Bob Mortimer has revealed he is facing a "battle" as he gets older, struggling to stop his brain from thinking "I wish I was dead." The 67-year-old comedian, known for his partnership with Vic Reeves and appearances on shows like Taskmaster and Would I Lie to You?, spoke candidly on the brand new podcast Outsiding, hosted by Gardeners' World presenter Adam Frost and journalist Caitlin Moran.
Fighting Against a Negative Drive
Mortimer explained that as he ages, he experiences an internal struggle. "You're in this battle as you get older. There's a little drive within you that wants to say the world is awful and I'll be glad when I'm gone, just to ease that journey," he said. He emphasized the effort required to counteract this mindset: "And it's a real battle against that. You do start finding joy in old memories, what's happened in your life. Just to keep a bit of joy in your brain, to stop you going 'I hate this place, everything's gone to s***, I wish I was dead.' You are fighting against it a lot of the time."
Previous Health Scares and Near-Death Experience
This is not the first time Mortimer has discussed his mortality. In 2015, he underwent triple bypass surgery after doctors discovered that 95 per cent of his arteries were blocked. Speaking on Kathy Burke's podcast Where There's A Will, There's A Wake, he described a near-death experience during the surgery. "I did see the light at the end of the tunnel. I experienced going towards the light and feeling happier than I have ever felt, ever," he recalled. "It was quite extraordinary, and then I woke up a day later and I was OK. I thought, 'This is great. I no longer fear death and everything.'"
Reactions from Fans and Ongoing Health Issues
However, fans quickly dampened his enthusiasm by attributing the experience to a chemical release in the body. "Loads of people wrote to me and said, 'It's because your body gives out loads of PCT, some chemical to get you through that and it gives you these hallucinations.' I was a bit sad about that," Mortimer added. He also suffers from rheumatoid arthritis, which he first had in his mid-20s.
Positive Changes After Near-Death Experience
Despite the challenges, Mortimer noted that the experience has positively changed his approach to life. "I wouldn't wish it on people, but there is a positive to a near-death experience," he said. "People used to ask me 'do you fancy doing this or that?' And it was like I had a file of reasons in my head for not doing things. I would rifle through my head until I found one. But I've stopped that."
Conclusion
Mortimer's candid discussion highlights the mental struggles that can accompany aging, even for those who have brought joy to millions. His ongoing battle against negative thoughts serves as a reminder of the importance of finding joy and purpose in later life.
