For more than three decades, the name Vic Reeves has been synonymous with surreal British comedy. Yet behind the stage name stands a man with a rich and varied life that extends far beyond television sketches. From his early days in Leeds to his current work as a respected painter, the story of Jim Moir is one of constant reinvention.
Understanding the person behind the persona means looking at the facts: his real name, his age, his family, and the health scares that have marked his later years. The following profile draws on verified sources to provide a clear, up-to-date picture of the comedian and artist in 2025.
Who is Vic Reeves? Real Name, Age, and Early Years
| Real Name & Age Jim Moir, born 24 January 1959 (age 66 in 2025) |
Known For Comedy duo with Bob Mortimer, ‘Shooting Stars’, ‘Vic Reeves Big Night Out’ |
| Current Status Active as artist and occasional TV appearances |
Stage Name Vic Reeves |
- Vic Reeves is the stage name of Jim Moir, a British comedian and artist born in 1959.
- He rose to fame in the 1990s with surreal comedy partner Bob Mortimer.
- He has a parallel career as a painter, exhibiting at galleries and selling works.
- Married to Nancy Sorrell since 2003; has three children from previous relationships and current marriage.
- Reported a heart condition in 2020, but has continued public appearances.
- Net worth estimated between £3-5 million, largely from TV, art sales, and touring.
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Real Name | James Roderick Moir |
| Date of Birth | 24 January 1959 |
| Place of Birth | Leeds, England |
| Occupation | Comedian, actor, artist, musician |
| Stage Name | Vic Reeves |
| Partner | Nancy Sorrell (m. 2003) |
| Children | Three (names not publicly confirmed) |
| Net Worth | Estimated £3-5 million |
| Known For | Comedy duo with Bob Mortimer, ‘Shooting Stars’ |
Vic Reeves’ Personal Life: Wife, Children, and Health
Vic Reeves’ Wife
Jim Moir married actress and comedian Nancy Sorrell on 25 January 2003. The couple remain together and have two children. Sorrell has appeared alongside her husband in various projects, including co-hosting the Sky Arts series Painting Birds with Jim & Nancy Moir. For more on how comedians balance family and fame, explore our collection of celebrity profiles.
Vic Reeves’ Children
Moir has three children in total. Two are from his marriage to Nancy Sorrell, and one from a previous relationship. The names and ages of the children have not been publicly disclosed, reflecting the family’s preference for privacy.
In 2020, Jim Moir revealed that he had undergone heart surgery for a condition. Since then, he has continued to make public appearances and pursue his art and television work. No further official updates on his current health status have been issued.
Vic Reeves’ Illness
The heart condition and surgery in 2020 were the only publicly confirmed health issues. Moir has not spoken extensively about the details, but his ongoing activity suggests a stable recovery.
Vic Reeves’ Career: Comedy, Art, and Current Projects
How Did Vic Reeves Become Famous?
Moir first gained attention in the late 1980s performing as the character Vic Reeves in small comedy clubs. The breakthrough came in 1990 with the Channel 4 show Vic Reeves Big Night Out, co-starring Bob Mortimer. The duo’s surreal style quickly set them apart from mainstream comedy.
Their partnership continued through The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer (1993–1994) and the panel show Shooting Stars (1998–2002). The pair won the Funniest Double Act award in 2011 and later collected a Best TV Sketch Show award for the reboot Vic & Bob’s Big Night Out in 2019.
Before comedy, Moir studied Fine Art Foundation at Sir John Cass College, London in 1983. He worked as a curator at The Gardner Gallery and held his first exhibition in 1985. His application to Goldsmiths was rejected because he was considered “too accomplished”.
Vic Reeves’ Art
Moir’s visual art has become a significant part of his identity. His paintings often feature faces, animals, and landscapes in a colourful, whimsical style. He has exhibited at RedHouse Originals, with shows including Yorkshire Rocks & Dinghy Fights (2022), Birdland (September 2024), and an upcoming exhibition Jim Moir: What A Load Of Monarchs in October 2026.
His art has also been used in set design for his television shows, including Vic Reeves Big Night Out and Shooting Stars.
Vic Reeves Now
As of 2025, Moir remains active. He co-hosts Painting Birds with Jim & Nancy Moir on Sky Arts and occasionally takes acting roles, such as playing Jeff Mallock in All Creatures Great & Small (2022). He also appeared in the podcast Curl Up & D.I. and various guest spots.
No formal announcements have been made about new comedy projects with Bob Mortimer or other major television work. Fans are advised to follow Moir’s Instagram account for updates, as he shares his art and occasional appearances there.
Vic Reeves’ Net Worth and Financial Success
Jim Moir’s net worth is not publicly disclosed. Independent estimates typically place it between £3 million and £5 million. His income streams include television work, live tours with Bob Mortimer, and art sales. The exact figure remains uncertain, as no official financial records are available.
Compared to other British comedians of his era, Moir’s wealth appears moderate. His art sales, however, represent a growing source of revenue, with original paintings selling through galleries like RedHouse Originals.
Key Milestones in Vic Reeves’ Life and Career
- 1959 – Born in Leeds as James Roderick Moir.
- 1980s – Performs in comedy clubs, develops the Vic Reeves persona.
- 1990 – Launches Vic Reeves Big Night Out on Channel 4.
- 1993–2009 – Co-hosts Shooting Stars with Bob Mortimer.
- 2003 – Marries Nancy Sorrell.
- 2010s – Dedicates more time to painting, holds exhibitions.
- 2020 – Reports heart condition, undergoes surgery.
- 2023–2025 – Continues art career, occasional TV appearances (e.g., Painting Birds).
What Is Certain and Uncertain About Vic Reeves’ Life?
| Established Information | Information That Remains Unclear |
|---|---|
| Jim Moir was born on 24 January 1959 in Leeds. | Exact net worth is not publicly disclosed; estimates vary. |
| He is married to Nancy Sorrell. | Children’s names and ages are not widely published. |
| He has three children. | Specific details of his current health status are not officially updated. |
| He is a painter and sells his art. | Future projects are not formally announced. |
| He had a heart condition and surgery in 2020. |
Vic Reeves’ Unique Place in British Comedy and Art
Vic Reeves (Jim Moir) occupies a unique space in British comedy as a surrealist and outsider, later transitioning to a respected visual artist. His partnership with Bob Mortimer defined alternative comedy in the 1990s. His art, often whimsical and colourful, has been exhibited in galleries like RedHouse Originals. This dual career allows him to maintain a public presence while pursuing personal creative work. The 2020 health scare brought attention to his mortality, but he has shown resilience. Comparing his net worth to peers provides context for his financial success, though his art sales are a significant income stream.
Sources and Quotes About Vic Reeves
“Lager and fags were our main vices” – Vic Reeves on his rock’n’roll years
The Guardian
“I found this folder full of stuff relating to the birth of Vic Reeves in Deptford.” – Instagram post (1987)
James Moir Instagram
Key sources for this article include Wikipedia: Jim Moir, The Guardian: Vic Reeves news, Redhouse Originals: Jim Moir Art, IMDb: Vic Reeves, BBC: Vic Reeves profile, and Instagram (James Moir).
Vic Reeves: What’s Next?
Jim Moir (Vic Reeves) continues to paint and sell his work. He may appear in future TV projects or reunions with Bob Mortimer. Given his health, he is likely to focus on art and lower-key public engagements. For the latest updates, you can read more about British comedy legends.
Frequently Asked Questions About Vic Reeves
Is Vic Reeves still alive?
Yes, Jim Moir (Vic Reeves) is alive as of 2025.
What is Vic Reeves’ real name?
His real name is James Roderick Moir, commonly known as Jim Moir.
How tall is Vic Reeves?
Height is not publicly documented, but he appears average build.
What is Vic Reeves’ art style?
His art is often surreal, colourful, and whimsical, featuring faces, animals, and landscapes.
Does Vic Reeves have any health issues?
He underwent heart surgery in 2020 for a condition; his current health is stable.
Henry William Morgan Harrison is a staff writer for NorwichWire.co.uk, covering local news, council decisions, business and community stories across Norwich and Norfolk. He works under Editor-in-Chief William Hargreaves and Managing Editor Clara Benson, following the newsroom standards for sourcing, verification and fact-checking set out in our editorial policies.