Beloved British comedian Tony Slattery, known for “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, passes at 65. Colleagues remember his wit, charm, and openness about personal struggles.
In the latest comedian news, the beloved British comedian and actor Tony Slattery has passed away at the age of 65 following a heart attack, as confirmed by his long-term partner. Slattery, known for his versatility as an “it actor,” gained widespread recognition for his brilliant comedy improvisation skills on the hit series “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, and was also a regular presence on popular comedy panel shows like “Just a Minute” and “Have I Got News for You.”
Tributes Pour In
His partner of over thirty years, Mark Michael Hutchinson, released a statement saying: “It is with profound sorrow that we announce the passing of actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, who left us this Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack on Sunday night.”
Fellow comedian Sandi Toksvig offered a heartfelt tribute: “Tony Slattery was perhaps the most beautiful soul I’ve ever encountered. Our paths first crossed when I was 19, and I found him absolutely extraordinary. His radiant smile, captivating looks, contagious laughter, and immense kindness were unmatched. My heart held such fondness for him. Everyone did. Among a sea of talented individuals, he shone the brightest and achieved the most.”
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?” host Clive Anderson reflected: “Tony possessed both lightning-fast wit and striking good looks, consistently delivering humor and often pushing boundaries. He preferred directness over diplomacy – like the class troublemaker everyone adored, he captured the hearts of both studio audiences and viewers at home.”
Early Life and Rise to Fame
Hailing from humble beginnings in north London in 1959, Slattery earned a prestigious scholarship to pursue medieval and modern languages at Cambridge University. During his Cambridge years, he studied alongside future stars Dame Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, and Sir Stephen Fry – the latter inviting him to join the prestigious Cambridge Footlights, the university’s renowned amateur dramatic society. Slattery eventually rose to become the club’s president, following luminaries like Eric Idle, Clive Anderson, and Peter Cook. He once remarked, “The thrill of performing and hearing audience laughter became my driving force.”
Prior to his passing, Slattery had been actively touring with a stand-up comedy show across England and had launched his own podcast, “Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club,” in October.
Film and Theatre Career
His film career in the 1980s and 90s included notable appearances in the thriller “The Crying Game,” “Peter’s Friends” alongside Laurie, Fry and Thompson, and the satirical comedy “How to Get Ahead in Advertising” with Richard E Grant.
His theatrical achievements were equally impressive, earning a 1995 Olivier award nomination for best comedy performance in Tim Firth’s “Neville’s Island,” later adapted into a film featuring Timothy Spall. He also delivered a memorable performance as the skilled impersonator Captain Terri Dennis in the World War II-themed production “Privates on Parade,” based on the eponymous film.
Television Triumphs
Slattery made his West End debut in the nostalgic musical “Radio Times,” and his British television repertoire included roles as a detective in the comedy series “Tiger Bastable” and the lead character in the sitcom “Just a Gigolo.” He was also part of the “Red Dwarf” cast, further showcasing his versatility in the realm of British television comedy.
“Whose Line Is It Anyway?”: A Lasting Legacy
But his most enduring legacy remains his contributions to Channel 4’s groundbreaking comedy show “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, where performers engaged in rapid-fire improvisation games based on prompts from the host and audience members.
Between 1988 and 1995, Tony Slattery appeared in 48 episodes, establishing himself as one of the show’s most beloved performers. His departure during the seventh series notably impacted the show’s viewership numbers.
Anderson further reminisced: “In recent years, we collaborated on a live staging of ‘Whose Line’ at the Edinburgh Festival. Though time had weathered us all, and life had dealt its share of challenges, Tony remained the delightful troublemaker he’d always been. The audience’s affection for him never wavered.”
Personal Struggles and Openness
Slattery was remarkably candid about his struggles with bipolar disorder and substance abuse, sharing with the Guardian in 2019: “Life was wonderful until mental health challenges began to surface.”
In 2020, he disclosed his bankruptcy following battles with cocaine addiction and mental health issues. Speaking to the Radio Times, he attributed his financial downfall to his “complete lack of financial literacy and mathematical skills,” alongside his “tendency to trust people too readily.”
That same year, Slattery, accompanied by Hutchinson, featured in the BBC Two Horizon documentary “What’s the Matter With Tony Slattery?”, consulting with experts in mood disorders and addiction. Previously, he had shared his experiences in the 2006 BBC Two documentary “The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive.”
Reflecting on his darkest period, he revealed: “I isolated myself in a vast warehouse beside the Thames. For countless months, I avoided all communication, leaving mail unopened and phones unanswered, trapped in a cycle of despair and mania.”
Diverse Acting Portfolio
His diverse acting portfolio included roles in the final installment of the Carry On series, “Carry On Columbus,” alongside appearances in “Robin Hood,” “Red Dwarf,” “The English Harem,” “Cold Blood,” “The Royal,” and “Coronation Street.”
Awards and Accolades
Throughout his comedy career, Slattery accumulated numerous accolades. He shared the inaugural Perrier award at the Edinburgh Fringe with Fry and Thompson, served as one of Leicester comedy festival’s original patrons alongside Norman Wisdom and Sean Hughes, and held the position of rector at the University of Dundee.
Industry Mourns a Comedy Icon
Tuesday saw an outpouring of tributes from fellow comedians, including Richard Herring, Al Murray, Arthur Smith, Jonathan Pie, and Absolutely Fabulous star Helen Lederer. Tony Slattery joined the list of actors who died in 2023, leaving behind a legacy that touched many in the entertainment industry.
Murray celebrated Slattery’s “dazzling talent,” while Smith praised his “brilliant quick wit,” and Pie hailed him as “a genius.”
Lederer’s poignant tribute read: “My dearest friend in laughter, wit, love, and absurdity, who stood as my best man (twice), we cherished you – how will we navigate life without you?”
A Lasting Legacy
Tony Slattery’s passing marks the end of an era in British comedy, leaving behind a rich legacy of laughter, improvisation, and unforgettable performances that will continue to inspire future generations of comedians and actors alike.
Source:
Nadia Khomami (January 14, 2025). Comedian Tony Slattery dies aged 65 after heart attack. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/tv-and-radio/2025/jan/14/comedian-tony-slattery-dies-aged-65-after-heart-attack. Accessed January 14, 2025
Header Photo: Tony Slattery in November 2024 appearing at a Phoenix Arts Club event celebrating 10 years of Misty Moon Film Society events being held there
Photo credit: Jbeaver12, CC BY-SA 4.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
