Bob Mortimer: From Reeves and Mortimer to Gone Fishing

Introduction: Why Bob Mortimer matters

Bob Mortimer is one of the most distinctive voices in contemporary British comedy. A former solicitor turned performer, Mortimer helped shape alternative and surreal comedy from the late 1980s onwards. His long collaboration with Vic Reeves and his later partnership with Paul Whitehouse have kept him prominent on television and in the public eye. Understanding Mortimer’s work is important for anyone interested in the development of British humour and the way comedians address everyday life and wellbeing on screen.

Main body: Career highlights and current activity

From law to laughter

Born in Middlesbrough in 1959, Mortimer trained and worked as a solicitor before moving into comedy. He gained national recognition as one half of the Reeves and Mortimer double act with Jim Moir (known on stage as Vic Reeves). Their TV output in the 1990s — including shows such as Shooting Stars and The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer — combined absurdist sketches, visual gags and offbeat characters, influencing a generation of comedians.

Television, panel shows and partnership

Beyond the Reeves and Mortimer era, Bob Mortimer has been a familiar presence on British television, appearing on panel shows and in comedy and documentary formats. In recent years his collaboration with Paul Whitehouse on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing has been particularly influential. The series blends gentle travel and fishing sequences with candid conversation about life, health and friendship, attracting viewers who enjoy a quieter, reflective style of entertainment as much as Mortimer’s earlier surreal humour.

Public persona and influence

Mortimer is known for his warmth, self-deprecating wit and willingness to address personal topics. His career demonstrates a versatility that spans anarchic sketch comedy and more intimate, observational programming. That combination has helped maintain his relevance across decades and audiences.

Conclusion: Legacy and outlook

Bob Mortimer’s body of work—spanning slapstick and the reflective—secures his place in modern British comedy. As shows like Gone Fishing continue to resonate, Mortimer is likely to remain a visible figure on television and radio, influencing both established performers and newcomers. For viewers, his evolving career offers both the surreal pleasures of classic sketch work and a model for how comedians can engage with personal and societal themes in a humane, accessible way.