According to The Hollywood Reporter, British comedian and actor Tony Slattery (The Crying Game, Gems, Peter’s Friends), known for his quick humor and standout performances on Channel 4’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has died at 65. His partner, Mark Michael Hutchinson (Blood Brothers), shared the news with the BBC, explaining that Slattery passed away Tuesday morning after suffering a heart attack on Sunday night.
Hailing from Stonebridge in north London, Slattery came from a modest background but earned a scholarship to Cambridge University. It was there that he fell in love with the stage, joining the esteemed Cambridge Footlights comedy group at the invitation of fellow student Stephen Fry (Gosford Park, The Morning Show). During his time with the troupe, he worked alongside future stars like Emma Thompson (Sense and Sensibility, Saving Mr. Banks), Hugh Laurie (House, Tomorrowland), Sandi Toksvig (No 73), Jan Ravens (Dead Ringers) and Richard Vranch (Smack the Pony, Hello Mum), many of whom became lifelong collaborators.
Slattery’s career began with appearances on shows like Saturday Stayback (1983), Behind the Bike Sheds and the Saturday morning program TX. His breakthrough, however, came with Whose Line Is It Anyway?, where his improvisational skills earned him widespread acclaim. He also enjoyed success in film, with notable roles in The Crying Game (1989) and Peter’s Friends (1992), acting alongside his Cambridge peers. His performance in Tim Firth’s play Neville’s Island earned him an Olivier Award nomination for comedic excellence.
On Tuesday, tributes poured in from colleagues and admirers. Comedian Al Murray (Time Gentlemen Please, The Life of Rock with Brian Pern) described Slattery as “a dazzling talent,” while Richard K. Herring (This Morning with Richard Not Judy) expressed his sorrow with a simple, “Oh, Tony.” Actress and comedian Helen Lederer (Happy Families) shared a heartfelt message, calling him her “best friend in laughter, wit, love, absurdity,” and adding, “What will we do now.”