Legendary comedian and UK TV presenter Bill Oddie has died at the age of 85. As reported by the BBC, his agent confirmed his passing on July 27.
David Foster, Oddie's longtime agent, wrote, "It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country's best-loved birder." He was known for being a naturalist, having presented on bird-watching program Springwatch.
"Bill was a multi-talented celebrity - wildlife presenter, broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist. Yet it was never fame that he valued. Instead he encouraged us to respect and protect the environment."
He added that Oddie "taught us the wonder" of the environment - "he protested, lobbied and campaigned for it."
"As Bill's agent, I witnessed close hand his intelligence and wit. He was my friend and it was an honour and a privilege to represent him for so many years, I will miss him terribly." his statement finished.
Bill Oddie shot into stardom as a part of "The Goodies", a hilarious slapstick comedy group that ran for 12 years. They had their own TV show which was an iconic part of British TV for a generation of people.
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Tributes Poured in for the Comedian Legend
Fans and colleagues alike paid tribute to the legendary comedian and TV presenter.
Monty Python star Eric Idle spoke about his experiences with Oddie. They had worked together in the past. "I'm very sad Bill Oddie has gone," he wrote on social media.
"He was sick for some time and I wrote to him. He auditioned me for The Pembroke Revue in 1963... we watched England win the World Cup at Wembley in '66."
The Monty Python star continued, "He was a very fine songwriter and I learned a lot from him... We even had Chelsea [soccer club] season tickets together. I miss him."
Commenters reminisced about the legendary comedian and his work. One person wrote, "Never missed the goodies every afternoon after school... It was the highlight of the day, always made me laugh."
Another commenter wrote, "He brought the most important thing to us, and that's laughter. Nothing else heals a broken heart or illness or troubles like laughter. I watched the Goodies with my kids every afternoon I'll never forget him."
Rest in peace to a legend.
