Humor in the Face of Mortality
Bob Mortimer, an undeniable legend of British comedy (notably for his double act with Vic Reeves and his hit show Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing), has always approached life with a certain irreverence. This philosophy came into sharp collision with reality in 2015 when he had to undergo an emergency heart bypass.
The incident not only changed his life but also led to fascinating revelations about his attitude towards health, fear, and love. Recently, Mortimer made headlines by revealing that he had outright ignored his doctor’s strict orders regarding his post-operative diet. Furthermore, he shared moving and incredible details about his rushed marriage to his wife, Lisa Matthews, which took place only 30 minutes before he was taken to the operating theatre. How does the comedian manage his precarious health, and who is the woman who married the love of her life under the most extreme circumstances? This article deciphers Bob Mortimer’s unique view on life, death, and guilty pleasures.
Health and Hedonism: The Refusal to Follow the Rules
Bob Mortimer’s recovery after his major 2015 surgery came with strict medical advice, particularly about his diet. However, the comedian opted for quality of life over rigorous obedience, especially concerning his love for cheese.
The Post-Operative Cheese Dilemma
One of the most difficult dietary prescriptions for Mortimer to swallow concerned cheese, one of his culinary passions.
- The Medical Order: Dietitians imposed a drastic restriction on him: he could only consume an amount of cheese equivalent to “a matchbox-size [piece] every week.”
- Mortimer’s Response: The comedian confided to the Daily Mail that this restriction “broke his heart.” He then made a striking statement summarizing his life choice: “I’d rather have three years less.” This bold choice clearly prioritizes daily pleasures over longevity at all costs, illustrating his refusal to submit to a life he considers “torture” or “too formal.”
- Social Consequence: He humorously added that his complex relationship with formal dinners and dietary rules means the people he knows no longer invite him to such events, amplifying his image as a free and non-conformist spirit.
The Shingles Aftermath
Nine years after his heart bypass, Mortimer’s health was again severely tested by Shingles, a viral infection that can cause severe nerve pain.
- Impact on Filming: In September 2024, Bob Mortimer revealed that, while filming the seventh series of Mortimer & Whitehouse: Gone Fishing with his friend Paul Whitehouse, he was unable to walk properly.
- Whitehouse’s Support: He told The Mirror that the experience had been “a bit of a struggle,” but that Paul “looked after me and pulled me through” as always. The public didn’t see the behind-the-scenes, but Mortimer had to be taken by wheelchair to reach certain fishing spots. He specified: “For half of the season, I couldn’t walk, so it was very challenging at times.” This anecdote highlights not only the fragility of his health but also the strength of his friendship and his determination to continue his work despite the pain.
The Near-Death Experience: The Joy of “Seeing the Light”
The emergency operation in 2015 gave Bob Mortimer a unique and peaceful perspective on death, an experience he revealed on the podcast Mel Giedroyc’s Where There’s A Will, There’s a Wake.
A Moment of Ecstasy Close to the End
Contrary to what one might think, Mortimer’s near-death experience was positive.
- The Vision: He recounted seeing “the light at the end of the tunnel” and feeling a sense of happiness he had never experienced before.
- Waking Up: “It was quite extraordinary, and then I woke up a day later and I was OK.” This experience had a profound effect on him, freeing him from one of the most fundamental human fears. He concluded: “I thought, ‘This is great. I no longer fear death and everything.'”
The Frustration of Missing the Rest of the Story
However, his acceptance of death is tinged with great sadness: the frustration of missing the ending of the stories he loves.
- A Deep Regret: Mortimer explained that he didn’t fear death itself, but felt “frustrated and sad to think I won’t see how stories end.”
- The Missed Stories: These stories include those of his loved ones: “My children’s story. My wife’s. The football. All the stories going on in the world that you’re going to miss the end of.” This poetic and profoundly human view shows how deeply invested he is in the world around him.
Lisa Matthews: The Last-Chance Marriage
The story of Bob Mortimer’s marriage to Lisa Matthews is one of the most romantic chapters of his life, a race against time to formalize their union before he underwent a potentially fatal operation.
A Wedding in 30 Minutes Flat
Bob and Lisa were long-term partners and parents to two sons, but were not yet married at the time of the heart crisis.
- The Ultimate Diagnosis: Mortimer found out he needed heart surgery on Thursday, which immediately prompted him to make a will on Friday. He then realized he had to marry Lisa.
- The Legal Hurdle: UK law requires 21 days’ notice to get married, a timeframe they absolutely did not have.
- Medical Intervention: Fortunately, thanks to his medical consultant who attested to the seriousness of his condition (describing him as “incredibly ill”), Bob obtained special permission from a registrar in London.
- The Quick Ceremony: The wedding took place on Monday morning: “I got married at half nine on the Monday then went into hospital for the operation at ten.” A gap of only 30 minutes between exchanging vows and entering the operating theatre. This symbolic gesture ensured the legal and emotional security of Lisa and their two sons, Harry and Tom, in the face of a possible fatal outcome.
The Wife in the Shadows
Lisa Matthews remains relatively low-key despite her husband’s fame. She is the woman who held firm during this crisis and is the mother of their two sons. The fact that she agreed to a marriage of this nature, in an emergency and under the threat of death, testifies to the unshakeable strength of their relationship. She is the pillar Bob Mortimer leans on to continue his career, even when his health forces him to use a wheelchair.
The Art of Living Despite Everything
Bob Mortimer’s story is a lesson in thoughtful hedonism and resilience in the face of mortality. Whether it’s defying doctors’ orders to savor his cheese or facing open-heart surgery by marrying his partner at the last minute, the comedian always prioritizes emotional richness and the pleasure of the moment.
Today, as he continues to light up the screen with his humor, he lives with a peaceful outlook on death, yet with the vibrant frustration of missing the rest of the unfolding stories. His unique marriage to Lisa Matthews, celebrated under the sign of vital urgency, will remain the most powerful testament to his commitment to those he loves and his ability to transform tragedy into an extraordinary love story.
