Meet Jim Moir: The Comedian & Artist Behind Vic Reeves

Vic Reeves is the stage name for Jim Moir, who is a British comedian, actor, artist and TV presenter. His contribution to surreal humour and art is praiseworthy in British culture. Most famous for his comedy double act with Bob Mortimer, Jim has managed to combine his love for comedy and art. Over the years, he has built an impressive career bordering on popular television, stand-up comedy, music, and fine art shows. This article examines Jim Moir’s life.

Early Life and Background

Jim Moir, later to be known as Vic Reeves, was born James Roderick Moir in Leeds on January 24, 1959. He is the son of James Neill Moir and Audrey Leigh Moir. Moir spent most of his childhood in Darlington, County Durham. Moir showed interest in both comedy and art from an early age, which shaped his career later.

His childhood hobbies of liking drawing and painting gifted him with creative skills. He also pursued comedy to put out his creativity. Moir started in the entertainment world after serving as an apprentice in a factory and then studying engineering. Before entering the industry, he loved exploring bizarre and surreal humour, which made him try various styles of performances.

The Birth of Vic Reeves and Comedy Career

 

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When Jim Moir started performing in London in the early 1980s, he dubbed himself Vick Reeves. This was the time he produced a new variety show called Vick Reeves Big Night Out, which was a collage of on-stage sketches with absurdist humour and slapstick comedy. The show was attended by Bob Mortimer, who later on became Moir’s comedic companion after Reeves Big Night Out shifted to a wider televised satire.

Reeves & Mortimer: A Legendary Comedy Duo

The partnership between Vic Reeves and Broom Mortimer is one of the most known duos in British comedy. Together, they created some of the most famous and bizarre sketch shows on television, such as:

• Vic Reeves Big Night Out (1990–1991): A television parody of Moir’s original stage show complete with absurd characters, musicals, and comedy.
• The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer (1993-1995): Unlike anything else, their peculiar brand of comedy was elevated through this sketch show that had parodic surreal takes on British culture.
• Shooting Stars (1993-2011): Wacky comedy quiz show hosted by the eccentric Moir, with Mortimer as the manic scoring sidekick. This show gained a cult following.
• Bang Bang, It’s Reeves and Mortimer (1999): Another surreal comedy sketch show that helped them cement their reputation further.
• Catterick (2004): Written by Reeves and Mortimer, this is a comedically offbeat crime drama that has faint traces of dark humour.

Transition to Art: Jim Moir the Painter

Though comedy enabled him to achieve fame, in the end Jim Moir’s first love was always art. He never stopped painting and drawing throughout his career and often included elements of absurdity into his distinct art. More recently, Moir has focused entirely on his art, creating paintings, drawings, and prints that have been displayed throughout the UK.

His art is inspired by surrealism and British life and often makes use of birds, landscapes, and unusual pop culture elements. The Royal Academy of Arts, along with other notable venues, have displayed his work, which is also owned by numerous art aficionados across the globe.

As seen on Jim Moir’s official site (jimmoir), Jim Moir is most known for his original paintings and limited edition prints. An imaginative, colourful, and incredibly bold style is how his art is usually described. His art teeters the line between satire and fine art.

Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir

 

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In 2023, alongside his wife, Nancy Sorrell, Moir also premiered a new series on Sky Arts called “Painting Birds with Jim and Nancy Moir.” The series highlights Moir painting different bird species and exploring wildlife all over the UK. With this, he captures his love for being an ornithologist, landscape painting, and what it means to be a true British artist.

Music and Other Ventures

Moir’s other ventures, apart from art and comedy, include dabbling in music, writing, and even acting.

Music Career

In the early 90s, dropped an array of novelty music singles under the name Vic Reeves. The following are some of the most popular releases from his musical portfolio:

• “Dizzy” (1991) – A cover of the Tommy Roe hit, featuring The Wonder Stuff. The song reached number one on the UK Singles Chart.
• “Abide with Me” (1991) – A gospel-inspired track that showcased his eclectic musical influences.
• “Born Free” (1991) – Another quirky single that demonstrated his comedic take on classic songs.

Acting Career

Together with Mortimer, Jim Moir starred in several dramas and TV sitcoms that had their share of eccentric guest features as staggering comic support figures. Some of the more popular ones include:

• House of Fools (2014-2015) sitcom starring Reeves and Mortimer and their surreal humour.
• Hebburn (2012-2013) BBC sitcom as Joe.
• All Creatures Great and Small (2020) Guest role in the popular period drama.

Jim Moir is rather known for his eccentric and comedic style.

Social Media Presence

 

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Moir claims to actively engage in social media, using the platforms to promote his newest artistic works, his hobbies, and aspects of his life. He posts most often on Instagram under the handle @jamesmoir12, showcasing his artwork, sketches, and even some candid moments from his Sky Arts series.

Moir’s account on Twitter/X handle, @JamesMoir10, is rather funny, filled with random thoughts, posts, and replies to fans, as well as previews of his artwork.

Personal Life

Jim Moir first tied the knot with Sara Vincent in 1990 and divorced in 1999. He is currently married to Nancy Sorrell, a model and actress, with whom he has two children, daughters Nell and Elizabeth Moir. They married in 2003.

Moir is also known for his affection for nature, bird watching, and unusual artefact collection, which influence his artwork in one way or another. He lives in Kent with his family and spends a lot of time painting.

Conclusion

Jim Moir has proved that he is a master in every field. From his iconic Bob Mortimer collaboration to his wonderful exhibitions, Moir continues to transform himself without losing his identity.