What happened to Tony Slattery? Tributes pour in as British actor and comedian passes away

British actor and comedian Tony Slattery has passed away at the age of 65 following a cardiac arrest.

Slattery’s long-standing partner Mark Michael Hutchinson, confirmed the news and said,

“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.”

He was known for his quick-witted improvisations and unique comedy style on Channel 4 comedy show Whose Line Is It Anyway? The UK-based series aired from September 23, 1988, to February 4, 1999.

Sir Stephen Fry who was also a regular on the show paid his tribute on Instagram. He wrote,

“So very sad to have lost the wonderful Tony Slattery, just about the gentlest, sweetest soul I ever knew.”

He added,

“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."

Tributes have been pouring in for the late actor and comedian on social media. Here is how his friends and followers are remembering him.

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How people have paid their tributes to Tony Slattery?

Tony Slattery has a huge fan following on social media. He was loved by his friends and family. Here is how they have paid their tributes on his demise.

“Gutted. Thank you, Tony, for making me laugh, long & hard, every time I saw you. RIP Tony Slattery.” One fan wrote.

“Helen and Tony - The Friendship File | Podfollow the saddest passing of my friend - the biggest laugher with the tightest wit - who knew everything about the absurd - what will we do now.” Wrote Slattery’s friend Helen Lederer.

“RIP Tony Slattery. Brilliant quick wit, kind, thoughtful.” Wrote comedian, Arthur Smith.

“So sad to see that Tony Slattery has died - will forever think of him having the last word in hoedowns on Whose Line Is It Anyway?” Another user wrote.

“So sad to hear devastating news that Tony Slattery’s died. Such genius, comic brilliance, Robin Williams class speed of thought, danger, energy. All of which came at a huge price. RIP.” One person commented.

“It is with deep sadness I learnt the news of Tony Slattery passing today. One of the most beautiful and funniest humans I have ever met. His wit was none other and a true genius of comedy. Goodbye, my barmy friend #tonyslattery #riptonyslattery.” Wrote his friend, Jonny Kight.

“My heart. I will love you forever. Wherever you are. #tonyslattery.” Another friend added.

Slattery’s fellow comedian, AI Murray told ITV News that he was,

“Incredible, dazzling talent. Most people know him through Whose Line Is It Anyway? where he is improvising, he’s extemporising, he’s just coming up with it off the cuff, and he was brilliant at that. The death of Tony Slattery is 'terribly sad'.”

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About Tony Slattery’s career

According to Tony Slattery’s IMDb page, he was born in Northern London on November 9, 1959. While studying at the University of Cambridge, he was introduced to aspiring actor Stephen Fry, who invited him to join the renowned Cambridge Footlights.

He also met his contemporaries Dame Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie during this period. Their group became known for its humorous productions, according to a report.

Slattery was made the President of Footlights in 1982. He also got a chance to make guest appearances in British television shows. His big break came in 1986 when he starred in the West End musical Me and My Girl.

He became a prominent figure in films during the 1980s and 1990s which included The Crying Game, Peter's Friends, and the black comedy How To Get Ahead In Advertising.

Tony Slattery launched a podcast in October called Tony Slattery's Rambling Club and had been touring a comedy show across England.