Who was Tony Slattery’s partner? Late comedian often credited Mark Hutchinson for keeping him alive

Tony Slattery, a British comedian known for his appearance on 'Whose Line Is It Anyway,' has passed away at 65. Slattery endured a long struggle with cocaine and alcohol addiction, along with the challenges of bipolar disorder and depression. Despite these ongoing battles, Slattery had time and again expressed gratitude to Mark Hutchinson, his partner of nearly 40 years, for helping him survive.

Tony and Mark first crossed paths in 1986 while performing in the West End production of Me and My Girl in London. Slattery shared that their initial interactions were limited due to their mutual shyness, going six months without speaking. Reflecting on their connection, he recalled a moment when their eyes met and lingered, marking the start of their bond. Tony admitted:

"I met him in a musical, Me and My Girl, we were both very shy and didn't speak to each for six months... Our eyes lingered just a bit too long [on one occasion] - without him I'd be dead no question about that!"

In 2020, the couple shared their journey about Tony's struggles with alcohol and mental health in the BBC Two documentary What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery?

The powerful documentary delved into the connection between Tony's struggles with addiction, his mental health challenges, and the trauma of being sexually abused by a priest at the age of eight.

In the documentary, Mark opened up about the difficulties of supporting Tony Slattery, describing him as unpredictable and constantly on edge. He said:

"It's tiring caring for someone, loving someone who is constantly on the edge. I don't know where the alcohol stops and where the depression starts... You don't know what to prioritise or treat first: is it because of the alcohol or is it depression,"

Mark Hutchinson also admitted to witnessing countless versions of Tony throughout their time together, highlighting the complexity of his partner’s journey. He said:

"I see Tony and he seems right as rain, then he'll go out and it's like there's another Tony there,"

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How did Tony Slattery die?

According to the Daily Mail, Tony Slattery passed away following a heart attack. Mark Hutchinson released a statement following his death:

"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."

Fellow comedian Sir Stephen Fry took to his Instagram to share a tribute to Tony Slattery. He wrote:

"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."

Tony SLattery's Whose Line Is It Anyway co-star Josie Lawrence also posted on her X:

"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."

Fellow comedians and performers shared heartfelt tributes to Tony Slattery, celebrating his humor, talent, and kindness. Richard K. Herring expressed his grief with a simple, 'Oh, Tony,' while Al Murray called him 'a dazzling talent' and mourned his loss. Helen Lederer, actress and comedian, shared a deeply personal message, calling him her 'best friend in laughter, wit, love, and absurdity' and reminiscing about his role as her best man—twice.

Arthur Smith remembered Slattery’s 'brilliant quick wit' and thoughtfulness, while Tom Walker, known as Jonathan Pie, described the news as 'absolutely heartbreaking' and called Slattery a genius.

David Baddiel lamented the loss, calling it 'so sad,' and Les Dennis praised Slattery as both a 'wonderful talent' and a genuinely nice man.