• British comedian Tony Slattery, known for his improvisational talent, has died at 65 after suffering a heart attack.
• Slattery starred in popular shows including Whose Line Is It Anyway?, Just A Minute, and Have I Got News For You.
• He was a celebrated figure in British comedy, renowned for his quick wit and engaging performances.
• Friends, fans, and fellow comedians have shared heartfelt tributes, celebrating his life and legacy.
• Slattery was open about his struggles with mental health, including bipolar disorder, throughout his career.

British comedian and actor Tony Slattery has died at the age of 65, his partner Mark Michael Hutchinson confirmed. Slattery passed away following a heart attack on Sunday evening, his partner announced on Tuesday morning. Known for his vibrant personality and improvisational skills, Slattery was a beloved figure in the British comedy scene, famous for his role on the Channel 4 show Whose Line Is It Anyway? from 1988 to 1995, where he showcased his quick-witted prowess alongside other comedic greats like Paul Merton, Sandi Toksvig, and Stephen Fry.

Born on 9 November 1959 in North London, Slattery was a product of Cambridge University, where he was a contemporary of notable figures such as Emma Thompson and Hugh Laurie. His involvement in the Cambridge Footlights troupe launched his career, and he subsequently achieved fame through various performances in theater and film, including his roles in the crime thriller The Crying Game and the comedy How to Get Ahead in Advertising.

Fellow comedians have paid tribute to Slattery, with Sandi Toksvig recalling, “I don’t think I ever met a more beautiful man than Tony Slattery.” Richard Herring and Al Murray expressed their admiration, recognizing Slattery's dazzling talent and the impact he had on their lives. Other tributes from the comedy community highlighted his kindness, humor, and remarkable ability to light up any room.

Throughout his career, Slattery faced personal challenges, including mental health struggles and substance abuse issues, which he openly discussed in various interviews and documentaries. In 2020, he featured in the BBC Two documentary What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery?, shedding light on his battles with bipolar disorder. He candidly mentioned the depths of his struggles, saying, “I was just in a pool of despair and mania,” during an interview where he spoke about his experience with isolation and financial turmoil.

Slattery's legacy extends beyond his performances; he also made substantial contributions to theatre, earning an Olivier Award nomination for his role in the play Neville’s Island. He gained recognition as one of the first to receive the Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Festival alongside Fry and Thompson, marking the beginning of a long and storied career in entertainment.

His recent endeavors included touring a comedy show in England and launching the podcast Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club. His partner Hutchinson, who stood by him during turbulent times, expressed profound loss and affection, stating the importance of unconditional love in Slattery's life.

As tributes continue to pour in from both the public and fellow entertainers, Tony Slattery's indelible mark on the world of comedy will be remembered and cherished. He is survived by Hutchinson and leaves behind a legacy of laughter, warmth, and profound impact on the lives he touched. For further details, you can read more from the BBC and The Guardian.