Bill Oddie's daughter has released an emotional tribute to her late father, having created an Instagram post just for the occasion, and urged fans to remember all he achieved throughout his life11:40, 29 Jul 2026Updated 11:40, 29 Jul 2026Bill Oddie's daughter has released an emotional tribute to her late father. The former comedian, best known as a naturalist, conservationist, and television presenter on wildlife issues, died earlier this week at the age of 85.‌His actress daughter Kate Hardie, known for roles in films Mona Lisa and National Treasure, has taken to social media to speak out amid her grief.‌Kate, 58, whose mother is Bill's first wife Jean Hart, created an Instagram account especially for the lengthy tribute message and explained it had been a "total honour" to have had him as a dad.‌She wrote: "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.‌"If you don't know his music - google it! It's not just comedy songs he was musical to his very core with a vast knowledge and incredible self taught skill - if you don't know his art - search it out he was an incredible artist - sketches and the most delicate brilliant paintings."If you don't know his comedy rewatch some (with the usual seventies caveat that some of it is a bit bloody dubious here and there regarding race gender etc) ."Kate - whose sister is choreographer Bonnie Oddie - also urged her influx of new followers to find out more about her late father and what he did for nature, but then also reminded them that he had enjoyed a varied career in music as well as she admitted just how much she would miss him now that he is no longer here.‌She added: "If you don't know about his wildlife knowledge and advocacy work follow any UK wildlife profile right now and find out about it. "Thanks so much in advance for your care and wishes but if you don't know about his fragile marbles and all he dealt with read some of dads interviews where he talks of them - I have had my own marble struggles and the crazy a**e world of social media I found (eventually!!) - apart from the bird photos - does little for them so I'll be out of here again sharpish."Do ya self a favour and go and listen to him singing Ilklei Mah Ba Tat in a pitch perfect impression of Joe Cocker singing 'help from my friends' and see where it leads you. Listen to the radio version of his Who Do You Think You Are and see where he came from. There is much joy and awe to be found in a Bill Oddie rabbit hole and I'll miss him very very much.‌"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!"As well as his two daughters with Jean, Bill is also survived by his second wife Laura Beaumont, whom he married in 1983, and their 41-year-old daughter Rosie.‌After finding fame in comedy as part of the Goodies, Bill turned to television and presented Birding with Bill Oddie, Bill Oddie Goes Wild, and early editions of Springwatch and Autumnwatch.Announcing his passing on Tuesday, a statement from 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.Article continues below“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."* Follow Mirror Celebs and TV on TikTok , Snapchat , Instagram , Twitter , Facebook , YouTube and Threads .