Bob Mortimer – Biography, Wife, Books, and Net Worth

Bob Mortimer is an English comedian, television presenter, writer, and actor, best known as half of the comedy duo Reeves and Mortimer with Vic Reeves. He was born on 23 May 1959 in Middlesbrough, England, as the youngest of four sons. His father died in a car crash when he was very young, casting a shadow over his early life Wikipedia.

Mortimer studied law at the University of Sussex and University of Leicester, earning an LL.M. in Welfare Law. He worked as a solicitor for Southwark Council and later a private practice in Peckham, where he handled Public Health Act cases regarding cockroach infestations, earning the local nickname “The Cockroach King” YouTube. A chance encounter with Vic Reeves in a pub in New Cross led him to abandon law for comedy, forming the iconic duo Griff Rhys Jones.

Mortimer’s career spans decades, from cult TV shows like Shooting Stars to BAFTA-winning solo work. He is also a bestselling author and, after a life-changing heart bypass in 2016, found new purpose through fishing and memoir writing. This article explores his life, family, books, net worth, and early years.

What Is Bob Mortimer Famous For?

Bob Mortimer is most famous for being one half of the surreal comedy double act Reeves and Mortimer, alongside Vic Reeves. The pair created a series of cult television programmes that defined an era of British comedy: Vic Reeves Big Night Out, Shooting Stars, Catterick, and House of Fools. Their work is characterised by absurdist sketches, catchphrases, and a DIY aesthetic. Mortimer also gained a new generation of fans as a regular guest on Would I Lie to You?, where his bizarre anecdotes became legendary. In 2025, he won the first series of LOL: Last One Laughing UK, earning the British Academy Television Award for Best Entertainment Performance at the 2026 BAFTAs IMDb. The duo’s chemistry and surreal style have drawn comparisons to other legendary British comedy partnerships, including Griff Rhys Jones and his own double-act work.

What Movies Has Bob Mortimer Been In?

Mortimer has appeared in a number of films, often playing character roles. His movie credits include Ratatouille (voice), Snow White and the Huntsman, and the cult indie film In the Loop. He also contributed to the animated series Danger Mouse and the film The Little Vampire. However, his primary footprint remains in television rather than cinema.

Who Is Bob Mortimer’s Wife?

Bob Mortimer married Lisa Matthews in 1993. Lisa Matthews is a former television producer who worked on shows such as The Big Breakfast and Des & Mel. The couple have two children together, both sons. Their names have not been publicly confirmed, though some unverified sources mention a son named Harry. Mortimer has described his wife as a grounding influence and often credits her with supporting him through his health crises PBJ Management.

Does Bob Mortimer Have Children?

Yes, he has two sons. Beyond that, few details are publicly known. Mortimer’s autobiography And Away… touches on fatherhood but does not reveal his children’s names.

What Books Has Bob Mortimer Written?

Bob Mortimer is a published author of both non-fiction and fiction. His first book, And Away… (2021), is an autobiography that became the bestselling memoir of the year. It was named The Times and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year and shortlisted for Non-fiction Book of the Year at the National Book Awards Simon & Schuster.

His debut novel, The Satsuma Complex (2022, released as The Clementine Complex in the US), was an instant Sunday Times bestseller and won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction in 2023. He followed it with The Hotel Avocado (2024) and The Long Shoe (2025). All are comic novels with eccentric plots and characters.

What Is Bob Mortimer’s Net Worth?

No official net worth figure is publicly available for Bob Mortimer. Various online estimates range from £4 million to £6 million, but these are speculative. His income derives from decades of television work, live tours, book sales, and podcast appearances. Given his status as a bestselling author and BAFTA-winning entertainer, his financial standing is likely comfortable, but no concrete figures are cited in reliable sources BBC Sounds.

What Was Bob Mortimer Like as a Young Man?

Mortimer grew up in Middlesbrough during the 1970s and 1980s. He was notably shy and struggled to make friends, though he excelled on the football pitch and dreamed of becoming a professional player. He left school with three A-Levels and studied law at university. During his student years he became a punk, started a band called Dog Dirt, and later moved to London to work as a solicitor. His father’s death and his mother’s single‑handed upbringing shaped his character, giving him a resilient but humble outlook Beyond the Joke.

He met Vic Reeves in a pub in New Cross in the late 1980s. Their instant creative chemistry led to a stage show and soon a television career. Mortimer has said that without that chance meeting, he would likely have remained a solicitor.

What Were the Key Events in Bob Mortimer’s Life?

1. 1959: Born in Middlesbrough.
2. 1980s: Works as a solicitor; meets Vic Reeves.
3. 1989: First Vic and Bob stage shows; TV debut on Vic Reeves Big Night Out.
4. 1993: Marries Lisa Matthews.
5. 2000s: Hosts Shooting Stars, House of Fools, Catterick.
6. 2016: Undergoes quintuple heart bypass surgery.
7. 2021: Publishes debut novel The Satsuma Complex.
8. 2025: Wins first series of LOL: Last One Laughing UK; publishes The Long Shoe.

What Is Known and Unknown About Bob Mortimer?

How Did Bob Mortimer Influence British Comedy?

Bob Mortimer, together with Vic Reeves, created a style of surreal, DIY comedy that broke away from the mainstream alternative scene of the 1990s. Their shows like Shooting Stars introduced absurd games, non-sequitur banter, and a disregard for traditional structure. This approach influenced later comedians such as the Mighty Boosh and Noel Fielding. After his heart surgery, Mortimer’s career experienced a resurgence through podcasts (Athletico Mince, Off Menu) and the gentle BBC series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, which showcased a more reflective, philosophical side. He now holds a unique position as both a cult figure and a national treasure.

What Have People Said About Bob Mortimer?

“I’m just a normal bloke who does a bit of comedy.”

– Bob Mortimer, interview with The Guardian (approximate) The Guardian

“The Avocado Hotel is a murder mystery with car journeys and planning applications.”

– Bob Mortimer, Instagram post (2025) Instagram

Who Is Bob Mortimer in a Nutshell?

Bob Mortimer is a beloved English comedian, actor, and author who rose to fame as part of Reeves and Mortimer. He has written bestselling books, won a BAFTA, and maintains a devoted fanbase through his down-to-earth persona and surreal humour. Though his net worth is unconfirmed, his influence on British comedy is undeniable.

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