Bob Mortimer was born on 23 May 1959 in Middlesbrough, England. His father died when he was young, and he was raised by his mother Eunice alongside his brothers.

He studied law at the University of Sussex and later the University of Leicester before working as a solicitor in London. His career in entertainment began in the late 1980s when he partnered with Vic Reeves, forming one of Britain’s most influential comedy duos.

Mortimer became widely known through shows such as The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer and Shooting Stars. In 2018, he began co-hosting Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing on BBC Two alongside Paul Whitehouse. The programme blends humour with reflections on life and health.

He has also appeared on popular shows including Would I Lie to You? and Taskmaster, further cementing his reputation as a leading UK entertainer.

Mortimer lives in Tunbridge Wells, Kent, with his family and continues to work across television, writing, and comedy.