Tony Slattery, British Actor, Comedian and ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ Regular, Dies at 65

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The popular actor Tony Slattery, best known for his role in ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ on Channel 4, and a contemporary of Emma Thompson, Hugh Laurie, and Stephen Fry, has sadly passed away at the age of 65.

We regretfully share the news that Tony Slattery, a renowned actor and comedian, aged 65, has tragically passed away this morning, on Tuesday, after suffering a heart attack on Sunday night. This information comes from Mark Michael Hutchinson, his partner.

Known for his sharp humor and on-the-spot comedy skills on a well-liked television program, as well as appearing in movies such as “Peter’s Friends” (1992), where he starred alongside his Cambridge University friends Thompson, Laurie, and Fry, and “The Crying Game” (1989), this British actor and comedian gained notoriety.

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This British actor and comedian was celebrated for his quick-thinking humor on a popular comedy show and his roles in films like “Peter’s Friends” (1992) featuring his Cambridge University friends Thompson, Laurie, and Fry, as well as “The Crying Game” (1989).

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This British actor and comedian was renowned for his quick wit and improvisational skills on a famous comedy show, and also appeared in movies such as “Peter’s Friends” (1992) with his Cambridge University friends Thompson, Laurie, and Fry, and “The Crying Game” (1989).

or

This British actor and comedian was recognized for his quick wit and improvisational skills on a popular comedy program, as well as acting in movies like “Peter’s Friends” (1992), which starred his Cambridge University friends Thompson, Laurie, and Fry, and “The Crying Game” (1989).

or

This British actor and comedian was widely known for his quick wit and improv on a hit comedy show, and also acted in films like “Peter’s Friends” (1992) alongside his Cambridge University friends Thompson, Laurie, and Fry, and “The Crying Game” (1989).

Slattery was nominated for the Olivier Award in the category of Best Comedy Performance, thanks to his portrayal of Gordon in Tim Firth’s play titled “Neville’s Island“.

Originating from Stonebridge, North London, which is a working-class neighborhood, the future comedian and actor received a scholarship to study at Cambridge University, an esteemed institution. It was during his time at Cambridge that he developed a passion for theater and crossed paths with Fry, another student there. Fry extended an invitation for him to join the renowned comedy troupe, Cambridge Footlights, where they performed together alongside other notable figures such as Laurie, Thompson, Sandi Toksvig, Jan Ravens, and Richard Vranch at that time.

Initially, Slattery gained fame in television through his recurring roles on Chris Tarrant’s follow-up to O.T.T., Saturday Stayback (1983), as well as children’s programs like Behind the Bike Sheds and TX on Saturdays. Then, by 1988, he had become a regular performer on Whose Line Is It Anyway?

On Tuesday, fellow humorists Richard K. Herring and Al Murray, along with “Absolutely Fabulous” co-star and comedian Helen Lederer, paid tribute to the late Slattery.

Unfortunately, it’s disheartening to hear about Tony Slattery. He was truly a remarkable performer,” Murray expressed, as Herring simply responded: “Tony.” Lederer shared on social media: “My dearest friend in humor, intelligence, affection, absurdity, standing by me at my weddings (twice), we cherished you – what will we do without you now?

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2025-01-14 19:24