Tony Slattery, the beloved British actor and comedian known for his improvisational talents on Channel 4’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, has tragically passed away at the age of 65. His partner, Mark Michael Hutchinson, shared with the BBC that Slattery died from a heart attack, which occurred on Sunday night. “It is with great sadness we must announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, has passed away today, Tuesday morning, following a heart attack,” Hutchinson expressed in a statement.
A staple on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” from 1988 to 1995, Slattery endeared audiences with his quick wit and charm. In addition to his television fame, he appeared in popular films including the comedies “How to Get Ahead in Advertising” and “Peter’s Friends,” as well as the acclaimed crime thriller “The Crying Game.”
Born on November 9, 1959, in Stonebridge, North London, Slattery’s journey in entertainment began at the University of Cambridge where he joined the prestigious student sketch group, the Cambridge Footlights, aided by his friend Stephen Fry. During this time, he collaborated with future stars such as Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson.
His career gained momentum in 1983 with his role on Chris Tarrant’s late-night comedy show “Saturday Stayback.” Beyond his iconic stint on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, he appeared on various shows including “Have I Got News for You” and “Just a Minute.” Slattery also enjoyed success on the Family Channel as the host of “Trivial Pursuit” and had roles in popular sitcoms.
Following a downturn in his career due to health challenges in the early 2000s, Slattery made a remarkable comeback, starring in shows like “Bad Girls” and “Coronation Street.” He was last seen on screens in 2020, where he discussed his struggles with mental health and addiction in a BBC segment.
Stephen Fry paid tribute to his friend on Instagram, sharing heartfelt memories of Slattery’s gentle nature and comedic brilliance. He expressed sadness at losing someone who, despite a lifetime of battling personal demons, had begun to embrace his legacy and reconnect with his audience in his later years.
Slattery leaves behind a legacy of laughter and creativity, as well as a profound impact on those who knew him, especially Hutchinson, his devoted partner of 40 years. His life story serves as a reminder of both the challenges faced in the spotlight and the enduring power of friendship and support in overcoming them.