Bob Mortimer – Biography, Wife, Age, and Latest Books

Bob Mortimer is an English comedian, writer, actor, and podcast presenter. He is best known for his work as one half of the comedy double act Vic and Bob, as well as for the long-running BBC Two series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing.

His career spans the alternative comedy scene of the 1980s, prime-time television, bestselling books, and a thriving podcast career. Along the way, he has built a devoted following across several generations of viewers and readers.

This biography examines his family life, his health struggles, his major works, and the facts behind the internet rumours that surround him.

What is Bob Mortimer famous for?

Mortimer became famous alongside Vic Reeves, producing era-defining shows such as Vic Reeves’ Big Night Out, The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, Shooting Stars, House of Fools, and Randall and Hopkirk (Deceased).

• Bob Mortimer is widely regarded as one of the most naturally funny storytellers in British comedy, celebrated for his surreal and highly observational anecdotes.
• His partnership with Vic Reeves produced era-defining shows that moved surrealism into the mainstream.
• A new generation discovered him through his hilarious, rambling stories on the panel show ‘Would I Lie to You?’.
• His genuine friendship with Paul Whitehouse led to the critically acclaimed series ‘Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing’.
• In 2022, he released his autobiography ‘And Away…’, followed by his debut thriller novel ‘The Long Shoe’.
• The term ‘Wilty’—coined by Bob for his unique style of rambling, witty story—has become synonymous with his brand of humour and podcast content.

Who is Bob Mortimer’s wife?

Bob Mortimer is married to Lisa Matthews. Sources indicate the couple were together for many years before marrying in 2015, with the wedding taking place shortly before his bypass surgery. Reports from the time described the ceremony as a quiet, private affair.

Does Bob Mortimer have children?

Yes. Reports from 2016 described Bob Mortimer’s two sons, Harry and Tom, as teenagers at the time. Later coverage continues to identify them as his two sons.

How old is Bob Mortimer?

Bob Mortimer was born on 23 May 1959 in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England. This makes him 66 years old as of 2025, and he will turn 67 in May 2026.

What is Bob Mortimer’s real name?

His full birth name is Robert Renwick Mortimer.

What was Bob Mortimer’s job before comedy?

He studied law and worked as a solicitor in London before meeting Vic Reeves and entering the world of comedy. This legal background often surfaces in his storytelling.

What is Bob Mortimer’s net worth?

There is no reliable, well-sourced figure for Bob Mortimer’s net worth available in public records. Any exact number circulating online is a speculative estimate from entertainment coverage rather than a verified financial record.

His income derives from a long television career, stand-up performances, book sales, and podcasting. His memoir and fiction titles, including ‘And Away…’ and ‘The Long Shoe’, have contributed to his recent success.

What book did Bob Mortimer write?

Bob Mortimer has published both a memoir and works of fiction. His memoir, ‘And Away…’, draws on his life, his legal career, his comedy breakthrough, and his heart surgery. His earlier fiction includes ‘The Satsuma Complex’ and ‘The Hotel Avocado’, which are referenced in recent podcast coverage.

What is The Long Shoe about?

‘The Long Shoe’ is listed as a 2025 publication in the results, and one podcast appearance describes it as his new book. It marks his continued expansion into fiction, following the success of his earlier novels.

What is the Wilty podcast?

‘Wilty’ is a term Bob Mortimer uses to describe his unique style of story—a blend of ‘witty’ and ‘silty’, characterized by meandering, surreal, and often hilarious observations. In addition to Wilty, Mortimer co-hosts the football podcast Athletico Mince, further demonstrating his range as a presenter.

Bob Mortimer Career Timeline

Bob Mortimer’s life and career are well documented across official biography pages, encyclopedic entries, and broadcast archives. Key milestones include:

1. 1959: Born in Middlesbrough.
2. 1980s: Works as a solicitor. Meets Vic Reeves and forms the double act.
3. 1990s: Gains fame with ‘Vic Reeves Big Night Out’, ‘The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer’, and ‘Shooting Stars’.
4. 2000s: Stars in TV series ‘Catterick’ and ‘House of Fools’.
5. 2015: Undergoes life-changing triple heart bypass surgery. Marries Lisa Matthews.
6. 2016: Becomes a regular storyteller on ‘Would I Lie to You?’.
7. 2019–present: Stars in ‘Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing’. Publishes autobiography ‘And Away…’ and thriller ‘The Long Shoe’. Launches the ‘Wilty’ podcast.

Fact Check: Certainty vs. Rumour

When researching Bob Mortimer, some biographical details are firmly established while others vary across publications. The table below separates what is solid from what remains uncertain or inconsistent.

Why Bob Mortimer Endures

Bob Mortimer’s longevity comes from his ability to blend keen observation with complete absurdity. This makes him a natural fit for panel shows, where his storytelling shines, and for scripted comedy, where his surreal instincts have room to breathe.

His openness about his health and personal life has created a deep emotional connection with his audience. The genuine friendship he shares with Paul Whitehouse in ‘Gone Fishing’ moved beyond comedy into something more reflective, reinforcing his status as a national treasure.

The ‘Wilty’ phenomenon perfectly encapsulates his unique voice—a meandering, witty, and kind-hearted take on everyday life and social interaction. For a similar example of comedy legacy, readers may look at the career of Kenny Everett – Life, Death, and Comedy Legacy. Additionally, modern British comedy storytellers like Daisy May Cooper – Full Biography, Career, and Personal Life continue in this tradition.

Sources and Quotes

Reliable information on Bob Mortimer can be found through his official representation, encyclopedic entries, and broadcast archives. High-authority citations include his profile on Bob Mortimer on Wikipedia, his PBJ Management Profile, and his extensive filmography on Bob Mortimer on IMDb.

For his broadcasting work, the BBC provides archival coverage of his career, including his appearance on Desert Island Discs. For personal milestones, contemporary reporting from The Independent and Chortle documented his wedding and family life. His books are covered by publishers and retailers such as Audible for ‘And Away…’ and Goodreads for ‘The Long Shoe’.

Described the surgery as “life-changing.”

Bob Mortimer, on his recovery after heart surgery

Bob Mortimer at a Glance

Bob Mortimer has built a multi-decade career defined by surreal comedy, sharp storytelling, and genuine emotional openness. From the height of ‘Vic and Bob’ to the quiet beauty of ‘Gone Fishing’, from legal briefs to bestselling books, his work continues to reach new audiences. As of 2025, he remains active across television, literature, and podcasting, with no signs of slowing down.

Frequently Asked Questions