Gay Comedian Tony Slattery Passes Away At 65 But His Comedy And Courage Live On
Tony Slattery, the quick-witted British actor and comedian loved by many, has passed away at 65. As reported by the BBC, Tony died on Tuesday, 14 January, after suffering a heart attack earlier in the week. His partner of over 30 years, Mark Michael Hutchinson, confirmed the sad news: “It is with great sadness we must announce actor and comedian Tony Slattery has passed away today.”
Gutted. Thank you, Tony, for making me laugh, long & hard, every time I saw you. 💔
— James Dreyfus (@DreyfusJames) January 14, 2025
RIP Tony Slattery pic.twitter.com/7dLT3Yk1Li
Slattery was a comedic force in the late ’80s and ’90s, best known for his work on Channel 4’s Whose Line Is It Anyway? Whether improvising on that iconic stage or appearing in films like The Crying Game, To Die For, and Peter’s Friends, Tony’s performances captivated audiences.
Tony Slattery Made Us Laugh Like No One Else
Between 1988 and 1995, Tony brought his wild energy and sharp humour to Whose Line Is It Anyway?, earning his place as a standout among comedy legends. On stage, he was just as brilliant, delivering award-worthy performances like his role in Neville’s Island, which earned him an Olivier Award nomination.
But what made Tony unforgettable wasn’t just his comedy. He had the ability to connect with his audience, balancing bold humour with moments of real vulnerability. He made us laugh, he made us think, and sometimes, he even made us look inward.
A Brave Voice for Mental Health
Tony was as honest as he was talented. He openly shared his struggles with bipolar disorder and addiction, showing a side of himself that wasn’t always easy to talk about. In 2020, his BBC documentary What’s The Matter With Tony Slattery? gave audiences an intimate look at his experiences with mental health and addiction.
Clearly going to have to spend the evening rewatching all of Tony Slattery's best bits now… pic.twitter.com/detA93DkqF
— Simbanrat (@simbanrat) January 14, 2025
After news of his passing spread, tributes from friends, comedians, and fans filled social media.
Comedian Alexander Fox called him “kind and thoughtful,” reflecting on a memorable encounter at the Edinburgh Fringe. Writer Jason Reid reminisced about bumping into Tony in Soho, saying he was always approachable and warm. Podcaster Paul Carmichael shared a photo of them together, writing, “My lovely, lovely chum. I shall miss you so very much.”
Perhaps the most touching words came from producer Erica Lear, who described Tony as her “mischievous partner in crime.” She added, “They say you should never meet your heroes, but I met mine, and he became my best friend.”
