Tony Slattery, the beloved British actor and comedian renowned for his improvisational talent on Channel 4’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?,” has passed away at the age of 65. His longtime partner, Mark Michael Hutchinson, disclosed that Slattery died following a heart attack earlier this week.
Born on November 9, 1959, in North London’s Stonebridge, Slattery began his career in theatre while attending the University of Cambridge, where he became involved with the prestigious Cambridge Footlights comedy troupe. Under the mentorship of Stephen Fry, he honed his craft alongside other prominent figures such as Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson, eventually becoming the group’s president.
Slattery gained fame as a regular cast member on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” from 1988 to 1995, showcasing his quick wit in short-form improv games. His film work included roles in notable comedies like “How to Get Ahead in Advertising” and “Peter’s Friends,” as well as the acclaimed drama “The Crying Game.”
Throughout his career, he made appearances on various television shows, including panel shows like “Have I Got News for You” and “Just a Minute,” and hosted his own film critique program “Saturday Night at the Movies.” Despite facing health challenges in the late 1990s, Slattery began to re-establish himself in the industry in the 2000s with roles in dramas like “Bad Girls” and soap operas such as “Coronation Street.”
Slattery was open about his struggles with addiction and mental health, which he addressed in a 2020 episode of BBC’s “Horizon.” His resilience came to light as he began to regain his footing in the entertainment world, exploring new avenues such as live performances and podcasting before his untimely passing.
Tributes have poured in, including a poignant message from Fry, who expressed deep sorrow over the loss of his friend and praised Slattery’s gentle spirit and extraordinary talent. Slattery leaves behind Hutchinson, his partner of nearly 40 years, and many fond memories for fans and colleagues alike.
In celebrating Tony Slattery’s life, it’s clear that his humor and artistry touched many lives, and there’s hope that his legacy in comedy will continue to inspire future generations of performers.