Tony Slattery, beloved ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’ comedian, dies at 65

British actor Tony Slattery, famed for his improvisational comedy on ‘Whose Line Is It Anyway?’, passes away.

Tony Slattery, the British actor and comedian best known for his work on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?', has passed away at the age of 65, his family confirmed. 

The London-born performer died on Tuesday morning following a heart attack that occurred on Sunday evening.

Slattery rose to fame in the late 1980s for his quick-witted improvisations on Channel 4's 'Whose Line Is It Anyway?', a show that showcased his comedic genius. He appeared in 48 episodes of the series from 1988 to 1995, alongside notable cast members like Paul Merton, Josie Lawrence, and Sandi Toksvig. His departure from the show in 1995 was felt by fans, with the series experiencing a decline in ratings afterward.

Beyond his television career, Slattery also made significant contributions to film and theatre. He starred in films like 'The Crying Game', 'Peter's Friends', and 'How to Get Ahead in Advertising'. His stage work earned him an Olivier Award nomination for Best Comedy Performance for his role in 'Neville’s Island' by Tim Firth.

Born in 1959 into a working-class family in North London, Slattery attended Cambridge University, where he was introduced to showbiz. He joined the Cambridge Footlights, which led to collaborations with future stars like Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Emma Thompson. Slattery went on to perform in theatre productions and TV shows, including hosting the children's programme 'TX' and appearing in 'Me and My Girl' in 1986.

Despite his success, Slattery faced personal struggles, including a breakdown in 1996. He is survived by his partner of over three decades, Mark Michael Hutchinson.