Bill Oddie: key obituary facts
Is Bill Oddie dead? Yes. Bill Oddie died on July 25, 2026, at age 85.
Cause of death: Bill Oddie's cause of death has not been publicly confirmed.
What was Bill Oddie known for?
He was a British actor, writer, composer, musician, comedian, ornithologist, conservationist, television presenter.
More about Bill Oddie
Born: 7 July 1941.
Place of birth: Rochdale.
Gender: male.
Occupation: comedian, actor, ornithologist, autobiographer, composer, illustrator, screenwriter, television presenter.
Nationality: United Kingdom.
Education: Pembroke College, King Edward's School, The Earls High School.
Awards: Officer of the Order of the British Empire.
Children: Kate Hardie.
Also known as: W.E. Oddie, WEO, William Oddie, William Edgar Oddie.
Occupations: Actor, artist, comedian, conservationist, musician, ornithologist, songwriter, television presenter, writer.
Years active: 1963β2026.
Bill Oddie, the English wildlife presenter and comedian best known for Springwatch, Birding with Bill Oddie and his work with The Goodies, died on July 25, 2026, aged 85.
Born William Edgar Oddie on July 7, 1941, in Rochdale, he became a familiar figure on British television as a performer, writer and naturalist. A member of the comedy trio The Goodies, he later built a second career around birds and conservation, presenting programmes on wildlife and birdwatching for the BBC.
His long career also included work as a musician, songwriter and illustrator, with some of his books featuring his own paintings and drawings.