Gay comedian Tony Slattery dies aged 65

Stephen Fry has paid tribute to gay British actor and comedian Tony Slattery, who died at 65 from a heart attack.

Slattery gained fame for his sharp improvisational skills on Channel 4’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?, starting in 1988. According to ‘BBC’, Sir Stephen, who appeared on the show and collaborated with Slattery in Cambridge University’s Footlights, praised him on Instagram as “the gentlest, sweetest soul” and “a screamingly funny deeply talented wit and clown.”

Slattery, a Londoner, acted in both comedic and dramatic roles in films like The Crying Game, Peter’s Friends, and How to Get Ahead in Advertising. He received an Olivier Award nomination for his comedic performance in Tim Firth’s play Neville’s Island as Gordon.

A statement from Slattery's long-time partner, actor Mark Michael Hutchinson, announced, “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.”

In his Instagram tribute, Sir Stephen remarked on the “cruel irony that fate should snatch him from us just as he had really begun to emerge from his lifelong battle with so many dark demons.”

Slattery’s Whose Line co-star Josie Lawrence shared, “Memories of just laughing a lot. Being silly and laughing. He was talented kind funny and beautiful. Sending love and condolences to wonderful Mark. Rest in peace now Tony.” Fellow comedians Richard K Herring, Al Murray, and actress Helen Lederer also expressed their condolences. Murray wrote, “Really sad news about Tony Slattery. Such a dazzling talent,” while Herring simply posted, “Oh, Tony.” Lederer shared on social media: “My best friend in laughter, wit, love, absurdity, being my best man (twice), we adored you - what will we do now.” Arthur Smith stated, “RIP Tony Slattery. Brilliant quick wit, kind, thoughtful.” Tom Walker, known as Jonathan Pie, commented, “Absolutely heartbreaking to hear about Tony Slattery. A genius.”

David Baddiel described the news as “so sad,” and Les Dennis remembered Slattery as a “wonderful talent and a nice man.”

Born into a working-class family in North London in 1959, Slattery earned a scholarship to study medieval and modern languages at Cambridge University, which led him to showbiz. He met a young Sir Stephen, who invited him to join the Cambridge Footlights. Slattery once recalled how “getting up on stage and hearing laughter took over.”

At Cambridge, he was a contemporary of Dame Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie. In 1981, their group won the inaugural Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Festival for The Cellar Tapes. The following year, Slattery became Footlights' President, succeeding the likes of Eric Idle, Clive Anderson, and Peter Cook. Slattery later appeared on the London club circuit with a “kind of a variety act with bizarre turns,” as he described it. He made several TV appearances, including hosting the children's show TX. His notable break came in 1986 with the West End musical Me and My Girl, followed by roles in Radio Times, Privates on Parade, and Neville's Island, earning critical acclaim. His screen credits include To Die For, Up ’N Under, and The Wedding Tackle. However, he is best remembered for his work on Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Channel 4’s flagship comedy show featuring short improvisation games based on host and audience suggestions. Slattery delighted audiences, appearing with members like Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, and Sandi Toksvig in 48 episodes from 1988 to 1995.

His departure after series seven affected the show’s ratings. Slattery reunited with university friends Sir Stephen, Dame Emma, and Hugh in the 1992 comedy Peter's Friends, and appeared opposite Richard E Grant in How to Get Ahead in Advertising. He also starred in the comedy Tiger Bastable and sitcom Just A Gigolo and made appearances in the final Carry On film, Robin Hood, Red Dwarf, and Coronation Street.

The comedic actor took a break from performing, returning to film and TV with various BBC projects. He toured a comedy show in England and launched a podcast, Tony Slattery's Rambling Club, in October. Despite his talents, Slattery faced personal struggles. In 1996, at 36, he experienced a physical and mental breakdown. In a 2019 interview with the Guardian, he recalled, “I had a very happy time until I went slightly barmy.” Slattery dealt with drink and drug issues, alternating between isolation and agitation. He was eventually diagnosed with bipolar disorder, helping him understand “the mania, finding things too exciting, then the withdrawal, apathy, and bleakness.”

In 2020, Slattery told the Radio Times that his financial mismanagement and misplaced trust in others led to bankruptcy. He was the subject of the 2020 BBC Two Horizon documentary What's The Matter With Tony Slattery?, where he and Hutchinson consulted experts on mood disorders and addiction. Slattery previously spoke about his condition on the 2006 BBC Two program The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive.

Slattery leaves behind his partner of more than three decades, Hutchinson, whom he met during Me and My Girl in the mid-1980s. “He's kept with me when my behavior has been so unreasonable, and I can only think it's unconditional love,” Slattery told the Guardian. “He's certainly not with me for my money - we don't have any money. It's the mystery of love.”