Tony Slattery, the British comedian and actor known for his quick wit on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?”, passed away on the morning of January 14, 2025, after suffering a heart attack two days earlier. He was 65 years old.
Mark Michael Hutchinson, Slattery’s partner, confirmed the news in a BBC statement, saying, “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.”
Born Tony Declan James Slattery in 1959 to Irish immigrant parents in Stonebridge, North London, Slattery secured a scholarship to Cambridge University where he studied medieval and modern languages. While at Cambridge, Stephen Fry invited him to join the esteemed Cambridge Footlights comedy group, which included future stars such as Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Sandi Toksvig, Jan Ravens, and Richard Vranch.
Slattery was one of the first recipients of the Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe, marking his emergence as a rising star in British comedy.
His television career began in 1983 with a regular role on Chris Tarrant’s “Saturday Stayback.” He featured in children’s shows like “Behind the Bike Sheds” and “TX.” In 1988, he landed a key role as a regular performer on Channel 4’s “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and stayed with the show until 1995.
Slattery’s theater career included a lead role in the 1986 West End musical “Me and My Girl.” He received an Olivier Award nomination for his comedic performance as Gordon in Tim Firth’s “Neville’s Island.” He also frequently appeared on shows like “Just a Minute” and “Have I Got News for You.”
Comedian Al Murray commented, “Really sad news about Tony Slattery. Such a dazzling talent.” Actress Helen Lederer paid tribute on social media: “My best friend in laughter, wit, love, absurdity, being my best man (twice), we adored you — what will we do now.” Comedian Josie Lawrence remembered him for his talent, wit, and kindness.
Slattery had notable roles in films such as “The Crying Game” (1989), “How to Get Ahead in Advertising” (1989), and “Peter’s Friends” (1992), where he starred alongside Cambridge contemporaries Kenneth Branagh, Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie.
In the mid-1990s, Slattery faced personal difficulties, including a diagnosis of bipolar disorder and struggles with cocaine use and heavy drinking. These issues led him to withdraw from public life for a time. In 2019, he featured in a documentary with Stephen Fry on mental health, and another documentary in 2020, “What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery?”, delved into his personal struggles and childhood trauma.
Despite these challenges, Slattery remained active in recent years, launching a podcast and resuming touring with a comedy show. His partner Hutchinson, with whom he shared over 30 years, provided support throughout his personal trials. His final works included appearances in several BBC productions.
