Introduction: Who is Bob Mortimer?
Bob Mortimer isn’t just a comedian—he’s a cultural phenomenon in the UK and beyond. Known for his quick wit, surreal storytelling, and unique comedic chemistry with Vic Reeves, Mortimer has carved out a space in British entertainment that feels entirely his own. If you’ve ever stumbled upon one of his appearances on Would I Lie to You? or watched him fishing with Paul Whitehouse, you’ll know that his humor isn’t just about punchlines—it’s about charm, authenticity, and a little bit of delightful oddness.
What makes Mortimer so fascinating is the way Bob Mortimer his career has spanned multiple decades, adapting and evolving while always staying true to his quirky style. From sketch comedy to panel shows, from live tours to heartfelt TV documentaries, he’s managed to balance being hilariously absurd with being warmly relatable. That’s not an easy balance to strike, and yet Mortimer makes it seem effortless.
But Bob Mortimer isn’t only a comedian—he’s also a storyteller, a podcast host, and even a memoirist. His life offstage is as intriguing as his work on it, filled with personal struggles, health battles, and moments of pure resilience. To truly understand Mortimer, you have to see both sides: the man who makes audiences laugh until they cry, and the man who has quietly navigated life’s toughest challenges.
Early Life and Humble Beginnings
Bob Mortimer was born on May 23, 1959, in Middlesbrough, England. Unlike many of today’s comedians who seemed destined for the stage from the very start, Mortimer’s early years didn’t scream “entertainer.” In fact, he grew up in relatively ordinary circumstances, and his path to comedy was anything but direct.
One of the most significant events in his childhood was the loss of his father when Mortimer was just seven years old. That early tragedy left a mark on him, shaping both his perspective on life and his instinctive use of humor as a coping mechanism. As a child, he struggled with shyness and low confidence, two traits that seem almost impossible to reconcile with the exuberant performer we know today. Yet those struggles would eventually give his Bob Mortimer comedy its uniquely vulnerable edge.
Before comedy ever entered the picture, Mortimer pursued law. He studied law at the University of Sussex and later qualified as a solicitor. It’s almost comical in itself to imagine Mortimer suited up, arguing cases in court, when we now know him Bob Mortimer as someone who spins absurd stories about imaginary scenarios. But it was during his time practicing law that fate intervened, and he met someone who would change the course of his life forever: Vic Reeves.
The Birth of Vic and Bob
The meeting of Bob Mortimer and Jim Moir (better known as Vic Reeves) is the stuff of comedy legend. Mortimer attended a comedy show where Reeves was performing in London, and the two instantly connected. Their chemistry was undeniable, and soon after, Mortimer was not just a spectator but a collaborator.
The duo became known as Vic and Bob, and their partnership revolutionized British comedy in the late 1980s and 1990s. With shows like Vic Reeves Big Bob Mortimer Night Out, The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, and Bang Bang, It’s Reeves and Mortimer, they crafted a surreal and anarchic style of humor that stood apart from the mainstream. Their sketches weren’t about neat punchlines—they were about creating an offbeat world where anything could happen, from strange dance numbers to nonsensical catchphrases.
Their comedic approach wasn’t for everyone, but those who loved it really loved it. They built a loyal fanbase, and their work influenced countless comedians who came after them. Mortimer, in particular, brought a warmth and playfulness to the partnership. While Reeves often leaned into bizarre characters and off-the-wall antics, Mortimer balanced things with his infectious laugh, cheeky grin, and natural comedic timing. Together, they were unstoppable.
Beyond Sketch Comedy: Mortimer’s Expanding Career
As Vic and Bob’s reputation grew, Mortimer’s opportunities expanded beyond sketch comedy. He appeared on numerous panel shows, chat shows, and comedy specials, where he became known for his unpredictable and hilarious storytelling. One of his most Bob Mortimer memorable platforms has been Would I Lie to You?, where Mortimer has consistently delivered some of the show’s funniest and most bewildering anecdotes.
What makes Mortimer such a standout on these shows isn’t just the content of his stories but the way he tells them. His delivery—part deadpan, part whimsical—leaves viewers unsure whether he’s making it up or telling the truth. More often than not, the outrageous tales turn out to be true, which only makes them funnier. From claiming he once kept a hedgehog in his house to describing his unlikely hobbies, Mortimer’s contributions have become highlights of the program.
But he hasn’t just been a guest star. Mortimer has written and produced for television, acted in sitcoms, and co-hosted shows. His versatility has kept his career fresh and exciting, ensuring that audiences never tire of seeing him in new contexts. He’s the kind of comedian who can turn up anywhere—whether in a surreal sketch, a cooking competition, or a fishing trip—and make it entertaining.
Gone Fishing: A New Side of Bob Mortimer
In 2018, Mortimer teamed up with fellow comedian Paul Whitehouse for the BBC series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. On the surface, it’s a show about two men fishing. But in reality, it’s about so much more: friendship, aging, health, and the quiet Bob Mortimer joy of life’s simple pleasures.
Both Mortimer and Whitehouse had experienced serious heart problems, and the show became a way of reflecting on their lives while sharing laughs. Unlike the high-energy chaos of his earlier career, Gone Fishing shows a softer, more contemplative Mortimer. Audiences fell in love with this new version of him, one who could be as funny as ever but also deeply thoughtful.
The show struck a chord with viewers because it felt authentic. Mortimer and Whitehouse weren’t playing characters or chasing big punchlines—they were just two friends, talking honestly and laughing together. It revealed another layer of Mortimer’s talent: his ability to connect emotionally with an audience while still being effortlessly funny.
Mortimer the Author: From Jokes to Memoirs
Bob Mortimer’s storytelling has always been a strength, so it was only natural that he would eventually turn to writing. In 2021, he published his autobiography, And Away…, which became a bestseller. The book offered fans a chance to see behind the curtain of his comedy career and learn more about the man himself.
In his memoir, Mortimer doesn’t shy away from discussing his struggles with shyness, confidence, and health. He writes candidly about his heart surgery, his career ups and downs, and the personal insecurities that shaped him. At the same time, the book Bob Mortimer is filled with his signature humor, making it both moving and entertaining.
For many readers, And Away… deepened their appreciation of Mortimer. It revealed the resilience behind the laughter and the vulnerability that makes his comedy so relatable. It’s proof that behind every joke is a human story worth telling, and Mortimer has one of the most compelling stories of them all.
Health Battles and Resilience
One of the defining aspects of Mortimer’s later career has been his openness about health issues. In 2015, he underwent triple heart bypass surgery, a life-threatening event that forced him to reflect deeply on his life and priorities. For many, that kind of scare might have Bob Mortimer marked the end of a career in entertainment, but for Mortimer, it became a turning point.
His health struggles are a recurring theme Bob Mortimer in Gone Fishing, where he and Paul Whitehouse—who also has heart problems—talk honestly about mortality, fear, and the need to make the most of every moment. Instead of shying away from the topic, Mortimer has used humor to confront it, finding lightness even in life’s darkest challenges.
That resilience has only made him more beloved. Fans see him not just as a comedian but as someone who embodies a kind of wisdom that comes from facing hardship head-on. His ability to laugh in the face of difficulty isn’t just funny—it’s inspiring.
Mortimer’s Legacy in Comedy
Looking at Bob Mortimer’s career, it’s clear that he has left an indelible mark on British comedy. Alongside Vic Reeves, he helped shape a generation of alternative comedy, pushing boundaries and embracing the surreal. On his own, he has proven to be one of the most versatile and enduring comedians of his time.
His influence can be seen in younger comedians who Bob Mortimer have adopted his mix of absurdity and authenticity. But perhaps his greatest legacy is the joy he continues to bring to audiences. Whether he’s recounting bizarre anecdotes on a panel show or quietly fishing by a river, Mortimer has a gift for making people feel connected, entertained, and uplifted.
In a world where comedy often relies on cynicism or shock Bob Mortimer value, Mortimer represents something different: kindness, silliness, and heart. That’s a rare combination, and it’s why his career has stood the test of time.
Conclusion: The Many Faces of Bob Mortimer
Bob Mortimer is proof that comedy doesn’t have to fit into one box. He’s been a sketch performer, a panel show star, a memoirist, a fishing companion, and more. Through it all, he has remained authentic, funny, and uniquely himself. His story reminds us that humor can be a way of coping, a way of connecting, and ultimately, a way of living.
