“`html
Comedian and actor Tony Slattery has passed away at the age of 65 due to a heart attack, according to his partner.
The performer was well-known for his appearances on the Channel 4 comedy improv program Whose Line Is It Anyway? as well as other shows like Just A Minute and Have I Got News For You.
Slattery had recently been on the road performing a comedy tour and just a few months ago, in October, he launched his own podcast, Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club.
A statement released on behalf of his partner, Mark Michael Hutchinson, stated: “It is with immense sorrow that we announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery, aged 65, has departed from us today, Tuesday morning, following a heart attack this past Sunday evening.”
Clockwise from left: Jennifer Saunders, Hugh Laurie, Emma Freud, Tony Slattery and Stephen Fry pictured in 1991. Pic: PA
Born in 1959, Slattery attended the University of Cambridge alongside peers Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie.
During his time there, he held the position of president of the renowned Cambridge Footlights improvisation troupe.
Together with Sir Stephen and Dame Emma, he clinched the inaugural Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Fringe. Additionally, he was one of the original patrons of the Leicester Comedy Festival, alongside Norman Wisdom and Sean Hughes, and had also served as a rector at the University of Dundee.
Read more from Sky News:
Disney facing lawsuit for billions over Moana claims
Meghan postpones series release due to LA fires
Slattery frequently discussed his experiences with bipolar disorder and in 2020 disclosed that he had gone bankrupt after facing challenges related to substance abuse and mental health.
He shared with the Radio Times that his struggle with “fiscal illiteracy and general innumeracy” along with a “misplaced trust in people” had exacerbated his financial difficulties.
In the same year, he released a BBC documentary titled What’s The Matter With Tony Slattery? which featured him and Hutchinson consulting leading authorities on mood disorders and addiction.
Comedians honor ‘brilliant talent’
Sir Stephen has spearheaded tributes to his friend, describing him as “truly one of the gentlest, kindest souls I have ever encountered… not forgetting a hysterically funny and extraordinarily gifted wit and performer.”
He wrote on Instagram: “What a cruel twist of fate that destiny would take him from us just as he seemed to be emerging from his lifelong struggle with numerous dark demons.
“It was wonderful, at least, this past year for him to discover, to his joyous surprise, that he was still cherished and held in high regard. Love and sympathies go to Mark, his steadfast and devoted partner of nearly 40 years.”
Comedians including Richard K Herring and Al Murray have also shared their condolences.
“Really heartbreaking news about Tony Slattery,” Murray expressed on X. “What a brilliant talent.”
Tom Walker, known for his satirical journalist character Jonathan Pie, labeled the news of Slattery’s passing as “incredibly heartbreaking,” describing the comedian as a “true genius.”
Alongside comedy improvisation performances, Slattery featured in films during the 1980s and 1990s, including the crime thriller The Crying Game, the satirical comedy How To Get Ahead In Advertising, starring Richard E Grant, and Peter’s Friends, which also included Laurie, Sir Stephen, and Dame Emma.
His cinematic and television appearances also comprised Carry On Columbus, Robin Hood, Red Dwarf, The English Harem, Cold Blood, The Royal, Just A Gigolo, Tiger Bastable, and Coronation Street.
On stage, he garnered an Olivier Award nomination for best comedy performance in 1995 for his role in the Tim Firth play Neville’s Island, which was subsequently adapted into a film featuring Timothy Spall. He also portrayed Captain Terri Dennis, an impersonator, in Privates On Parade, based on the film of the same name, and made his West End debut in the musical Radio Times, reminiscent of the 1930s.
Slattery is survived by Hutchinson, an actor, and his partner of over thirty years.
