Stephen Fry leads tributes to comedian and actor Tony Slattery
Sir Stephen Fry, Al Murray and Helen Lederer have paid tribute to Tony Slattery.
Sir Stephen Fry has led tributes to late comedian and former university pal Tony Slattery.
The legendary ‘90s improv comedian and actor - who was best known for appearing on comedy shows including 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?', 'Just A Minute' and 'Have I Got News For You' - passed away on Tuesday (14.01.25) morning, at the age of 65, after suffering a heart attack on Sunday (12.01.25) evening, his longtime partner Mark Michael Hutchinson confirmed.
And Stephen, who also appeared on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' and was in Cambridge University's Footlights drama group with Slattery, has hailed him "the gentlest, sweetest soul I ever knew" and "screamingly funny".
He wrote on Instagram: "So very sad to have lost the wonderful Tony Slattery, just about the gentlest, sweetest soul I ever knew. Not to mention a screamingly funny and deeply talented wit and clown. A 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. He had started live “evenings with” and his own podcast series. Lovely, at least, this past year for him to have found to his joyous surprise that he was still remembered and held in great affection. Love and condolences to Mark, his staunch, devoted life partner of almost 40 years."
Another 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' co-star, Josie Lawrence, commented: "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."
Stand-up Al Murray wrote: "Really sad news about Tony Slattery. Such a dazzling talent."
'Absolutely Fabulous' star Helen Lederer penned: "My best friend in laughter, wit, love, absurdity, being my best man (twice), we adored you - what will we do now."
A statement issued on behalf of Slattery's partner Mark read: “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.”
The actor’s passing came just a few months after he completed a comedy tour of England and launched the ‘Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club’ podcast.
The comedian was open about his battle with Bipolar Disorder and addiction that led to periods living as a recluse.
He released the BBC Two documentary ‘What's the Matter with Tony Slattery?’ in 2020 about how “overworking, alcohol and substance abuse” led to his breakdown in 1996, at the age of 36, and his decision to flee the spotlight.
His prolific TV career also saw Slattery play D.I. Alan Hayes in series seven of hit BBC drama 'Bad Girls' and Eric Talford on soap opera 'Coronation Street' in 2005.
A year later, he appeared in 'Grumpy Old Men' on BBC Two.
In 2011, Slattery starred in a reunion special of 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?' along with David Walliams, Josie Lawrence, Clive Anderson, Humphrey Ker and Neil Mullarkey for the BBC Comic Relief show '24-Hour Panel People'.
