Bill Oddie, the British comic actor who later became a well-known bird expert and wildlife presenter, has died at the age of 85, according to his agent, David Foster, as reported by ABC News.
Oddie first became famous as part of The Goodies, the comedy trio that also included Tim Brooke-Taylor and Graeme Garden. Their offbeat BBC series ran from 1970 to 1982 and helped make him a household name in Britain.
He later built a second career presenting BBC wildlife programs, including Birding With Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild and Springwatch. Foster described him as a multi-talented figure who worked as a broadcaster, comedian, writer, songwriter, musician and conservationist.
Born in 1941 in Rochdale, northwestern England, Oddie studied English literature at Pembroke College, Cambridge and appeared in Cambridge Footlights productions alongside future Monty Python stars John Cleese and Graham Chapman. He is survived by his wife, Laura, and daughters Bonnie, Kate and Rosie.
