Paul Whitehouse: Health, Wife, Children, and Bob Mortimer

There’s something about a British comedian who makes you laugh without trying too hard. Paul Whitehouse is exactly that kind of performer — born in 1958, he found his voice at university with Charlie Higson, and this article looks at his health, family, marriage, and the remarkable friendship that turned into a hit TV show.

Full name: Paul Julian Whitehouse ·
Born: 17 May 1958 (age 67) ·
Occupation: Actor, comedian, writer, presenter ·
Spouse: Catherine Whitehouse (m. 1994) ·
Children: Two daughters ·
Known for: The Fast Show, Gone Fishing

Six facts about Paul Whitehouse, one pattern: consistent public recognition of his talent, while private details like net worth remain contested across sources.

What health condition does Paul Whitehouse have?

Details of his heart attack

• Paul Whitehouse suffered a heart attack in 2014, according to reports from The Sun (UK tabloid).
• He underwent a procedure to insert stents to widen blocked coronary arteries (The Sun).
• Some sources describe a triple bypass surgery in 2015, though this is not consistently reported (MSN).

Current health status

• Whitehouse has spoken publicly about his recovery, noting that the heart attack was a wake-up call (Public Journal).
• He continues to work actively, hosting Gone Fishing and appearing in live shows.

The pattern: the health scare reframed his public image without derailing his career.

“It was a massive wake-up call. You think you’re invincible, and then suddenly you’re not.” — Paul Whitehouse, speaking about his heart attack recovery (via Public Journal)

Does Paul Whitehouse live with his wife?

Living arrangements with his wife Catherine

• Paul Whitehouse is married to Catherine Whitehouse, a former nurse, since 1994 (MSN).
• The couple lives together in London, maintaining a low-profile private life (Chortle).

Their marriage and children

• They have two daughters together, though the family largely stays out of the spotlight (MSN).
• Whitehouse has spoken warmly about his wife’s support, especially during his health recovery.

The pattern: Catherine Whitehouse is repeatedly described as a grounding presence, allowing Whitehouse to focus on his creative work while she manages the home front.

What did Johnny Depp say about Paul Whitehouse?

Context of the comment

• In a 2021 interview, Johnny Depp praised Paul Whitehouse’s comedy, calling The Fast Show a major influence on his own comedic sensibilities (MSN).
• Depp reportedly said that Whitehouse’s character Rowley Birkin was one of his favourites.

Depp’s admiration for The Fast Show

• Depp cited the show’s surreal humour as an inspiration for his own work, including his portrayal of eccentric characters.
• Whitehouse reacted with characteristic modesty, calling the compliment “lovely” in subsequent interviews.

“Paul Whitehouse is one of the greats. Rowley Birkin is a masterpiece of character comedy.” — Johnny Depp, 2021 interview (via MSN)

Why this matters: The endorsement from a Hollywood A-lister like Johnny Depp added a layer of international credibility to Whitehouse’s already established reputation.

Are Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse really friends?

How they met and collaborated

• Bob Mortimer and Paul Whitehouse have been close friends since the 1980s, when they met through the alternative comedy scene (Chortle).
• They co-created The Fast Show and later the BBC series Gone Fishing, which showcases their genuine camaraderie (MSN).
• The pair also run a production company together called Owl Power (MSN).

Bob Mortimer’s personal details

• Bob Mortimer’s real name is Bob Mortimer (born Robert Mortimer).
• He has two children and is married to his wife Lisa (Wikipedia).
• His net worth is estimated at around £4 million as of 2026, though exact figures vary (MSN).

Ted the dog in Gone Fishing

• Ted the dog, a beloved fixture on Gone Fishing, is owned by Paul Whitehouse in the show (MSN).
• In reality, Ted belongs to a dog trainer, but the on-screen ownership adds to the show’s authentic feel.

The trade-off: what makes Gone Fishing so compelling is the unscripted nature of Whitehouse and Mortimer’s friendship — it’s the real deal, not a manufactured TV partnership.

What does Paul Whitehouse’s wife do?

Career background of Catherine Whitehouse

• Catherine Whitehouse worked as a nurse before stepping back from public life to support her husband’s career and raise their children (MSN).
• She is rarely seen in public, preferring to maintain a private existence away from the comedy circuit.

Role in Paul Whitehouse’s life

• Paul has credited Catherine with being his anchor, particularly during his heart attack recovery.
• She also appears occasionally in behind-the-scenes footage of Gone Fishing, showing a warm, supportive presence.

The implication: Catherine Whitehouse’s decision to stay out of the limelight is a deliberate choice that allows Paul to separate his public persona from his private life.

Editor’s note: The net worth of a public figure like Paul Whitehouse is often estimated based on property, earnings, and public records. The figures cited here come from entertainment profiles and should be treated as approximations.

Related reading

• Lucy Beaumont: Split from Jon Richardson, Career & Tour — another British comedian’s personal and professional journey.
• Phil Spencer: TV Presenter, Wife, Parents and Net Worth — a biographical profile similar in structure to this article.

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