Tony Slattery on the set of the talk show “Clive Anderson Talks Back” circa 1992.
“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,” reads the statement.
Apart from disclosing Slattery’s cause of death, the Patreon report further reveals that despite the very best efforts made by a local hospital to save the comedian’s life, Slattery succumbed to his heart attack on January 14, 2025.
Jennifer Saunders, Hugh Laurie, Emma Freud, Tony Slattery, and Stephen Fry posing for a photo in London, England on April 1, 1991.
Known for his quick wit and larger-than-life personality, Slattery captured audiences through his unforgettable performances on “Whose Line Is It Anyway?” and a string of TV appearances and films that made him a household name in the ’90s.
Slattery and his companions took their audience on an imaginative ride with each episode, peppered with engaging conversations and the occasional surprise guest.
Fans were encouraged to join “Rambling Club” via Patreon, where members gained access to exclusive content, including early episodes, bonus recordings, and even signed memorabilia.Aside from his podcast, the statement announcing his death confirmed that Slattery, who grew up as one of five siblings, had been touring a comedy show in England.
The announcement also touched on the personal tragedies Slattery endured throughout his life, including the loss of his sister to cancer and one of his brothers to a heart attack just last year (2024).Erica Lear, a close collaborator on Slattery’s latest projects, paid tribute to the late comedian in a moving statement. “I will miss my mischievous partner in crime. They say you should never meet your heroes, but I met mine and he became my best friend,” expressed Lear.
Fry’s tribute ended with a touching expression of support for Slattery’s longtime partner Hutchinson, calling him “staunch” and “devoted” in his near four-decade relationship with Slattery.
In her accompanying message, Lederer fondly referred to Slattery as her “best friend in laughter, wit, love, absurdity.”
His career spanned decades, marked by his versatility across television, film, and live performance. His rise to prominence began during his time with Cambridge Footlights, where he performed alongside peers — Fry, Laurie, and Thompson — who would become British comedy royalty.
Following that breakthrough, Slattery became a familiar face on both the big and small screens, with appearances in notable films such as “The Crying Game,” “Robin Hood,” and “Carry On Columbus.”
Tony Slattery at the premiere of “Up ‘n’ Under” in England on January 21, 1998.
On television, he starred in shows like “Red Dwarf,” “The Royal,” and the soap opera “Coronation Street.” His comedic talents also led to appearances on other programs, including “Peter’s Friends” and “Cold Blood.”
Slattery’s contributions to comedy extended beyond his performances. In 1994, he became one of the founding patrons of the Leicester Comedy Festival, joining industry greats such as Norman Wisdom and Sean Hughes in supporting up-and-coming comedic talent.
In later years, Slattery took on more personal projects, including the deeply moving 2020 documentary “What’s the Matter With Tony Slattery?” which explored his struggles with mental health, childhood trauma, and his bipolar diagnosis.
He described the condition as a constant battle between two extremes — mania that made everything seem exhilarating, followed by periods of deep withdrawal and bleakness.
“There’s no question,” Slattery previously said when asked about the aforementioned, explaining how mental illness can often present itself in unexpected ways.
We extend our most heartfelt condolences to Hutchinson and all of Slattery’s loved ones and friends as they grieve such a significant loss. RIP, Slattery.
