he received the Peter Scott Memorial Award. This award celebrated his significant contributions to understanding and protecting natural history. He also received the RSPB Medal for his work with birds.

In 2009, he was considered for inclusion in the Birmingham Walk of Stars, a public honour for famous people from Birmingham.

Discography

Albums

Singles