Tony Slattery, the beloved British actor and comedian, has passed away at the age of 65. His long-time partner, Mark Michael Hutchinson, confirmed the news to the BBC, stating that Slattery died from a heart attack on Tuesday morning after experiencing the critical event on Sunday evening.
Slattery, well-known for his remarkable improvisation skills, gained fame as a regular on Channel 4’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” from 1988 to 1995. He also made notable appearances in films such as “How to Get Ahead in Advertising” (1989), “Peter’s Friends” (1992), and the iconic crime thriller “The Crying Game” (1992).
Born on November 9, 1959, in North London, Slattery’s journey in entertainment began while studying at the University of Cambridge, where he became involved with the Cambridge Footlights comedy group, alongside luminaries like Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Emma Thompson. His breakthrough came in 1983 with Chris Tarrant’s late-night show “Saturday Stayback,” paving the way for his recognition on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”
Over the years, Slattery made appearances on various shows, including “Have I Got News for You” and “Red Dwarf,” and hosted “Trivial Pursuit” on the Family Channel. After stepping back from the spotlight for a period due to health issues, he saw a resurgence in his career starting in 2005, with roles in dramas like ITV’s “Bad Girls” and appearances on “Coronation Street.”
Throughout his later years, Slattery candidly spoke about his struggles with addiction and mental health, addressing themes of trauma and recovery. His last television appearance was in 2020 for the BBC’s “Horizon” series, where he shared his experiences. Fry honored him with a heartfelt Instagram tribute, recalling Slattery as a kind soul with incredible humor and talent.
Slattery leaves behind a legacy of laughter and creativity and is survived by Hutchinson, his devoted partner for nearly 40 years. His passing is a significant loss to the comedy community, but he will be remembered fondly for the joy he brought to audiences throughout his remarkable career.