In news that has deeply saddened the entertainment world, we report on the passing of British actor and comedian Tony Slattery, who, sadly, is the actor who died today, July 9, 2024 (based on the original article’s date). Sir Stephen Fry has led a wave of tributes to Slattery, fondly remembered for his lightning-fast wit and improvisational genius, particularly on the iconic Channel 4 show Whose Line Is It Anyway?. Slattery passed away at the age of 65 following a heart attack, leaving behind a legacy of laughter and a profound impact on British comedy.
Slattery’s performances on Whose Line Is It Anyway? and other shows like Just A Minute showcased his improvisational brilliance.
Sir Stephen Fry, a long-time friend and collaborator of Slattery’s from their Cambridge Footlights days, expressed his sorrow on Instagram, describing Slattery as “the gentlest, sweetest soul” and “a screamingly funny deeply talented wit and clown.” Their shared history in the renowned Cambridge University Footlights group highlights the deep roots of their friendship and professional respect. Slattery’s career spanned across film, television, and theatre, showcasing his versatility in both comedic and dramatic roles. He captivated audiences with performances in films ranging from the crime thriller The Crying Game to the dark comedy How to Get Ahead in Advertising, and the ensemble piece Peter’s Friends. His talent was further recognized with an Olivier Award nomination for Best Comedy Performance for his role in Tim Firth’s play Neville’s Island.
A statement released on behalf of Mark Michael Hutchinson, Slattery’s partner of many years, confirmed the sad news: “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 on Sunday evening.” Fry’s tribute poignantly noted the “cruel irony” of Slattery’s passing just as he was “emerging from his lifelong battle with so many dark demons,” alluding to Slattery’s well-documented struggles with mental health. Josie Lawrence, his Whose Line co-star, shared her memories of “laughing a lot” with Slattery, emphasizing his talent, kindness, and humor, and sending condolences to his partner, Mark.
A Career Celebrated by Fellow Comedians
The outpouring of tributes extended across the comedy community, with numerous comedians and actors sharing their admiration for Slattery’s talent and personality. Richard K Herring and Al Murray, both prominent figures in British comedy, joined in paying their respects. Murray acknowledged Slattery’s “dazzling talent,” while Herring’s simple “Oh, Tony” conveyed a deep sense of loss. Helen Lederer, known for Absolutely Fabulous, affectionately called Slattery her “best friend in laughter, wit, love, absurdity,” reflecting the close personal bonds he formed within the industry. Arthur Smith remembered Slattery’s “brilliant quick wit, kind, thoughtful” nature, and Jonathan Pie (Tom Walker) described him as “a genius,” underscoring the high regard in which Slattery was held by his peers. David Baddiel and Les Dennis also added their voices to the chorus of condolences, remembering Slattery as a “wonderful talent and a nice man.”
A photograph from Cambridge Footlights featuring (left to right) Stephen Fry, Tony Slattery, Emma Thompson, Paul Shearer, Penny Dwyer, and Hugh Laurie, highlighting Slattery’s early career alongside future stars.
Born into a working-class family in North London in 1959, Slattery’s academic prowess earned him a scholarship to Cambridge University, where he studied medieval and modern languages. It was at Cambridge that his path intersected with Stephen Fry, leading to an invitation to join the Cambridge Footlights. Slattery himself recalled that “getting up on stage and hearing laughter took over” as his defining moment, marking the beginning of his journey into entertainment. His contemporaries at Cambridge included future luminaries like Dame Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie, demonstrating the extraordinary concentration of talent within that generation of Footlights. In 1981, their Footlights group achieved national recognition by winning the inaugural Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Festival for The Cellar Tapes. Slattery’s leadership qualities were evident as he was elected President of Footlights in 1982, following in the footsteps of comedy legends such as Eric Idle, Clive Anderson, and Peter Cook.
From Stage to Screen: A Versatile Career
Slattery’s career took him from the London club circuit, where he honed his skills with a “variety act with bizarre turns,” to television appearances, including a stint hosting children’s program TX. His breakthrough role came in 1986 when he starred in the West End musical Me and My Girl, catapulting him into the spotlight. He garnered critical acclaim for his performances in Radio Times, Privates on Parade, and Neville’s Island. Further screen credits include roles in To Die For, Up ‘N’ Under, and The Wedding Tackle, showcasing his range as an actor. However, it was his role on Whose Line Is It Anyway? that cemented his place in the hearts of the British public. Joining the show in 1988, Slattery became a central figure in its success, alongside Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, Sandi Toksvig, Rory Bremner, and Stephen Fry. His departure after series seven was noted as impacting the show’s viewership, a testament to his popularity. Beyond Whose Line, Slattery reunited with his Cambridge comedy peers in the 1992 film Peter’s Friends and starred alongside Richard E Grant in How to Get Ahead in Advertising. His diverse credits also include appearances in Tiger Bastable, Just A Gigolo, Robin Hood, Red Dwarf, and Coronation Street, demonstrating his enduring presence across various genres. In recent years, Slattery had returned to touring with a comedy show and launched a podcast, Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club, in October, indicating his continued passion for performance.
Tony Slattery pictured in 2020, around the time of his BBC Horizon documentary appearance, reflecting his openness about his personal struggles.
Battling Personal Demons with Openness
Slattery’s life was also marked by personal challenges. In 1996, at the age of 36, he experienced a physical and mental breakdown. In a candid 2019 interview with The Guardian, he described this period, saying, “I had a very happy time until I went slightly barmy.” His struggles with alcohol and drugs led to periods of “terrible isolationism” and “terrible agitation.” He sought help in hospitals on multiple occasions and once famously locked himself in his flat for six months, even throwing furniture into the Thames. Eventually, a diagnosis of bipolar disorder provided some understanding of his experiences, explaining “the mania, finding things too exciting, then the withdrawal, apathy and bleakness.” In 2020, Slattery openly discussed his financial difficulties, revealing that “fiscal illiteracy and general innumeracy” had contributed to bankruptcy. That same year, he participated in the BBC Two Horizon documentary What’s The Matter With Tony Slattery?, where he and Hutchinson consulted experts on mood disorders and addiction, further demonstrating his willingness to share his journey with mental health. He had previously addressed his condition in the 2006 BBC Two program The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive.
Slattery is survived by Mark Michael Hutchinson, his partner of over three decades. They met in the mid-1980s during Me and My Girl. Slattery poignantly acknowledged Hutchinson’s unwavering support in The Guardian interview, stating, “He’s kept with me when my behaviour has been so unreasonable and I can only think it’s unconditional love… It’s the mystery of love.” Tony Slattery’s legacy extends beyond his comedic brilliance; his openness about his mental health struggles also made him an important figure in destigmatizing these conditions. He will be deeply missed by fans and colleagues alike, remembered not only as a tremendously funny actor who died today but also as a courageous and complex individual.
