Actor and comedian Tony Slattery had died aged 65 from a heart attack
Slattery was best known for his appearances on Channel 4’s comedy improvisation show ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ and the comedy shows ‘Just a Minute’ and ‘Have I Got News for You’.
Slattery's partner of over 30 years Mark Michael Hutchinson said in a statement: “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."
Slattery was born in 1959 in London to Irish parents. He attended Cambridge University next to Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie. While there he was president of the legendary improv group Cambridge Footlights.
Outside of stand-up, Slattery acted in films such as ’The Crying Game’, ‘Peter's Friends’ and ‘How to Get Ahead in Advertising’.
Slattery also starred in theatre shows, receiving a 1995 Olivier Award nomination for Best Comedy Performance for the Tim Firth play ‘Neville's Island’. He made his West End debut with the 1930s style musical ‘Radio Times’.
Slattery had always been open about his struggles with Bipolar disorder, and in 2020 opened up about his bankruptcy following a long battle with mental health issues and substance abuse. He released a BBC documentary titled ‘What's the Matter with Tony Slattery?’ where he and his partner visit experts on mood disorders and addiction.
Slattery had recently been touring a comedy show across the UK and decided to launch a podcast in October called, ‘Tony Slattery's Rambling Club’
Comedians including Richard K Herring and Al Murray are among those who have paid tribute to the late star.
"Really sad news about Tony Slattery," Murray wrote on X. "Such a dazzling talent."
Satirical journalist Tom Walker, said the news of Slattery's passing was "absolutely heartbreaking", and described the comedian as a "genius".
