Bob Mortimer is one of Britain’s most beloved comedians: a warm, eccentric performer who helped redefine surreal sketch comedy with his longtime partner Vic Reeves, then reinvented himself as a warm, reflective television presenter and author.

This full biography explores Mortimer’s early life, legal career, breakthrough with Reeves, later TV work including the fishing series with Paul Whitehouse, personal health battles, books and legacy.

Data

• Full Name: Robert Renwick Mortimer
• Stage Name: Bob Mortimer
• Born: 23 May 1959
• Age: 66 (as of 2025)
• Birthplace: Middlesbrough, England, UK
• Nationality: British / English
• Occupation: Comedian, actor, writer, television presenter
• Height: 5′ 7″ (approximately 1.70 m)
• Spouse: Lisa Matthews (married October 2015)
• Children: Two sons — Tom and Harry
• Siblings: He grew up with three older brothers (he was the youngest of four sons)
• Net Worth: Estimated between £5 million–£10 million (approx. US $6.5 million – $13 million) according to one source.

Early life and background

Robert Renwick Mortimer was born on 23 May 1959 in Middlesbrough, England. He grew up in Linthorpe with three brothers. His childhood was marked by tragedy when his father died in a car crash when Bob was seven; this event influenced his personality and sense of humour in later life. A keen football fan, Mortimer had trials with Middlesbrough F.C. but early-onset arthritis curtailed those plans.

Mortimer attended King’s Manor School in Middlesbrough and later studied law at the University of Sussex and the University of Leicester, eventually qualifying and working as a solicitor. He left the legal profession after becoming increasingly drawn to comedy. His training as a lawyer — and early work with public health and housing cases — occasionally fed into his comedic characters, giving him a unique, slightly absurdist observational edge.

From solicitor to comedy stage: meeting Vic Reeves

Mortimer’s transition from solicitor to comedian began in the mid-1980s. In 1986 he attended a show by Jim Moir — who performed as Vic Reeves — at Goldsmiths Tavern in New Cross, London. Mortimer approached Reeves after the show and the two started collaborating immediately; the chemistry was obvious and the partnership soon evolved into a live show and then television success. Their double act combined surreal characters, slapstick and rapid-fire banter — a style that felt both throwback and revolutionary.

Together as Reeves and Mortimer (often called Vic & Bob), they created landmark TV shows including Vic Reeves Big Night Out, The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Shooting Stars and surreal comedy dramas such as Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased). Their inventive mix of prop-driven comedy, character sketches, and deadpan weirdness influenced a generation of British comics and remains iconic.

Television, radio and wider career

While the Reeves & Mortimer partnership provided Mortimer his best-known work, Bob continued to expand his range. He appeared on panel shows like Would I Lie to You? and Taskmaster, acted in sitcoms and sketch shows, and co-created memorable programs such as Catterick and House of Fools. His comic persona — a mixture of gentle bewilderment, surreal asides and occasional chaos — made him a natural guest and collaborator.

In later years, Mortimer broadened his public profile through writing and broadcasting. He emerged as a warm, contemplative TV presence alongside Paul Whitehouse in the series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, a show that mixes gentle humour with real conversation about friendship, health and life — and which resonated strongly with viewers. The programme has spawned multiple series and a book.

Health challenges and perspective

Mortimer’s life has also included significant health challenges. He has lived with rheumatoid arthritis since childhood and has required medication to manage it. In recent years he underwent major heart surgery, an experience that shaped his outlook and gave themes of vulnerability and gratitude a place in his public narrative. Mortimer and his friends’ candid discussions about health on shows like Gone Fishing helped many viewers feel less alone with their own struggles.

Personal life and relationships

Bob Mortimer has kept much of his private life private, but public records and interviews note that he is married (listed as married to Lisa Matthews in some entertainment databases) and is a father. He has spoken publicly about how the death of his father influenced him, and how shyness affected his early life — it was only after professional success that he began to feel more confident in public. :contentReference[oaicite:30]{index=30}

Books, podcasts and writing

Mortimer’s voice made a natural transition to books and podcasts. He has released material tied to his shows and personal reflections; Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing led to a companion book, and Mortimer has contributed essays and features to newspapers and magazines. His interviews and appearances on radio (for example, Desert Island Discs) reveal a thoughtful autobiographical streak and a love of odd detail — from a favourite comfort food to literary influences.

Style, influence and legacy

Bob Mortimer’s comic style is distinctive: surreal, generous, sometimes absurd and always human. In partnership with Vic Reeves he helped remake British television comedy in the late 1980s and 1990s; alone, he matured into a respected broadcaster and writer whose gentle warmth contrasts with earlier zany characters. His influence is visible in many contemporary British comics who combine surrealism with conversational warmth.

Notable works (selected)

• Vic Reeves Big Night Out (with Vic Reeves) — live/TV comedy breakthrough.
• Shooting Stars — surreal panel show comedy.
• House of Fools and Catterick — sitcom work demonstrating his range.
• Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing — later-career television series blending reflection and humour.

FAQs

When and where was Bob Mortimer born?

Robert Renwick Mortimer was born on 23 May 1959 in Middlesbrough, England.

How did Bob Mortimer meet Vic Reeves?

Mortimer attended a Vic Reeves show in 1986 and approached Vic after the gig; they began collaborating soon after, forming the Reeves & Mortimer double act.

Is Bob Mortimer still active on TV?

Yes — in recent years Mortimer has appeared on panel shows, presented Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing with Paul Whitehouse, and continued to write and broadcast.

Has Bob Mortimer written any books?

Mortimer has been involved in books tied to his TV work, and he’s written essays and contributed to publications; Gone Fishing has a companion book derived from the series.

Has Bob Mortimer had any major health issues?

Mortimer has long managed rheumatoid arthritis and more recently underwent significant heart surgery, which he has discussed publicly.

Conclusion

Bob Mortimer’s career is an uncommon mix of surreal comedic invention and later-life sincerity. From a Middlesbrough solicitor with a dry, mischievous mind to one half of an iconic comedy duo and finally to a beloved presenter and writer, Mortimer has navigated reinvention with humour and heart. Whether you know him from the mayhem of Vic Reeves Big Night Out, the chaotic genius of Shooting Stars, or the quiet camaraderie of Gone Fishing, Bob Mortimer’s work is marked by a generosity of spirit and an unerring sense for the oddly human.