Bill Oddie's daughter Kate Hardie pays tribute to her father after he died aged 85 as she praises his artistic talents and details her similar suffering with mental health

Bill Oddie, the beloved British comedian turned ornithologist and wildlife advocate, passed away at the age of 85, leaving behind a rich legacy celebrated by his family and fans alike. His daughter, actress Kate Hardie, publicly honored her father’s remarkable contributions to entertainment, art, and conservation, while also revealing the parallel challenges they faced regarding mental health.

Kate Hardie, who adopted a professional name blending her mother’s surname with her father’s, took to Instagram to pay tribute to Oddie, describing him as an extraordinary figure whose talents spanned beyond his well-known comedic persona. She highlighted his deep musical abilities, extensive knowledge of wildlife, and his skill as a self-taught artist, emphasizing that his creative achievements extended far beyond his television fame.

Acknowledging the complexity of having a father as gifted and sometimes intimidating as Oddie, Hardie also spoke candidly about their shared experiences with mental health struggles. She referenced the impact of social media on mental well-being and encouraged those unfamiliar with her father’s work to explore the breadth of his career—from his early music and comedy to his later environmental advocacy.

Bill Oddie first rose to prominence as a member of the 1970s comedy trio The Goodies, alongside Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. He contributed not only as a performer but also as a writer, crafting songs and sketches that captured audiences at the time. While some material reflected the social attitudes of past decades and may now be viewed as problematic, his influence on British comedy remains significant.

Transitioning from comedy, Oddie gained a new generation of admirers through his dedication to wildlife and environmental issues. He became a familiar face on BBC nature programs such as Springwatch and Autumnwatch, where his passion for birds and conservation shone through. His contributions extended beyond broadcasting as he actively campaigned for environmental causes and openly discussed his battles with depression and bipolar disorder, helping to raise awareness about mental health.

Born in Rochdale and raised in Birmingham, Oddie’s personal history included challenges such as his mother’s institutionalization during his childhood and his own psychiatric hospital admissions later in life. These experiences informed his advocacy and the authenticity with which he approached public discussions about mental illness.

His family life included two marriages. He is survived by his second wife, Laura Beaumont-Giles, and their daughter Rosie, a musician. From his first marriage to the late jazz singer Jean Hart, he had two daughters, Bonnie, a choreographer, and Kate Hardie. The family shared moments of joy and struggle, with Hardie expressing profound gratitude for the opportunity to support her father in his final years.

Oddie’s later years were marked by health setbacks, including a severe lithium poisoning incident in 2020, a medication he took to manage his mental health. Despite these challenges, he remained engaged with his passions until his final television appearance on Channel 5's Celebrity Britain By Barge in 2020.

Bill Oddie’s enduring impact lies in the multifaceted nature of his career and persona. He was a gifted entertainer, an accomplished artist, a dedicated naturalist, and a vulnerable advocate for mental health. His daughter’s reflections underscore the breadth of his influence and the personal complexities behind his public image.

In remembering Bill Oddie, his family and fans are invited to explore the diverse facets of his work—from his music and comedy to his art and environmental activism—celebrating a life marked by creativity, resilience, and a deep connection to the natural world.