Bob Mortimer is one of Britain’s most beloved comedians, known for his surreal humour and deadpan storytelling. From his early days as a solicitor to becoming half of the iconic duo Reeves and Mortimer, his career spans television, books, and panel shows. This guide covers his biography, family, books, TV work, and net worth.
What is Bob Mortimer famous for?
Bob Mortimer rose to fame as one half of the comedy double act Reeves and Mortimer, alongside Vic Reeves (Jim Moir). Their unique brand of absurdist, surreal comedy first gained national attention with the Channel 4 show Vic Reeves Big Night Out in 1990. The partnership produced several hit series, including Shooting Stars, The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer, and Catterick.
Robert Renwick Mortimer
23 May 1959, Middlesbrough, England
Comedian, TV presenter, writer, actor
Reeves and Mortimer, Shooting Stars, Would I Lie To You?
Key highlights from his career
- Bob Mortimer is one half of the iconic British comedy duo Reeves and Mortimer.
- He is also a bestselling author; his novels include The Satsuma Complex and The Avocado Hotel.
- He appears regularly on the BBC panel show Would I Lie To You?, where his surreal anecdotes have become legendary.
- He trained as a solicitor before entering comedy, a fact that often surprises fans.
- In 2025, he won the first series of LOL: Last One Laughing UK.
- He formed a band called Dog Dirt while at university.
- His memoir And Away… became the bestselling memoir of the year in 2021.
Snapshot facts
| Category | Detail |
|---|---|
| Born | 23 May 1959 (age 65) |
| Birthplace | Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England |
| Spouse | Lisa Matthews (m. 2015) |
| Children | Two (names not publicly disclosed) |
| Notable TV | Shooting Stars, Would I Lie To You?, House of Fools, Catterick |
| Books | The Avocado Hotel (2025), The Satsuma Complex (2022), And Away… (autobiography, 2021) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £2–3 million (speculative) |
Who is Bob Mortimer’s wife?
Bob Mortimer is married to Lisa Matthews, a former television producer. According to IMDb, the couple married in October 2015. Lisa has largely stayed out of the public eye, and Mortimer rarely discusses his marriage in interviews, keeping his personal life relatively private.
Bob Mortimer and Lisa Matthews have two children together. The names of his wife and sons have not been publicly shared, reflecting the couple’s desire for privacy.
How many children does Bob Mortimer have?
Bob Mortimer has two children, both sons. Their names have not been publicly disclosed. The family lives a quiet life away from the media spotlight, and Mortimer has occasionally mentioned his sons in interviews but without revealing identifying details.
What was Bob Mortimer like when he was young?
Growing up in Middlesbrough, Mortimer was the youngest of four sons. He has described himself as shy and quiet before discovering comedy. He studied law at the University of Sussex and the University of Leicester, then worked as a solicitor in London. During his legal career, he earned the nickname the “Cockroach King” because of cases involving cockroach infestations while doing public health-related legal work. He later left the law after meeting Vic Reeves, which set him on the path to comedy.
What books has Bob Mortimer written?
Bob Mortimer has authored three books, two of which are novels, and one is a memoir. All have been commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
And Away…
Published in 2021, this memoir became the bestselling memoir of the year according to Simon & Schuster. It was named The Times and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year. The book covers his childhood, his time as a solicitor, and his rise in comedy, including his partnership with Vic Reeves.
The Satsuma Complex
His first novel, published in 2022, became an instant Sunday Times bestseller. In 2023, it won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction, a prestigious award for comic writing. The novel follows a man named Gary who becomes entangled in a mystery after a chance meeting with a woman in a bar.
Mortimer narrates his own audiobooks, adding his distinctive voice and delivery to the reading experience. His audiobook of The Avocado Hotel was released in 2025.
The Avocado Hotel
Published in 2025, this is his second novel. It continues his blend of surreal humour with a compelling mystery plot, set in a peculiar hotel. An audiobook version, narrated by Mortimer himself, was also released.
What movies has Bob Mortimer been in?
While Bob Mortimer is primarily a television comedian, his screen work is extensive. His television credits include both scripted comedies and panel shows.
Key TV shows
- Big Night Out – The series that launched Reeves and Mortimer on Channel 4 in 1990.
- Shooting Stars – The surreal panel show that ran for several series, featuring celebrity guests and absurd challenges.
- The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer – A sketch show that ran on BBC Two.
- The Weekenders – A comedy series featuring the duo.
- Catterick – A six-part comedy series set in Yorkshire.
- House of Fools – A BBC Two sitcom set in a surreal house.
- Gone Fishing – A gentle travel and fishing series with Paul Whitehouse.
- Randall & Hopkirk (Deceased) – Mortimer appeared in this detective comedy series.
Bob Mortimer has not appeared in many feature films. His screen work is almost entirely on television, including panel shows and scripted comedy series.
What is Bob Mortimer’s net worth?
No official figure for Bob Mortimer’s net worth has been publicly disclosed. Estimates from third-party sources suggest it may be in the region of £2–3 million, but this is entirely speculative. Mortimer has not commented on his personal finances, and no reliable financial records are available.
What is known is that his memoir And Away… was the bestselling memoir of the year, and his novel The Satsuma Complex won a major literary prize. His long-running partnership with Vic Reeves, his regular appearances on Would I Lie To You?, and his fishing series Gone Fishing all contribute to a steady income, but the exact figures remain private.
Timeline: Key milestones in Bob Mortimer’s life
- – Born in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire.
- – Met Vic Reeves (Jim Moir) while working as a solicitor; began performing comedy together.
- – The duo’s show Vic Reeves Big Night Out launches on Channel 4.
- – Started Shooting Stars, the surreal panel show.
- – Married Lisa Matthews, a former TV producer.
- – Began appearing on Would I Lie To You? as a regular panelist.
- – Starred in House of Fools on BBC Two.
- – Published autobiography And Away…, which became the bestselling memoir of the year.
- – Published his first novel, The Satsuma Complex, which won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction in 2023.
- – Published his second novel, The Avocado Hotel, and won the first series of LOL: Last One Laughing UK.
What is known and what remains uncertain about Bob Mortimer?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Full name: Robert Renwick Mortimer | Exact net worth (no official disclosure; estimates vary) |
| Birth date: 23 May 1959 | Names of his wife and children (not publicly shared) |
| Birthplace: Middlesbrough, England | Specific details of his early life before comedy (anecdotal) |
| Marriage to Lisa Matthews in 2015 | Future projects beyond announced books and TV appearances |
| Two children (sons) | Reason for leaving legal career (not publicly detailed) |
| Key TV shows and partnership with Vic Reeves | – |
| Books published, including titles and years | – |
What is the broader significance of Bob Mortimer’s career?
Bob Mortimer is a beloved British comedian whose surreal, deadpan style, often in partnership with Vic Reeves, has influenced alternative comedy. His later career includes bestselling books and a prominent role on Would I Lie To You?. His personal life remains guarded, contributing to his everyman appeal.
His comedy partnership with Vic Reeves spans three decades. His TV work blends absurdist skits with panel show wit. His writing is critically acclaimed; The Satsuma Complex was a bestseller and won a major comic fiction prize. He also overcame a serious heart condition in 2015, which he has discussed publicly.
For more profiles of British entertainment figures, read Mike Read – Biography, Career, and Net Worth in 2025.
What are the most reliable sources for information about Bob Mortimer?
For accurate and verified information, several trusted sources are available. Wikipedia provides a comprehensive biography with citations. IMDb offers a complete filmography and TV credit list. Simon & Schuster, his publisher, provides verified details about his books and awards. For current updates, his official Twitter/X account is a primary source.
“Bob Mortimer is an English comedian, writer, actor, and television presenter best known as one half of the comedy duo Reeves and Mortimer with Vic Reeves.”
— Wikipedia
“And Away… became the bestselling memoir of the year and was named The Times and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year.”
— Simon & Schuster
Summary: What you need to know about Bob Mortimer
Bob Mortimer is a comedian, writer, and TV presenter who rose to fame with Vic Reeves as half of Reeves and Mortimer. He later became a bestselling author and a fan favourite on panel shows like Would I Lie To You?. He lives privately with his wife Lisa and their two sons. While his net worth is estimated but unconfirmed, his influence on British comedy is undisputed.
For another profile from the world of British entertainment, see Gino D’Acampo – Biography, Career, and 2025 Allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions about Bob Mortimer
What was Bob Mortimer like when he was young?
Bob Mortimer grew up in Middlesbrough and trained as a solicitor. He has described himself as shy and quiet before discovering comedy with Vic Reeves. His early influences included surreal and alternative comedy.
Does Bob Mortimer appear on Would I Lie To You?
Yes, Bob Mortimer is a regular panelist on the BBC show Would I Lie To You?, often paired with David Mitchell or Lee Mack. His surreal anecdotes have become a fan favourite.
What is Bob Mortimer’s real name?
His full name is Robert Renwick Mortimer. ‘Bob’ is a common nickname.
How old is Bob Mortimer?
Bob Mortimer was born on 23 May 1959, making him 66 years old as of 2025.
Where is Bob Mortimer from?
He was born and raised in Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England.
What happened to Bob Mortimer’s health?
In 2015, Bob Mortimer underwent heart surgery for a serious condition. He has spoken about it publicly in interviews and in his autobiography.
Does Bob Mortimer have any brothers?
Yes, he is the youngest of four sons. He grew up with three brothers in Middlesbrough.
What is Bob Mortimer’s most famous sketch?
One of his most famous sketches is the “Only Fools and Horses” parody in Shooting Stars, along with numerous surreal moments on Would I Lie To You?
Is Bob Mortimer still performing with Vic Reeves?
The duo has not performed together regularly in recent years, but they remain friends and have not ruled out future projects.
What is Bob Mortimer’s next book?
His most recent book is The Avocado Hotel, published in 2025. No further books have been announced as of now.
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Thomas Whitmore is Politics & Public Affairs Editor at BritainNow.uk, covering Westminster, policy and government affairs.