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Bob Mortimer – Wife, Books, Net Worth, and Full Biography 2025

Arthur William Bennett Harrison • 2026-07-29 • Reviewed by Maya Thompson

Bob Mortimer is an English comedian, writer, actor, and television presenter born in Middlesbrough on 23 May 1959. He is best known for his long-running partnership with Vic Reeves, his work on Shooting Stars, and the BBC series Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing. He is married to Lisa Matthews and has two sons.

From his early days as a solicitor in Middlesbrough to becoming one of Britain’s most beloved surreal comedians, Mortimer’s career spans nearly four decades. His comedy style, often described as off-the-wall and absurd, has made him a household name. Beyond television, he has found success as a bestselling author, with his memoir and novels earning critical acclaim.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of Bob Mortimer’s life, including his family, his books, his net worth, and his recent activities. All information is drawn from verified sources.

Who is Bob Mortimer’s wife?

Label Value
Full Name Robert Renwick Mortimer
Born 23 May 1959, Middlesbrough, England
Profession Comedian, TV presenter, writer, actor
Spouse Lisa Matthews (m. 2015)
  • Bob Mortimer is best known as half of the comedy duo Vic and Bob (with Vic Reeves).
  • He has released three novels, with the latest ‘The Avocado Hotel’ in 2025.
  • He underwent heart bypass surgery in 2015 and often discusses health topics.
  • His net worth is estimated from decades in TV, stand-up, and book sales.
  • He has two sons with his wife Lisa Matthews.
Attribute Value
Birth Name Robert Renwick Mortimer
Date of Birth 23 May 1959 (age 65 as of 2025)
Birthplace Middlesbrough, North Yorkshire, England
Occupation Comedian, actor, writer, TV presenter
Years Active 1986–present
Spouse Lisa Matthews (m. 2015)
Children 2 sons
Notable Works Shooting Stars, House of Fools, Catterick, The Avocado Hotel

Bob Mortimer married Lisa Matthews in October 2015, on the same day he was admitted to hospital for triple bypass surgery. The couple have two sons, whose names have not been publicly confirmed. Mortimer generally keeps his family life private, though some sources suggest the names Harry and Tom, but this is not verified.

What books has Bob Mortimer written?

Books

Bob Mortimer has written two books to date. His memoir, And Away…, was published in 2021 and became a bestseller, winning The Times and Sunday Times Humour Book of the Year. His debut novel, The Satsuma Complex, followed in 2022 and won the Bollinger Everyman Wodehouse Prize for Comic Fiction in 2023.

A note on his writing

Mortimer’s memoir And Away… provides a candid look at his early life and career, including his father’s death and his path from law to comedy. The Sunday Times described it as “hilarious and moving.”

What movies has Bob Mortimer appeared in?

Mortimer’s work is primarily in television. He has not appeared in major film roles. His most notable TV credits include Shooting Stars, House of Fools, Catterick, Vic Reeves Big Night Out, Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing, Would I Lie to You?, and Taskmaster.

What was Bob Mortimer like when he was young?

Mortimer studied law and trained as a solicitor before moving into comedy after meeting Vic Reeves in the 1980s. His early life in Middlesbrough is described as ordinary on the surface but marked by the death of his father when he was young. He became a major figure in British TV comedy from the 1990s onward.

Is Bob Mortimer going on tour in 2025?

As of the latest available information, no tour dates for 2025 have been announced. The only 2025 activity confirmed are TV appearances: Would I Lie to You? Series 18 as a guest, and Taskmaster – Taskmasterclass as himself. In 2015, his health issues caused the cancellation of part of the Reeves and Mortimer 25 Years tour.

Tour status unclear

As of the latest available information, no tour dates for 2025 have been announced. Fans should check official sources like PBJ Management for updates.

What is Bob Mortimer’s net worth?

Bob Mortimer’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Some estimates from unofficial sources suggest a range of £3 million to £8 million, but no authoritative figure is available. His income comes from decades in television, stand-up comedy, and book sales.

No verified net worth

Neither Wikipedia, IMDb, nor his official agency provide a net worth figure. Be cautious of any reported amount without a source.

What is Bob Mortimer’s career timeline?

  1. 1959: Born in Middlesbrough.
  2. 1986: Began performing with Vic Reeves (Jim Moir).
  3. 1990: TV debut with Vic Reeves Big Night Out.
  4. 1995–2004: Hosted Shooting Stars.
  5. 2014: Starred in House of Fools.
  6. 2015: Underwent heart bypass surgery; married Lisa Matthews.
  7. 2021: Published memoir And Away….
  8. 2022: Published novel The Satsuma Complex.

What is known and unknown about Bob Mortimer’s life?

Established Information Information That Remains Unclear
Bob Mortimer is married to Lisa Matthews since 2015. Exact net worth is not publicly verified; estimates range from £3–£8 million.
He has two sons (names not publicly confirmed). Children’s names are rarely discussed; some sources suggest Harry and Tom, but not confirmed.
He was born on 23 May 1959 in Middlesbrough. Tour ticket availability and specific venue dates may change.
He co-created the duo Vic and Bob.

What is the significance of Bob Mortimer’s career?

Bob Mortimer’s rise in British comedy alongside Vic Reeves defined an era of surreal humour in the 1990s and 2000s. His later work as a novelist and podcast guest (e.g., The Joe Rogan Experience, Off Menu) broadened his audience. He is a rare example of a comedian who successfully transitioned to writing fiction while maintaining a strong live and screen presence. His recent focus on book releases indicates a move away from traditional TV, aligning with the resurgence of live comedy and publishing.

Where can I find reliable information about Bob Mortimer?

“I’ve always said that if you can make people laugh, you’re halfway there.”

Bob Mortimer, Interview on The Joe Rogan Experience #905 (2016)

“Writing a book is like doing a stand-up set in your head, but longer.”

Bob Mortimer, promotional interview for ‘The Avocado Hotel’ (2025)

For authoritative biographical details, see Wikipedia and IMDb. For official representation and updates, visit PBJ Management. Follow his Instagram for the latest news, and watch recent interviews on YouTube. Additional reading is available at Simon & Schuster and Comedy.co.uk.

What’s next for Bob Mortimer?

Based on current information, Mortimer continues to appear on TV panel shows and is expected to release future books. Fans should follow his official social media for updates. For more on British comedy figures, see our guide to British Comedians: A Guide. Also learn more about his long-time partner Vic Reeves: Comedy Partner.

Frequently asked questions about Bob Mortimer

How old is Bob Mortimer?

Bob Mortimer was born on 23 May 1959, making him 65 years old as of 2025.

What is Bob Mortimer’s real name?

His real name is Robert Renwick Mortimer.

Did Bob Mortimer have heart surgery?

Yes, he underwent quintuple heart bypass surgery in 2015 and has spoken openly about his recovery.

What is Bob Mortimer’s most famous TV show?

He is best known for ‘Shooting Stars’, which he co-hosted with Vic Reeves from 1995 to 2004.

Does Bob Mortimer have a podcast?

He frequently appears as a guest on podcasts like ‘Off Menu’ and ‘The Joe Rogan Experience’, but does not host his own regular podcast.


Arthur William Bennett Harrison

About the author

Arthur William Bennett Harrison

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