Bob Mortimer – a name that instantly conjures images of surreal humour, warm eccentricity, and an undeniable charm. From his early days as one half of the iconic comedy duo Reeves and Mortimer to his later reinvention as a best-selling author and the amiable co-host of a beloved fishing show, Bob Mortimer has carved out a unique and enduring place in the hearts of the British public. This article will delve into the remarkable career of Bob Mortimer, exploring the evolution of his comedic style, his most celebrated collaborations, the personal health challenges he has bravely faced, and the latest trends that keep this national treasure firmly in the public eye.
From Solicitor to Surrealist: The Early Years and Vic Reeves Partnership
Born Robert Renwick Mortimer in Middlesbrough in 1959, Bob Mortimer’s early career path was far removed from the world of entertainment. He initially trained as a solicitor, even earning the local newspaper nickname “The Cockroach King” for his successful work on infestation cases. However, a chance encounter in a pub in the 1980s would irrevocably alter his trajectory. He met Jim Moir, who performed under the stage name Vic Reeves, an avant-garde comedian whose absurd and innovative live shows were starting to gain traction. Mortimer, initially a fan, found himself spontaneously joining Reeves on stage, and a legendary comedy partnership was born.
The duo, known as Vic and Bob, quickly rose to prominence with their unique brand of surreal, often nonsensical humour. Their early television shows, including Vic Reeves’ Big Night Out (which transitioned from stage to Channel 4 in 1990) and later The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, introduced a bizarre yet captivating comedic landscape to British audiences. They eschewed traditional stand-up for elaborate sketches, obscure characters, and an often chaotic, unpredictable energy. This period established Bob Mortimer as the perfect foil to Reeves’ more outlandish persona, grounding the absurdity with his understated reactions and genuinely infectious laughter.
The Era of Shooting Stars and Mainstream Appeal
The 1990s saw Vic and Bob achieve widespread mainstream success, largely thanks to the BBC comedy panel game Shooting Stars. Premiering in 1993, the show, with its intentionally baffling rounds, outlandish scoring, and recurring sketches, became a cult hit and a Saturday night staple. Bob Mortimer’s role as team captain, alongside Ulrika Jonsson and later Jack Dee, allowed his natural wit and endearing innocence to shine through. He was often at the receiving end of Reeves’ strange pronouncements and the show’s general mayhem, reacting with a mix of bewildered amusement and a dry, understated humour that proved immensely popular.
Beyond Shooting Stars, the duo continued to collaborate on various sketch shows and sitcoms, including Catterick (2004) and House of Fools (2014), each bearing their distinctive comedic stamp. While their style remained rooted in the absurd, Bob Mortimer’s individual contributions became increasingly appreciated. His unique storytelling ability, often seen in anecdotes on panel shows like Would I Lie to You?, revealed a talent for crafting hilarious and seemingly improbable narratives from his own life, further cementing his status as a beloved comedian.
Health Challenges and a Serene Reinvention: Gone Fishing
A significant turning point in Bob Mortimer’s life and career came in 2015 when he was diagnosed with a serious heart condition requiring immediate triple bypass surgery. This life-saving operation, which he candidly discussed experiencing a near-death moment where his heart stopped for 32 minutes, profoundly impacted his perspective. Just hours before his surgery, he married his long-term partner Lisa Matthews, a testament to the sudden and serious nature of his health scare.
This health crisis led to the creation of one of his most beloved and poignant projects: Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. Conceived by his close friend and fellow comedian Paul Whitehouse, who also suffered from heart problems, the show follows the pair on serene fishing trips across the UK, engaging in gentle banter, sharing life reflections, and discussing their health. The show’s unassuming format, combining stunning natural landscapes with heartfelt conversations and genuine camaraderie, quickly became a critical and commercial success. It showcased a softer, more reflective side of Bob Mortimer, endearing him to a new generation of viewers and solidifying his “national treasure” status. The show’s success also led to several Christmas specials, including Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Christmas Fishing 2024, which saw them venture to France.
In more recent years, Mortimer has also openly discussed his ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis and a severe bout of shingles in 2023, which he described as even worse than his heart condition, causing him to lose significant muscle function in his legs and fear he might never run again. His candour about these health struggles has resonated deeply with the public, offering a relatable glimpse into his personal resilience and human vulnerability.
Literary Success: From Memoir to Bestselling Novelist
Beyond television, Bob Mortimer has achieved remarkable success in the literary world. His 2021 autobiography, And Away…, became an instant bestseller and garnered widespread critical acclaim. The memoir offered a heartfelt and humorous account of his life, from his Middlesbrough childhood and the early loss of his father, through his unexpected journey into comedy, and his reflections following his heart surgery. It provided fans with deeper insights into the man behind the surreal humour, touching on themes of resilience, friendship, and facing mortality with a distinctive blend of wit and poignancy. The book’s popularity further solidified his position as a multifaceted entertainer.
Building on this success, Mortimer ventured into fiction with his debut novel, The Satsuma Complex, published in 2022. This comic novel, filled with his characteristic absurdity and dry wit, also became a Sunday Times bestseller and won the prestigious Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction in 2023. His foray into novel writing demonstrated yet another facet of his creative talent, proving his ability to craft engaging narratives in a different medium. These literary achievements reflect a growing trend in popular culture where beloved comedians successfully transition into serious writing, often exploring more reflective or character-driven themes.
Latest Trends and Enduring Appeal in 2025
As of mid-2025, Bob Mortimer remains incredibly active and highly sought after. Current trends and discussions around him often revolve around:
Ongoing Seasons of Gone Fishing
The show’s continued popularity means regular discussions about new series, specific fishing locations, and the latest heartwarming anecdotes shared between him and Paul Whitehouse. The recent Christmas special, filmed in France, further amplified interest in their adventures.
His Would I Lie to You? Appearances
Mortimer’s sporadic but always memorable appearances on Would I Lie to You? continue to be a major draw. His bizarre and often seemingly unbelievable stories, which are almost always true, generate viral clips and social media buzz, reinforcing his reputation as a master storyteller. Fans eagerly anticipate his return to the panel.
Speculation on New Books
Following the success of The Satsuma Complex, there is considerable public anticipation for his next literary offering, whether it be another memoir or a new novel. His distinctive voice has proven to be a compelling force in the publishing world.
Health Updates and Candidness
As he openly discusses his health challenges, including his ongoing struggles with rheumatoid arthritis and the muscle loss from shingles, fans remain concerned and appreciative of his candidness. His discussions on podcasts and interviews about these experiences continue to be trending topics, highlighting his personal resilience and the comfort he provides to others facing similar struggles.
Potential Vic and Bob Reunion
While Gone Fishing has seen Bob Mortimer’s individual profile rise, there is an enduring yearning among long-time fans for a full-scale reunion project with Vic Reeves. In late 2024, Mortimer himself expressed a desire to work with Reeves again, stating it would be “a lovely thought” to finish their careers together, sparking renewed hope and online discussion among their devoted fanbase. This remains a significant topic of speculation.
FAQs
What is Bob Mortimer most famous for?
Bob Mortimer is most famous for being one half of the iconic comedy duo Reeves and Mortimer with Vic Reeves, known for shows like Shooting Stars, and for his recent success as co-host of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing and as a bestselling author.
What health issues has Bob Mortimer experienced?
Bob Mortimer underwent triple bypass heart surgery in 2015. He has also openly discussed his ongoing battle with rheumatoid arthritis and suffered a severe bout of shingles in 2023, which significantly impacted his muscle function.
What is Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing about?
Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing is a factual entertainment show featuring Bob Mortimer and his friend Paul Whitehouse. They travel to various fishing locations across the UK (and occasionally abroad), discussing life, health, and friendship while enjoying the peaceful pastime of angling.
Has Bob Mortimer written any books?
Yes, Bob Mortimer has written two highly successful books: his autobiography And Away… (2021), and his debut novel The Satsuma Complex (2022), which won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction.
Is Bob Mortimer still working with Vic Reeves?
While their major TV collaborations are less frequent, Bob Mortimer and Vic Reeves remain close friends. Mortimer has expressed a desire to work with Reeves again, and their past shows are regularly celebrated and re-aired.
Final Thought
Bob Mortimer’s career is a testament to evolution, resilience, and the power of genuine human connection. From the anarchic surrealism of his early days with Vic Reeves to the gentle introspection of Gone Fishing and the quiet triumphs of his literary endeavours, he has consistently charmed audiences with his unique blend of absurdity and warmth. His ability to navigate profound personal challenges with an admirable candour has only deepened his connection with the public. Bob Mortimer stands not just as a comedian or an author but as a cherished cultural figure whose continued contributions enrich the landscape of British entertainment, proving that even the most outlandish paths can lead to a truly beloved and enduring legacy.
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