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{{short description|English comedian, television presenter and actor}}
{{short description|English comedian, presenter, actor (born 1959)}}
{{About|the comedian|the footballer|Bob Mortimer (footballer)|the evangelist|Bob Mortimer (evangelist)}}
{{About|the comedian|the footballer|Bob Mortimer (footballer)|the evangelist|Bob Mortimer (evangelist)}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Use dmy dates|date=June 2022}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Bob Mortimer
| name = Bob Mortimer
| image = Bob mortimer Middlesbrough.jpg
| image = Bob Mortimer in 2017.jpg
| image_size = 200
| caption = Mortimer in February 2010
| birth_name = Robert Renwick Mortimer
| caption = Mortimer in 2017
| birth_name = Robert Renwick Mortimer
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1959|5|23}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date and age|df=yes|1959|5|23}}
| birth_place = [[Middlesbrough]], England
| birth_place = [[Middlesbrough]], England
| death_date =
| death_date =
| death_place =
| death_place =
| years_active = 1986–present
| years_active = 1986–present
| occupation = Comedian, television presenter and actor
| occupation = Comedian, author, television presenter, writer and actor
| spouse = {{marriage|Lisa Matthews<br />|2015}}
| spouse = {{marriage|Lisa Matthews<br />|2015}}
| children = 2
| children = 2
}}
}}


'''Robert Renwick Mortimer''' (born 23 May 1959) is an English comedian, author, television presenter and actor. He is known for his work with [[Vic Reeves]] as part of their [[Vic and Bob]] double act, and more recently the ''[[Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing]]'' series with [[Paul Whitehouse]]. He has also appeared on panel shows such as [[Would I Lie to You? (game show)|''Would I Lie to You?'']] and [[Taskmaster (TV series)|''Taskmaster'']].
'''Robert Renwick Mortimer''' (born 23 May 1959) is an English comedian, author, television presenter, writer and actor. He is best known for his work with [[Jim Moir|Vic Reeves]] as part of their [[Vic and Bob]] double act, and more recently the ''[[Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing]]'' series with [[Paul Whitehouse]]. He has also appeared on [[panel show|panel shows]] such as [[Would I Lie to You? (British game show)|''Would I Lie to You?'']] and [[Taskmaster (TV series)|''Taskmaster'']].


== Early life ==
== Early life ==
Robert Renwick Mortimer was born in [[Middlesbrough]] on 23 May 1959,<ref>{{Cite web |last=Pain |first=Andrew |date=10 August 2011 |title=Bob Mortimer on growing up on Teesside and North-east comedy |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/bob-mortimer-growing-up-teesside-3691898 |access-date=11 February 2022 |website=TeessideLive}}</ref> and grew up with three brothers in the town's [[Linthorpe]] area.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Herring |first1=Richard |title=Episode 64 – Bob Mortimer |url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/richard_herring_lst_podcast/episode_64_bob_mortimer/ |series=Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast |website=British Comedy Guide |access-date=17 June 2015 |ref=Herring}}</ref> His father, a biscuit salesman, died in a car crash when Mortimer was seven.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3b2k5jV6ZD7PVCBp92WBTz8/nine-things-we-learned-from-bob-mortimers-desert-island-discs |title=Nine things we learned from Bob Mortimer's Desert Island Discs |website=BBC |access-date=19 December 2021}}</ref> At around the same time, Mortimer accidentally burnt down his family's home with a stray firework.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-09-16/the-10-most-surprising-truths-weve-learnt-from-the-guests-on-would-i-lie-to-you/ |title=The 10 most surprising truths we've learnt from the guests on Would I Lie to You? |publisher=Immediate Media Company Ltd. |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ewing |first1=Sarah |title=Bob Mortimer: 'I wrecked the family fortunes by burning down mum's uninsured house' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/fame-fortune/bob-mortimer-wrecked-family-fortunes-burning-mums-uninsured/ |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/fame-fortune/bob-mortimer-wrecked-family-fortunes-burning-mums-uninsured/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He attended [[King's Manor School]] in Middlesbrough, where his schoolmates included future sports presenter [[Ali Brownlee]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Voice of the Boro Ali Brownlee of BBC Tees dies |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-35578501 |access-date=15 February 2016 |work=BBC News |date=15 February 2016}}</ref> A keen [[association football|football]] fan, he had trials for local team [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough FC]], but abandoned his footballing dreams due to [[Childhood arthritis|early-onset arthritis]].
Robert Renwick Mortimer was born in [[Middlesbrough]] on 23 May 1959,<ref name="tees">{{Cite web |last=Pain |first=Andrew |date=10 August 2011 |title=Bob Mortimer on growing up on Teesside and North-east comedy |url=http://www.gazettelive.co.uk/news/local-news/bob-mortimer-growing-up-teesside-3691898 |access-date=11 February 2022 |website=TeessideLive}}</ref> and grew up with three brothers in the town's [[Linthorpe]] area.<ref>{{cite web |last1=Herring |first1=Richard |title=Episode 64 – Bob Mortimer |url=http://www.comedy.co.uk/podcasts/richard_herring_lst_podcast/episode_64_bob_mortimer/ |series=Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast |website=British Comedy Guide |access-date=17 June 2015 |ref=Herring}}</ref> His father, a biscuit salesman, died in a car crash when Mortimer was seven.<ref>{{Cite web |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3b2k5jV6ZD7PVCBp92WBTz8/nine-things-we-learned-from-bob-mortimers-desert-island-discs |title=Nine things we learned from Bob Mortimer's Desert Island Discs |website=BBC |access-date=19 December 2021}}</ref> At around the same time, Mortimer accidentally burnt down his family's home with a stray firework.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.radiotimes.com/news/2016-09-16/the-10-most-surprising-truths-weve-learnt-from-the-guests-on-would-i-lie-to-you/ |title=The 10 most surprising truths we've learnt from the guests on Would I Lie to You? |publisher=Immediate Media Company Ltd. |website=[[Radio Times]] |access-date=13 August 2019}}</ref><ref>{{cite news |last1=Ewing |first1=Sarah |title=Bob Mortimer: 'I wrecked the family fortunes by burning down mum's uninsured house' |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/fame-fortune/bob-mortimer-wrecked-family-fortunes-burning-mums-uninsured/ |newspaper=[[The Daily Telegraph]] |archive-url=https://ghostarchive.org/archive/20220112/https://www.telegraph.co.uk/money/fame-fortune/bob-mortimer-wrecked-family-fortunes-burning-mums-uninsured/ |archive-date=12 January 2022 |url-access=subscription |url-status=live}}{{cbignore}}</ref> He attended [[King's Manor School]] in Middlesbrough,<ref name="tees"/> where his schoolmates included future sports presenter [[Ali Brownlee]].<ref>{{cite news |title=Voice of the Boro Ali Brownlee of BBC Tees dies |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-england-tees-35578501 |access-date=15 February 2016 |work=BBC News |date=15 February 2016}}</ref> A keen [[association football|football]] fan, he had trials for local club [[Middlesbrough F.C.]], but abandoned his footballing dreams due to [[Childhood arthritis|early-onset arthritis]].


Mortimer left school with three [[Advanced Level (UK)|A-Levels]] and went on to study law at the [[University of Sussex]] and [[University of Leicester]]. There, he became involved in political causes and the [[Punk ideologies|punk movement]], starting a band called Dog Dirt.<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.theguardian.com/stage/live/2015/jun/12/vic-reeves-and-bob-mortimer-webchat-post-your-questions-now |title=Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer webchat – as it happened |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=16 June 2015 |access-date=13 November 2020}}</ref> After leaving university with an [[Master of Laws|LLM]] in Welfare Law, he moved to [[London]] and became a solicitor for [[London Borough of Southwark|Southwark Council]]. He then moved to a private practice in [[Peckham]], where his work with [[Public Health Act]] cases regarding cockroach infestations of council properties led to a local paper, the ''[[South London Press]]'', dubbing him "The Cockroach King".<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Mortimer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00029fv |access-date=4 May 2019 |work=Desert Island Discs |publisher=BBC |date=3 February 2019}}</ref> During this time, he was mugged by one of his clients, who stopped and apologised after recognising him; he continued to represent the client.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mortimer |first1=Bob |title=And Away... |date=2021 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-398-50530-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JBQiEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT81 |language=en |at=Chapter 15}}</ref>
Mortimer left school with three [[Advanced Level (UK)|A-Levels]] and went on to study law at the [[University of Sussex]] and [[University of Leicester]].<ref name="tees"/> There, he became a [[Punk ideologies|punk]], and starting a band called Dog Dirt.<ref>{{cite news |url= https://www.theguardian.com/stage/live/2015/jun/12/vic-reeves-and-bob-mortimer-webchat-post-your-questions-now |title=Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer webchat – as it happened |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=16 June 2015 |access-date=13 November 2020}}</ref> After leaving university with an [[Master of Laws|LLM]] in Welfare Law, he moved to [[London]] and became a solicitor for [[London Borough of Southwark|Southwark Council]].<ref name="tees"/> He then moved to a private practice in [[Peckham]], where his work with [[Public Health Act]] cases regarding cockroach infestations of council properties led to a local paper, the ''[[South London Press]]'', dubbing him "The Cockroach King".<ref>{{cite news |title=Bob Mortimer |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/m00029fv |access-date=4 May 2019 |work=Desert Island Discs |publisher=BBC |date=3 February 2019}}</ref> According to his autobiography, he was mugged during this time by one of his clients, who stopped and apologised after recognising him; he continued to represent the client.<ref>{{cite book |last1=Mortimer |first1=Bob |title=And Away... |date=2021 |publisher=Simon and Schuster |isbn=978-1-398-50530-8 |url=https://books.google.com/books?id=JBQiEAAAQBAJ&pg=PT81 |language=en |at=Chapter 15}}</ref>


== Career ==
== Career ==
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=== Partnership with Vic Reeves ===
=== Partnership with Vic Reeves ===
{{Main|Vic and Bob}}
{{Main|Vic and Bob}}
In 1986, Mortimer went to the Goldsmith's Tavern in [[New Cross]], London, to see a new show by the comedian [[Vic Reeves]]. Mortimer was impressed by the performance, particularly the character Tappy Lappy, which was Reeves attempting to tap dance while wearing a [[Bryan Ferry]] mask and planks on his feet. Mortimer approached Reeves after the show, and the two began writing material for the next week's show together. They also became good friends and formed a band, the Potter's Wheel. Mortimer began to perform on the show, which was christened ''[[Vic Reeves Big Night Out]]'', creating such characters as the Singing Lawyer, Graham Lister, Judge Nutmeg and the Man With the Stick.
In 1986, Mortimer went to the [[Goldsmiths Tavern]] in [[New Cross]], London, to see a new show by the comedian [[Jim Moir|Vic Reeves]].<ref name="tees"/> Mortimer was impressed by the performance, particularly the character Tappy Lappy, which was Reeves attempting to tap dance while wearing a [[Bryan Ferry]] mask and planks on his feet. Mortimer approached Reeves after the show, and the two began writing material for the next week's show together. They also became good friends and formed a band, the Potter's Wheel. Mortimer began to perform on the show, which was christened ''[[Vic Reeves Big Night Out]]'', creating characters such as the Singing Lawyer, Graham Lister, Judge Nutmeg and the Man With the Stick.


The show became successful in South London and eventually outgrew Goldsmith's Tavern, moving in 1988 to the [[Albany Theatre|Albany Empire]] in [[Deptford]]. Mortimer soon became an integral part of the performance, providing him with a weekly break from his legal work, which had begun to disillusion him.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mortimer |first=Bob |title=And Away... |publisher=Simon & Schuster Ltd |year=2022 |isbn=9781398505322}}</ref>
The show became successful in South London and eventually outgrew Goldsmiths Tavern, moving in 1988 to the [[Albany Theatre|Albany Empire]] in [[Deptford]]. Mortimer soon became an integral part of the performance, providing him with a weekly break from his legal work, which had begun to disillusion him.{{citation needed|date=May 2022}}<ref>{{Cite book |last=Mortimer |first=Bob |title=And Away... |publisher=Simon & Schuster Ltd |year=2022 |isbn=9781398505322}}</ref>


Reeves and Mortimer made their television debut on the short-lived 1989 comedy chat show ''One Hour with [[Jonathan Ross]]'', in the game show segment known as "[[Knock down ginger]]". Later that year, the duo made their first television pilot together, ''[[Vic Reeves Big Night Out]]''. The television show remained true to the nightclub act's variety show format. Mortimer took a 10-week break from his legal job to record the series and never returned.
Reeves and Mortimer made their television debut on the short-lived 1989 comedy chat show ''One Hour with [[Jonathan Ross]]'', in the game show segment known as "[[Knock down ginger]]". Later that year, the duo made their first television pilot together, ''[[Vic Reeves Big Night Out]]''. The television show remained true to the nightclub act's variety show format. Mortimer took a 10-week break from his legal job to record the series and never returned.
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On 27 February 2008, Reeves announced that he and Mortimer were working together on a new sitcom about [[superhero]]es who get their powers through a malfunctioning telegraph pole.<ref name="Journal">{{Cite news |last=Dent |first=Karen |date=27 February 2008 |title=Reeves enjoys a Big Day Out with apprentices|work=[[The Journal (Newcastle upon Tyne newspaper)|The Journal]] |url=http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2008/02/27/reeves-enjoys-a-big-day-out-with-apprentices-61634-20527947/ |url-status=dead |access-date=28 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629211325/http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2008/02/27/reeves-enjoys-a-big-day-out-with-apprentices-61634-20527947/ |archive-date=29 June 2009}}</ref>
On 27 February 2008, Reeves announced that he and Mortimer were working together on a new sitcom about [[superhero]]es who get their powers through a malfunctioning telegraph pole.<ref name="Journal">{{Cite news |last=Dent |first=Karen |date=27 February 2008 |title=Reeves enjoys a Big Day Out with apprentices|work=[[The Journal (Newcastle upon Tyne newspaper)|The Journal]] |url=http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2008/02/27/reeves-enjoys-a-big-day-out-with-apprentices-61634-20527947/ |url-status=dead |access-date=28 February 2008 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090629211325/http://www.journallive.co.uk/north-east-news/todays-news/2008/02/27/reeves-enjoys-a-big-day-out-with-apprentices-61634-20527947/ |archive-date=29 June 2009}}</ref>
[[File:Bob mortimer Middlesbrough.jpg|thumb|upright|Bob Mortimer in February 2010]]


In November 2013, Reeves and Mortimer filmed episodes of a new BBC sitcom, ''[[House of Fools (TV series)|House of Fools]]'', also featuring [[Matt Berry]] (as Beef), [[Morgana Robinson]] (as Julie), and [[Dan Skinner]] (as Bosh).
In November 2013, Reeves and Mortimer filmed episodes of a new BBC sitcom, ''[[House of Fools (TV series)|House of Fools]]'', also featuring [[Matt Berry]] (as Beef), [[Morgana Robinson]] (as Julie) and [[Dan Skinner]] (as Bosh).


In October 2015 the pair cancelled the first leg of their live tour, ''25 Year of Reeves and Mortimer: The Poignant Moments'', after Mortimer underwent an emergency triple heart bypass.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gigglebeats.co.uk/2015/10/vic-and-bob-cancel-live-shows/ |title=Vic and Bob cancel live shows |website=Giggle Beats |language=en-US |access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref>
In October 2015, the pair cancelled the first leg of their live tour, ''25 Year of Reeves and Mortimer: The Poignant Moments'', after Mortimer underwent an emergency triple heart bypass.<ref>{{Cite web |url=http://www.gigglebeats.co.uk/2015/10/vic-and-bob-cancel-live-shows/ |title=Vic and Bob cancel live shows |website=Giggle Beats |language=en-US |access-date=18 January 2017}}</ref>


On 29 December 2017, Mortimer and Reeves starred in a relaunch and new singular episode of their comedy [[Vic Reeves Big Night Out|''Big Night Out'']] for the [[BBC]]. The show has been remade and subsequently renamed to ''Vic and Bob's Big Night Out''. The episode remained true to the classic Big Night Out formula and was composed of various comedy songs, skits, characters and sketches. This was the first time the Big Night Out series had featured Mortimer's name in the title. A full series of ''Vic and Bob's Big Night Out'' began on [[BBC Four]] in November 2018.
On 29 December 2017, Mortimer and Reeves starred in a relaunch and new singular episode of their comedy [[Vic Reeves Big Night Out|''Big Night Out'']] for the [[BBC]]. The show has been remade and subsequently renamed to ''Vic and Bob's Big Night Out''. The episode remained true to the classic ''Big Night Out'' formula and was composed of various comedy songs, skits, characters and sketches. This was the first time the ''Big Night Out'' series had featured Mortimer's name in the title. A full series of ''Vic and Bob's Big Night Out'' began on [[BBC Four]] in November 2018.


=== Solo career and appearances ===
=== Solo career and appearances ===
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* In 1996–97, Mortimer appeared on an episode of ''[[Mash and Peas]]'' with [[Matt Lucas]], [[David Walliams]] and [[Reece Shearsmith]], in a sketch spoofing [[Seinfeld]], called ''I'm Bland... yet all my friends are krazy!''.
* In 1996–97, Mortimer appeared on an episode of ''[[Mash and Peas]]'' with [[Matt Lucas]], [[David Walliams]] and [[Reece Shearsmith]], in a sketch spoofing [[Seinfeld]], called ''I'm Bland... yet all my friends are krazy!''.
*Mortimer voiced the computer-animated bulldog in adverts for [[Churchill Insurance]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6261946/Churchill-dog-to-star-in-22-pantos.-Oh-Yes..html |title=Churchill dog to star in 22 pantos. Oh Yes. |first=Harry |last=Wallop |date=5 October 2009 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |accessdate=7 July 2019}}</ref> Churchill's "Oh, yes!" catchphrase is believed to be an impersonation of Potter the Janitor (played by [[Deryck Guyler]]) from the television series of the 1970s, ''[[Please Sir!]]''.<ref name="plsir">{{cite web |url=http://rosswagman.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/oh-yes-its-deryck-guyler.html |title=Oh yes, it's Deryck Guyler |website=Ross Wagman's Blog |accessdate=20 August 2012}}</ref> Older adverts had Mortimer's voice responding to questions posed by his comedy partner, [[Vic Reeves]]. In April 2005, however, Reeves was removed from the adverts, after he was convicted of drink-driving.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4389859.stm |title=Reeves dropped from insurance ads |date=29 March 2005 |website=BBC News}}</ref>
*Mortimer voiced the animated bulldog in adverts for [[Churchill Insurance]].<ref>{{cite news |url=https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/newstopics/howaboutthat/6261946/Churchill-dog-to-star-in-22-pantos.-Oh-Yes..html |title=Churchill dog to star in 22 pantos. Oh Yes. |first=Harry |last=Wallop |date=5 October 2009 |newspaper=The Daily Telegraph |accessdate=7 July 2019}}</ref> Churchill's "Oh, yes!" catchphrase is believed to be an impersonation of Potter the Janitor (played by [[Deryck Guyler]]) from the television series of the 1970s, ''[[Please Sir!]]''.<ref name="plsir">{{cite web |url=http://rosswagman.blogspot.co.uk/2012/08/oh-yes-its-deryck-guyler.html |title=Oh yes, it's Deryck Guyler |website=Ross Wagman's Blog |accessdate=20 August 2012}}</ref> Older adverts had Mortimer's voice responding to questions posed by his comedy partner, [[Vic Reeves]]. In April 2005, however, Reeves was removed from the adverts, after he was convicted of drink-driving.<ref>{{cite web |url=http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/england/kent/4389859.stm |title=Reeves dropped from insurance ads |date=29 March 2005 |website=BBC News}}</ref>
* In July 2002, Mortimer fought and defeated [[Les Dennis]] in the [[BBC]]'s first ''Celebrity Boxing'' match, as part of [[Sport Relief#Sport Relief 2002|Sport Relief 2002]].
* In July 2002, Mortimer fought and defeated [[Les Dennis]] in the [[BBC]]'s first ''Celebrity Boxing'' match, as part of [[Sport Relief#2002 event|Sport Relief 2002]].
* In 2002, Mortimer presented the [[Channel 4]] list show ''[[100 Greatest/100 Worst|The 100 Greatest World Cup Moments of All Time!]]'' An updated show, again hosted by Mortimer, was broadcast by the channel in 2010, to coincide with the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]].
* In 2002, Mortimer presented the [[Channel 4]] list show ''[[100 Greatest/100 Worst|The 100 Greatest World Cup Moments of All Time!]]'' An updated show, again hosted by Mortimer, was broadcast by the channel in 2010, to coincide with the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]].
* Mortimer produced and presented the second match, ''The Fight'', a year later, which saw [[Grant Bovey]] versus [[Ricky Gervais]].
* Mortimer produced and presented the second match, ''The Fight'', a year later, which saw [[Grant Bovey]] versus [[Ricky Gervais]].
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* Mortimer appeared on [[BBC Two]]'s ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]'' on four occasions – in 1996, on [[Sean Hughes (comedian)|Sean Hughes']] team; in 2000, on [[Phill Jupitus]]'s team; in 2008, as a guest team captain; and in 2012, as a guest host.
* Mortimer appeared on [[BBC Two]]'s ''[[Never Mind the Buzzcocks]]'' on four occasions – in 1996, on [[Sean Hughes (comedian)|Sean Hughes']] team; in 2000, on [[Phill Jupitus]]'s team; in 2008, as a guest team captain; and in 2012, as a guest host.
* In April 2010, Mortimer appeared on the [[Sky1]] panel show ''[[A League of Their Own (UK game show)|A League of Their Own]]'', on [[Andrew Flintoff]]'s team.
* In April 2010, Mortimer appeared on the [[Sky1]] panel show ''[[A League of Their Own (UK game show)|A League of Their Own]]'', on [[Andrew Flintoff]]'s team.
* Mortimer has been a regular guest panellist on the BBC1 quiz show ''[[Would I Lie to You? (TV series)|Would I Lie to You?]]'' since 2012, having appeared in eleven episodes up to the 2022 series. He has since stated that his appearances on this show have given him more recognition than any of his previous work.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer: 'There was the chance one of us might drop dead on the riverbank' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/jul/15/paul-whitehouse-bob-mortimer-fishing-surgery-hearty-lunch |newspaper=The Guardian |date=15 July 2018 |access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref>
* Mortimer has been a regular guest panellist on the BBC1 quiz show ''[[Would I Lie to You? (British game show)|Would I Lie to You?]]'' since 2012, having appeared in eleven episodes up to the 2022 series. He has since stated that his appearances on this show have given him more recognition than any of his previous work.<ref>{{cite news |title=Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer: 'There was the chance one of us might drop dead on the riverbank' |url=https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2018/jul/15/paul-whitehouse-bob-mortimer-fishing-surgery-hearty-lunch |newspaper=The Guardian |date=15 July 2018 |access-date=3 September 2020}}</ref>
* In November 2013, Mortimer appeared on an episode of [[Ross Noble]] ''Freewheeling''.
* In November 2013, Mortimer appeared on an episode of [[Ross Noble]] ''Freewheeling''.
* Also in 2013, Mortimer played Frank in the [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]] sitcom ''[[Drifters (TV series)|Drifters]]''.
* Also in 2013, Mortimer played Frank in the [[E4 (TV channel)|E4]] sitcom ''[[Drifters (TV series)|Drifters]]''.
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*Mortimer has appeared on numerous episodes of the ''[[Sky1]]'' comedy panel game ''[[Duck Quacks Don't Echo]]'', hosted by his regular ''Would I Lie to You?'' team captain, [[Lee Mack]].
*Mortimer has appeared on numerous episodes of the ''[[Sky1]]'' comedy panel game ''[[Duck Quacks Don't Echo]]'', hosted by his regular ''Would I Lie to You?'' team captain, [[Lee Mack]].
*In 2017, Mortimer competed in and won series 5 of ''[[Taskmaster (TV series)|Taskmaster]]'' against [[Aisling Bea]], [[Sally Phillips]], [[Nish Kumar]] and [[Mark Watson]]. He then competed in the ''Taskmaster: Champion of Champions'' series against [[Noel Fielding]], [[Josh Widdicombe]], [[Katherine Ryan]] and [[Rob Beckett]], coming last.
*In 2017, Mortimer competed in and won series 5 of ''[[Taskmaster (TV series)|Taskmaster]]'' against [[Aisling Bea]], [[Sally Phillips]], [[Nish Kumar]] and [[Mark Watson]]. He then competed in the ''Taskmaster: Champion of Champions'' series against [[Noel Fielding]], [[Josh Widdicombe]], [[Katherine Ryan]] and [[Rob Beckett]], coming last.
*In June and July 2018, Mortimer teamed up with his longtime friend and fellow comedian, [[Paul Whitehouse]], in a BBC2 six part comedy series, ''[[Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing]]''. The two friends, who have both suffered from heart conditions, shared their thoughts and experiences while fishing at a variety of locations around the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b7r2k6 |title=Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing |work=BBC}}</ref> Five series of the programme have aired to date; a book was released in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.waterstones.com/book/mortimer-and-whitehouse-gone-fishing/bob-mortimer/paul-whitehouse/9781788702942 |title=Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (Life, Death and the Thrill of the Catch) |website=[[Waterstones]]}}</ref> series 4 and a Christmas special aired in 2021.<ref>{{cite web |title=When is Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing series 4's release date? Everything you need to know |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-09-29/mortimer-and-whitehouse-gone-fishing-series-4-release-date/ |website=Radio Times |access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=BBC Two – Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b7r2k6 |access-date=9 October 2023 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
*In June and July 2018, Mortimer teamed up with his longtime friend and fellow comedian, [[Paul Whitehouse]], in a BBC2 six part comedy series, ''[[Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing]]''. The two friends, who have both suffered from heart conditions, shared their thoughts and experiences while fishing at a variety of locations around the UK.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b7r2k6 |title=Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing |work=BBC}}</ref> Six series of the programme have aired to date; a book was released in 2020,<ref>{{cite web |url=https://www.waterstones.com/book/mortimer-and-whitehouse-gone-fishing/bob-mortimer/paul-whitehouse/9781788702942 |title=Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing (Life, Death and the Thrill of the Catch) |website=[[Waterstones]]}}</ref> series 4 and Christmas specials aired in 2021 and 2023.<ref>{{cite web |title=When is Mortimer and Whitehouse: Gone Fishing series 4's release date? Everything you need to know |url=https://www.radiotimes.com/news/tv/2020-09-29/mortimer-and-whitehouse-gone-fishing-series-4-release-date/ |website=Radio Times |access-date=6 October 2020}}</ref><ref name=":2">{{Cite web |title=BBC Two – Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b0b7r2k6 |access-date=9 October 2023 |website=BBC |language=en-GB}}</ref>
*On 3 February 2019, Mortimer appeared on the BBC Radio programme ''[[Desert Island Discs]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00029fv |title= Bob Mortimer on Desert Island Discs|work=BBC}}</ref>
*On 3 February 2019, Mortimer appeared on the BBC Radio programme ''[[Desert Island Discs]]''.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.bbc.co.uk/sounds/play/m00029fv |title= Bob Mortimer on Desert Island Discs|work=BBC}}</ref>
*On 25 August 2021, Mortimer appeared on episode 116 of the food and comedy podcast [[Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster|Off Menu]], hosted by comedians [[James Acaster]] and [[Ed Gamble]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Episodes |url=https://www.offmenupodcast.co.uk/episodes |access-date=2023-11-17 |website=Off Menu |language=en-US}}</ref> His dream menu was an [[Odeon Cinemas|Odeon Cinema]] hotdog as a starter, with ketchup and mustard, swirled by his own finger. Main course was a "perfect vindaloo" with poppadoms and chips. Side dish was a shallow fried turbot. His chosen drink was a citrus IPA served at minus 20 degrees. Dessert was a syrup sponge pudding and custard, made by his wife. He was allowed to have a [[Boost (chocolate bar)|Boost]] baguette and a cube of frozen custard on his way home.<ref>https://static1.squarespace.com/enwiki/static/5c59b79b0cf57db0a3d8d54f/t/63e0dc3ef8f2bc7d2e62592f/1675680831204/Off+Menu+-+Ep116+-+Bob+Mortimer+-+Transcript.pdf</ref>
*On 25 August 2021, Mortimer appeared on episode 116 of the food and comedy podcast [[Off Menu with Ed Gamble and James Acaster|Off Menu]], hosted by comedians [[James Acaster]] and [[Ed Gamble]].<ref>{{Cite web |title=Episodes |url=https://www.offmenupodcast.co.uk/episodes |access-date=2023-11-17 |website=Off Menu |language=en-US}}</ref> His dream menu was an [[Odeon Cinemas|Odeon Cinema]] hotdog as a starter, with ketchup and mustard, swirled by his own finger. Main course was a "perfect vindaloo" with poppadoms and chips. Side dish was a shallow fried turbot. His chosen drink was a citrus IPA served at minus 20 degrees. Dessert was a syrup sponge pudding and custard, made by his wife. He was allowed to have a [[Boost (chocolate bar)|Boost]] baguette and a cube of frozen custard on his way home.<ref>{{cite web|website=squarespace.com
|url=https://static1.squarespace.com/enwiki/static/5c59b79b0cf57db0a3d8d54f/t/63e0dc3ef8f2bc7d2e62592f/1675680831204/Off+Menu+-+Ep116+-+Bob+Mortimer+-+Transcript.pdf|title=Off Menu – Ep116 – Bob Mortimer}}</ref>
*In September 2021, Mortimer released an autobiography titled ''And Away...''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Mortimer |first1=Bob |url=https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/And-Away/Bob-Mortimer/9781398505292 |title=And Away...By Bob Mortimer |date=16 September 2021 |isbn=9781398505292 |access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=And Away...By Bob Mortimer |url=https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/And-Away-Audiobook/1398505315 |website=[[Audible (service)|Audible]]}}</ref>
*In September 2021, Mortimer released an autobiography titled ''And Away...''.<ref name=":0">{{Cite book |last1=Mortimer |first1=Bob |url=https://www.simonandschuster.co.uk/books/And-Away/Bob-Mortimer/9781398505292 |title=And Away...By Bob Mortimer |date=16 September 2021 |publisher=Gallery Books UK |isbn=9781398505292 |access-date=1 February 2021}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |title=And Away...By Bob Mortimer |url=https://www.audible.co.uk/pd/And-Away-Audiobook/1398505315 |website=[[Audible (service)|Audible]]}}</ref>
*Mortimer wrote ''The Satsuma Complex'', a Sunday Times bestselling comic novel published in 2022.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Fox |first1=Killian |title=The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer review – the sleuth is out there |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/oct/16/the-satsuma-complex-by-bob-mortimer-review-the-sleuth-is-out-there |access-date=18 October 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=16 October 2022}}</ref> An audiobook was released, narrated by Mortimer and [[Sally Phillips]].<ref>{{Cite book |url=https://www.audible.com/ |title=Audible.com {{!}} Try Audible Free Today |language=en}}</ref>
*Mortimer wrote ''The Satsuma Complex'', a Sunday Times bestselling comic novel published in 2022.<ref name=":1">{{cite news |last1=Fox |first1=Killian |title=The Satsuma Complex by Bob Mortimer review – the sleuth is out there |url=https://www.theguardian.com/books/2022/oct/16/the-satsuma-complex-by-bob-mortimer-review-the-sleuth-is-out-there |access-date=18 October 2022 |work=The Guardian |date=16 October 2022}}</ref> An audiobook was released, narrated by Mortimer and [[Sally Phillips]].


== Filmography ==
== Filmography ==
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|1989
|1989
|''One Hour with [[Jonathan Ross]]''
|''One Hour with [[Jonathan Ross]]''
|[[Channel X]]
| rowspan="3" |Channel 4
|TV Debut in "Knock Down Ginger" segment
|TV Debut in "Knock Down Ginger" segment
|-
|-
|1990-1991
|1990-1991
|''[[Vic Reeves Big Night Out]]''
|''[[Vic Reeves Big Night Out]]''
| rowspan="2" |[[Channel 4]]
|
|
|-
|-
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| rowspan="5" |[[BBC Two]]
| rowspan="5" |[[BBC Two]]
|Sketch show
|Sketch show
2 series, 12 episodes
|-
|-
|1993
|1993
|''Reeves and Mortimer's Driving School''
|''Reeves and Mortimer's Driving School''
| 45 Min. Video
|
|-
|-
|1995-1997, 2002, 2009-2011
|1995-1997, 2002, 2009-2011
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|-
|-
|''The All Star Comedy Show''
|''The All Star Comedy Show''
| rowspan="4" |[[ITV1|ITV]]
| rowspan="3" |[[ITV1|ITV]]
|2-part special
|2-part special
|-
|-
Line 158: Line 161:
|-
|-
|''Star Chamber''
|''Star Chamber''
|Pilot, not comissioned
|Pilot, not commissioned
|-
|2014-2015
|''[[House of Fools (TV series)|House of Fools]]''
|[[BBC Two]]
|2 series, 13 episodes
|-
|-
|2015
|2015
|''[[Celebrity Squares]]''
|''[[Celebrity Squares]]''
|[[ITV1|ITV]]
|Guest appearance
|Guest appearance
|-
|-
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|[[BBC Two]]
|[[BBC Two]]
|Guest panellist in 1996 and 2000.
|Guest panellist in 1996 and 2000.
Guest team captain in 2008.
Guest team captain in 2008. Guest presenter in 2012.
Guest presenter in 2012
|
|
|-
|-
Line 228: Line 236:
|
|
|-
|-
|2010
| rowspan="2" |2010
|''The 100 Greatest World Cup Moments of All Time!''
|''The 100 Greatest World Cup Moments of All Time!''
|
|
|[[Channel 4]]
|
|Updated version for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]]
|Updated version for the [[2010 FIFA World Cup]]
|
|
|-
|-
|2010
|[[A League of Their Own (British game show)|''A League of Their Own'']]
|[[A League of Their Own (British game show)|''A League of Their Own'']]
|Guest panellist
|Guest panellist
Line 243: Line 250:
|-
|-
|2012
|2012
|''[[Would I Lie to You? (game show)|Would I Lie to You?]]''
|''[[Would I Lie to You? (British game show)|Would I Lie to You?]]''
|Guest panellist
|Guest panellist
|[[BBC One]]
|
|Guest panellist
|Guest panellist
11 appearances, the most of any guest.
11 appearances, the most of any guest.
Line 288: Line 295:
|[[Taskmaster (TV series)|''Taskmaster'']]
|[[Taskmaster (TV series)|''Taskmaster'']]
|Contestant
|Contestant
|[[Dave (TV channel)|Dave]]
|
|Series 5 champion
|Series 5 champion
Contestant in two-part Champion of Champions special
Contestant in two-part Champion of Champions special
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|''[[Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing]]''
|''[[Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing]]''
|Self
|Self
|[[BBC Two]]
|
|6 series broadcast, 1 upcoming
|6 series broadcast, 1 upcoming
|<ref name=":2" />
|<ref name=":2" />
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|''[[Travel Man]]''
|''[[Travel Man]]''
|Self
|Self
|[[Channel 4]]
|
|
|
|
|
Line 315: Line 322:
!Type
!Type
!Ref
!Ref
|-
|2019
|''Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing''
|
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.audible.com/pd/Mortimer-Whitehouse-Gone-Fishing-Audiobook/1788702174 |title=Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing|website=Audible.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|-
|2021
|2021
Line 322: Line 334:
|-
|-
|2022
|2022
|''The Satsuma Complex''
|''The Satsuma Complex (released as 'The Clementine Complex' in U.S.)''
|Novel
|Novel
|<ref name=":1" />
|<ref name=":1" />
|-
|2024
|''The Hotel Avocado''
|Novel
|<ref>{{Cite web|url=https://www.audible.com/pd/The-Hotel-Avocado-Audiobook/B0CZ4MNKMB |title=The Hotel Avocado|website=Audible.com |language=en-US}}</ref>
|}
|}


== Personal life ==
== Personal life ==
Mortimer has suffered from [[rheumatoid arthritis]] since childhood, which gives him great pain when he is stressed, especially before making a television series or embarking on a tour. On those occasions, he controls it with [[steroid]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bob Mortimer – my battle with arthritis |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2002/02_february/radiotimes_bob_mortimer.shtml |website=[[Radio Times]] |via=BBC Press Office |access-date= 24 October 2007}}</ref>
Mortimer has suffered from [[rheumatoid arthritis]] since childhood; he controls it with [[steroid]]s.<ref>{{Cite web |title=Bob Mortimer – my battle with arthritis |url=http://www.bbc.co.uk/pressoffice/bbcworldwide/worldwidestories/pressreleases/2002/02_february/radiotimes_bob_mortimer.shtml |website=[[Radio Times]] |via=BBC Press Office |access-date= 24 October 2007}}</ref>


In October 2015, Mortimer underwent [[coronary artery bypass surgery|triple bypass surgery]], which led to the cancellation of the first leg of the Reeves and Mortimer 25 years tour.<ref>{{cite news |author=Press Association |author-link=Press Association |title=Bob Mortimer cancels tour after triple heart bypass operation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/oct/27/bob-mortimer-cancels-tour-after-triple-heart-bypass-operation |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 October 2015 |access-date=31 October 2015}}</ref> On the day of his hospital admission, he married Lisa Matthews, his girlfriend of 22 years, under a special marriage licence express from London. They have two sons, named Harry and Tom.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bob Mortimer "And Away..." |url=https://www.audible.com.au/pd/And-Away-Audiobook/1398505315|access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref>
In October 2015, Mortimer underwent [[coronary artery bypass surgery|triple bypass surgery]], which led to the cancellation of the first leg of the Reeves and Mortimer 25 Years tour.<ref>{{cite news |author=Press Association |author-link=Press Association |title=Bob Mortimer cancels tour after triple heart bypass operation |url=https://www.theguardian.com/culture/2015/oct/27/bob-mortimer-cancels-tour-after-triple-heart-bypass-operation |newspaper=[[The Guardian]] |date=27 October 2015 |access-date=31 October 2015}}</ref> On the day of his hospital admission, he married Lisa Matthews, his girlfriend of 22 years, under a special marriage licence express from London. They have two sons.<ref>{{cite web|title=Bob Mortimer "And Away..." |url=https://www.audible.com.au/pd/And-Away-Audiobook/1398505315|website=Audible.com.au|access-date=4 May 2023}}</ref>


Mortimer is a lifelong fan of his hometown football team [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough FC]] and the rock band [[Free (band)|Free]]. During his appearance on ''[[Desert Island Discs]]'', he revealed that he dealt with crippling [[shyness]] until the age of 30, which only began to improve after his initial television success; he also reflected on how his father's early death had shaped his personality, despite not realising how much this event had affected him as a child.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nine things we learned from Bob Mortimer's Desert Island Discs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3b2k5jV6ZD7PVCBp92WBTz8/nine-things-we-learned-from-bob-mortimers-desert-island-discs |website=BBC |access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref>
Mortimer is a lifelong fan of his hometown football team [[Middlesbrough F.C.|Middlesbrough]] and the rock band [[Free (band)|Free]]. During his appearance on ''[[Desert Island Discs]]'', he revealed that he dealt with crippling [[shyness]] until the age of 30, which only began to improve after his initial television success; he also reflected on how his father's early death had shaped his personality, despite not realising how much this event had affected him as a child.<ref>{{cite web |title=Nine things we learned from Bob Mortimer's Desert Island Discs |url=https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/articles/3b2k5jV6ZD7PVCBp92WBTz8/nine-things-we-learned-from-bob-mortimers-desert-island-discs |website=BBC |access-date=9 June 2020}}</ref>


== References ==
==References==
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist}}


== External links ==
==External links==
* {{IMDb name|0607848|Bob Mortimer}}
* {{IMDb name|0607848|Bob Mortimer}}
*{{British Comedy Guide|people|bob_mortimer}}
*{{British Comedy Guide|people|bob_mortimer}}
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[[Category:Alumni of the University of Leicester]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Leicester]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Sussex]]
[[Category:Alumni of the University of Sussex]]
[[Category:Comedians from Yorkshire]]
[[Category:Comedians from North Yorkshire]]
[[Category:English autobiographers]]
[[Category:English male comedians]]
[[Category:English male comedians]]
[[Category:English male television actors]]
[[Category:English male voice actors]]
[[Category:English solicitors]]
[[Category:English solicitors]]
[[Category:English television presenters]]
[[Category:English television presenters]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:Living people]]
[[Category:People from Middlesbrough]]
[[Category:People from Middlesbrough]]
[[Category:English autobiographers]]

Latest revision as of 00:08, 22 November 2024

Bob Mortimer
Mortimer in 2017
Born
Robert Renwick Mortimer

(1959-05-23) 23 May 1959 (age 65)
Middlesbrough, England
Occupation(s)Comedian, author, television presenter, writer and actor
Years active1986–present
Spouse
Lisa Matthews
(m. 2015)
Children2

Robert Renwick Mortimer (born 23 May 1959) is an English comedian, author, television presenter, writer and actor. He is best known for his work with Vic Reeves as part of their Vic and Bob double act, and more recently the Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing series with Paul Whitehouse. He has also appeared on panel shows such as Would I Lie to You? and Taskmaster.

Early life

[edit]

Robert Renwick Mortimer was born in Middlesbrough on 23 May 1959,[1] and grew up with three brothers in the town's Linthorpe area.[2] His father, a biscuit salesman, died in a car crash when Mortimer was seven.[3] At around the same time, Mortimer accidentally burnt down his family's home with a stray firework.[4][5] He attended King's Manor School in Middlesbrough,[1] where his schoolmates included future sports presenter Ali Brownlee.[6] A keen football fan, he had trials for local club Middlesbrough F.C., but abandoned his footballing dreams due to early-onset arthritis.

Mortimer left school with three A-Levels and went on to study law at the University of Sussex and University of Leicester.[1] There, he became a punk, and starting a band called Dog Dirt.[7] After leaving university with an LLM in Welfare Law, he moved to London and became a solicitor for Southwark Council.[1] He then moved to a private practice in Peckham, where his work with Public Health Act cases regarding cockroach infestations of council properties led to a local paper, the South London Press, dubbing him "The Cockroach King".[8] According to his autobiography, he was mugged during this time by one of his clients, who stopped and apologised after recognising him; he continued to represent the client.[9]

Career

[edit]

Partnership with Vic Reeves

[edit]

In 1986, Mortimer went to the Goldsmiths Tavern in New Cross, London, to see a new show by the comedian Vic Reeves.[1] Mortimer was impressed by the performance, particularly the character Tappy Lappy, which was Reeves attempting to tap dance while wearing a Bryan Ferry mask and planks on his feet. Mortimer approached Reeves after the show, and the two began writing material for the next week's show together. They also became good friends and formed a band, the Potter's Wheel. Mortimer began to perform on the show, which was christened Vic Reeves Big Night Out, creating characters such as the Singing Lawyer, Graham Lister, Judge Nutmeg and the Man With the Stick.

The show became successful in South London and eventually outgrew Goldsmiths Tavern, moving in 1988 to the Albany Empire in Deptford. Mortimer soon became an integral part of the performance, providing him with a weekly break from his legal work, which had begun to disillusion him.[citation needed][10]

Reeves and Mortimer made their television debut on the short-lived 1989 comedy chat show One Hour with Jonathan Ross, in the game show segment known as "Knock down ginger". Later that year, the duo made their first television pilot together, Vic Reeves Big Night Out. The television show remained true to the nightclub act's variety show format. Mortimer took a 10-week break from his legal job to record the series and never returned.

The two later created a one-off pilot for a sitcom called The Weekenders in 1992, followed by the sketch show The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer in 1993, and Shooting Stars, a comedy panel show that first aired in December 1993. After being commissioned, Shooting Stars ran for five series between 1995 and 2002, with a special anniversary edition broadcast in December 2008. A sixth series was broadcast in late 2009, followed by a seventh series in mid-2010, and an eighth in 2011.

In 1999, Reeves and Mortimer appeared in a second sketch show called Bang Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer. A year later, Mortimer played the part of Jeff Randall in Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased), opposite Reeves as Marty Hopkirk and Emilia Fox as Jeannie Hurst.

In 2003, Mortimer and Reeves were listed in The Observer as one of the 50 funniest acts in British comedy.[11] In a 2005 poll to find the Comedians' Comedian, the duo were voted the 9th greatest comedy act of all time by fellow comedians and comedy insiders.[12]

In 2004, Mortimer and Reeves wrote and starred in Catterick, a six-episode surreal comedy about an ex-soldier, Carl, who returns home from serving in Cyprus to join his brother Chris, who has agreed to help find Carl's son. Cast included Reece Shearsmith, Matt Lucas, Morwenna Banks, Tim Healy, Mark Benton and Charlie Higson.

On 17 November 2007, Mortimer appeared as Reeves' hairdresser, Carl, in the weekly radio sketch show on BBC Radio 2 entitled Vic Reeves' House Arrest.[13]

On 27 February 2008, Reeves announced that he and Mortimer were working together on a new sitcom about superheroes who get their powers through a malfunctioning telegraph pole.[14]

Bob Mortimer in February 2010

In November 2013, Reeves and Mortimer filmed episodes of a new BBC sitcom, House of Fools, also featuring Matt Berry (as Beef), Morgana Robinson (as Julie) and Dan Skinner (as Bosh).

In October 2015, the pair cancelled the first leg of their live tour, 25 Year of Reeves and Mortimer: The Poignant Moments, after Mortimer underwent an emergency triple heart bypass.[15]

On 29 December 2017, Mortimer and Reeves starred in a relaunch and new singular episode of their comedy Big Night Out for the BBC. The show has been remade and subsequently renamed to Vic and Bob's Big Night Out. The episode remained true to the classic Big Night Out formula and was composed of various comedy songs, skits, characters and sketches. This was the first time the Big Night Out series had featured Mortimer's name in the title. A full series of Vic and Bob's Big Night Out began on BBC Four in November 2018.

Solo career and appearances

[edit]

Filmography

[edit]

With Vic Reeves

[edit]
Year Title Channel Notes
1989 One Hour with Jonathan Ross Channel 4 TV Debut in "Knock Down Ginger" segment
1990-1991 Vic Reeves Big Night Out
1992 The Weekenders Pilot
1993-1995 The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer BBC Two Sketch show

2 series, 12 episodes

1993 Reeves and Mortimer's Driving School 45 Min. Video
1995-1997, 2002, 2009-2011 Shooting Stars Broadcast pilot in 1993

8 series, 72 episodes

1997 It's Ulrika! One-off special
1999 Bang, Bang, It's Reeves and Mortimer 1 series, 6 episodes
2000-2001 Randall & Hopkirk BBC One Acting only

2 series, 13 episodes

2004 Catterick BBC Three Sitcom

1 series, 6 episodes

The All Star Comedy Show ITV 2-part special
2005 Monkey Trousers 1 series, 6 episodes
Star Chamber Pilot, not commissioned
2014-2015 House of Fools BBC Two 2 series, 13 episodes
2015 Celebrity Squares ITV Guest appearance
2017-2019 Vic and Bob's Big Night Out BBC Two BBC Four One-off special, followed by 2 series. Totalling 9 episodes

Television

[edit]
Year Title Role Channel Notes Ref
1996 Mash and Peas Channel 4 In the Seinfeld spoof sketch "I'm Bland... yet all my friends are krazy!"
1996, 2000, 2008, 2012 Never Mind the Buzzcocks Guest panellist, guest team captain, guest presenter BBC Two Guest panellist in 1996 and 2000.

Guest team captain in 2008. Guest presenter in 2012.

2002 The 100 Greatest World Cup Moments of All Time! Presenter Channel 4 For the 2002 FIFA World Cup
Celebrity Boxing for Sport Relief Contestant BBC One Defeated Les Dennis in a charity match
2005 29 Minutes of Fame Presenter 1 series, 6 episodes
Popetown Father Nicholas (voice) BBC Three Straight to DVD, the series was not broadcast due to offensive content.
2005-2007 Tittybangbang Sketch Show

Co-creator and co-writer with Jill Parker. Director for series 3

2010 The 100 Greatest World Cup Moments of All Time! Channel 4 Updated version for the 2010 FIFA World Cup
A League of Their Own Guest panellist
2012 Would I Lie to You? Guest panellist BBC One Guest panellist

11 appearances, the most of any guest.

2013 Ross Noble Freewheeling Self Dave
2013-2016 Drifters Frank E4 Supporting role, 11 episodes
2014 Alan Davies: As Yet Untitled Guest Dave
2014-2016 Duck Quacks Don't Echo Guest panellist Sky One 4 appearances
2015 Let's Play Darts Contestant BBC Two On a team with professional darts player Andy Fordham
2017 Taskmaster Contestant Dave Series 5 champion

Contestant in two-part Champion of Champions special

2018-present Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing Self BBC Two 6 series broadcast, 1 upcoming [26]
2019 Travel Man Self Channel 4

Bibliography

[edit]
Year Title Type Ref
2019 Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing [33]
2021 And Away... Autobiography [30]
2022 The Satsuma Complex (released as 'The Clementine Complex' in U.S.) Novel [32]
2024 The Hotel Avocado Novel [34]

Personal life

[edit]

Mortimer has suffered from rheumatoid arthritis since childhood; he controls it with steroids.[35]

In October 2015, Mortimer underwent triple bypass surgery, which led to the cancellation of the first leg of the Reeves and Mortimer 25 Years tour.[36] On the day of his hospital admission, he married Lisa Matthews, his girlfriend of 22 years, under a special marriage licence express from London. They have two sons.[37]

Mortimer is a lifelong fan of his hometown football team Middlesbrough and the rock band Free. During his appearance on Desert Island Discs, he revealed that he dealt with crippling shyness until the age of 30, which only began to improve after his initial television success; he also reflected on how his father's early death had shaped his personality, despite not realising how much this event had affected him as a child.[38]

References

[edit]
  1. ^ a b c d e Pain, Andrew (10 August 2011). "Bob Mortimer on growing up on Teesside and North-east comedy". TeessideLive. Retrieved 11 February 2022.
  2. ^ Herring, Richard. "Episode 64 – Bob Mortimer". British Comedy Guide. Richard Herring's Leicester Square Theatre Podcast. Retrieved 17 June 2015.
  3. ^ "Nine things we learned from Bob Mortimer's Desert Island Discs". BBC. Retrieved 19 December 2021.
  4. ^ "The 10 most surprising truths we've learnt from the guests on Would I Lie to You?". Radio Times. Immediate Media Company Ltd. Retrieved 13 August 2019.
  5. ^ Ewing, Sarah. "Bob Mortimer: 'I wrecked the family fortunes by burning down mum's uninsured house'". The Daily Telegraph. Archived from the original on 12 January 2022.
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  34. ^ "The Hotel Avocado". Audible.com.
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