Bill Oddie's daughter Kate Hardie has released an emotional tribute to her late father, creating an Instagram account especially for the occasion. The former comedian and naturalist died earlier this week at the age of 85.
Kate, 58, known for roles in Mona Lisa and National Treasure, wrote that it had been a "total honour" to have had him as a father, despite the complexity of his public persona. She urged fans to explore his music, art, comedy, and wildlife advocacy.
Instagram tribute
In a lengthy post, Kate said: "Getting some follow requests and I suspect it's about the old fellah with the beard who photo bombed me here! I only use instagram to look at birds and am not into posting here. But I'm opening this portal up for a day ( will then bugger off again) to say - He was bloody amazing, he made no secret of his struggles and it's been a complex thing having OBEOneBillOddie as a dad but also a total honour if not a little intimidating as he was talented in a way I still can't fathom."
She encouraged followers to "google his music", noting it was not just comedy songs but showed his musicality. She also praised his art, calling him "an incredible artist - sketches and the most delicate brilliant paintings". Regarding his comedy, she said to rewatch it with "the usual seventies caveat that some of it is a bit bloody dubious here and there regarding race gender etc".
Wildlife legacy
Kate, whose sister is choreographer Bonnie Oddie, also highlighted her father's wildlife work, urging people to "follow any UK wildlife profile right now and find out about it". She acknowledged his mental health struggles, which he had discussed openly, and said she had her own "marble struggles" with social media.
She added: "I've been so focused on trying to be with and to play my part in supporting dad at the end of his life I haven't been able to reflect and truly relish all that life entailed. It's been deeply moving and just a bit overwhelming to see how much he is loved and how many different varieties of impact he had. His legacy is definitely something to behold!"
Family and career
Bill Oddie is survived by his second wife Laura Beaumont, whom he married in 1983, and their 41-year-old daughter Rosie, as well as Kate and Bonnie from his first marriage to Jean Hart. After finding fame with the Goodies, he became a leading wildlife presenter on shows such as Birding with Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, and early editions of Springwatch and Autumnwatch.
Agent's statement
Announcing his passing, his friend and agent David Foster said: "It is with deep sadness that I announce the passing of Bill Oddie, the country's best-loved birder. 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 taught us the wonder of it. He protested, lobbied and campaigned for it. He led the way and people of all ages and backgrounds responded to his call. And such a massive contribution to conservation will never be forgotten."
Foster added: "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."
