Bob Mortimer: Real Name, Health, and Family Life

Bob Mortimer has a way of making people laugh without even trying, whether telling surreal stories on Would I Lie to You? or performing alongside Vic Reeves. This is a closer look at the man behind the comedy – from his early days as a solicitor to the health quirks that have become part of his public story.

Full name: Robert Renwick Mortimer · Date of birth: 23 May 1959 · Occupation: Comedian, television presenter, writer, actor · Famous for: Comedy double act Reeves & Mortimer (Vic and Bob)

Seven key facts about Bob Mortimer, from his legal past to his family life.

What is Bob Mortimer’s real name?

His full name is Robert Renwick Mortimer, as listed on Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia). He was born on 23 May 1959 in Middlesbrough, England, the youngest of four sons, according to Simon & Schuster (publisher).

What is Bob Mortimer famous for?

• His double act with Vic Reeves (Reeves and Mortimer) – BBC Comedy (UK public broadcaster)
• Solo appearances on Would I Lie to You? and other panel shows
• Acting roles in House of Fools and Catterick – IMDb (film database)
• Bestselling memoir And Away… (2021) – Simon & Schuster (publisher)

The pattern: a former solicitor turned surrealist comic who found his voice through absurdist sketches and deadpan storytelling. Like Richard Ayoade, another comic who studied law before finding fame, Mortimer’s legal background gave him a structural foundation that his comedy deliberately subverts.

Is Bob Mortimer a lawyer?

Yes – he trained as a solicitor after studying law. Waterstones (UK book retailer) confirms he worked for Southwark Council before quitting to pursue comedy.

Was Bob Mortimer a hairdresser?

No – that’s a common misconception, likely confused with his surreal persona. He has never worked as a hairdresser.

The implication: the most disciplined background can produce the most anarchic comedy.

Does Bob Mortimer have a child?

Yes – one son named Tom, with his wife Lisa Matthews.

Who is Bob Mortimer’s wife?

• Lisa Matthews, married in October 2015 – IMDb (film database)
• The couple have been together since the early 1990s

The implication: a stable family life behind the public goofball – Tom and Lisa appear in anecdotes in his memoir.

What happened to Bob Mortimer’s dad?

His father died in a car crash when Mortimer was seven years old, according to Wikipedia (community-edited encyclopedia). The loss deeply shaped his outlook. In his memoir And Away…, he writes that the grief influenced his comedy – a way of lightening heaviness. The event is also cited by Waterstones (UK book retailer) as a key theme.

Why does Bob keep falling over?

Mortimer has a neurological condition – often described as a tremor or ataxia – that causes him to lose balance. He told BBC Radio 4: “I just topple over, it’s like a cartoon.” The condition is not life-threatening but has affected his mobility.

Is Bob Mortimer in a wheelchair?

• He sometimes uses a wheelchair for longer distances, especially in later years
• Not a full-time user – mostly for fatigue management

What happened to Bob Mortimer’s teeth?

• His teeth have been damaged by falls and general wear
• He has had dental repairs, which contribute to his distinctive smile

The catch: what looks like slapstick is actually resilience in plain sight.

Are Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer still friends?

Yes – Paul Whitehouse and Bob Mortimer remain close collaborators and friends. They worked together on Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing and appeared in comedy projects like The Fast Show.

Why is Bob Mortimer always on Lee Mack’s team?

On Would I Lie to You?, Mortimer is a regular on Lee Mack’s team because of a long-standing friendship. The Independent (UK news outlet) notes that the two have known each other for decades, and Mortimer’s surreal honesty makes him a perfect foil. Like Tom Allen, who also built a career from panel-show appearances, Mortimer turned consistent guest spots into a signature presence.

The implication: the public record is solid on career and family, but finer personal health details remain private.

Quotes

“I just topple over, it’s like a cartoon.”

— Bob Mortimer, BBC Radio 4 interview

“He’s a natural, we’re old mates.”

— Lee Mack, on Bob’s presence on Would I Lie to You?

“It shapes your whole outlook – you either go dark or you find the light.”

— Bob Mortimer, on his father’s death (paraphrased from interviews)

Summary

Bob Mortimer turned a legal career into one of Britain’s most beloved comic personas. For fans of British comedy, the takeaway is clear: his surreal wit and candid vulnerability are not contradictions but the same thing. For those curious about his health, the message is equally direct: he has chosen to laugh about a real neurological condition rather than let it define him.

Frequently asked questions