Sad news from the world of comedy today as beloved funnyman Tony Slattery has passed away.
He was 65 years old.
News of Slattery’s death comes to us courtesy of a statement released by his family:
Tony Slattery’s Sudden Death: What Happened?
The press release revealed that Tony died on Tuesday after suffering a heart attack earlier in the week.
“It is with great sadness that we must announce that actor and comedian Tony Slattery, age 65, passed away today, Tuesday morning, Sunday evening following a heart attack,” the statement read. the bbc.
Born into a working-class family in London, Slattery won a scholarship to Cambridge in his teens.
It was there that he honed his craft and formed friendships with fellow artists such as Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie.
Slattery starred in the first seven seasons of the iconic improv show Whose line is it anyway? As seen in acclaimed films too the crying game And Peter’s friend
A difficult life
Sadly, after being sexually abused as a child, Tony’s adult life was marred by mental health problems and substance abuse.
In a BBC documentary titled What is the matter with Tony Slattery? The comic discussed his childhood trauma, his diagnosis of bipolar disorder, and his cocaine and alcohol dependence.
Tony received treatment for his problems and remained professionally active — most recently hosting a podcast titled “Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club” — until his final days.
Comics Richard K. Herring, Al Murray, and Helen Lederer are among those who have paid tribute to Tony’s life and legacy on social media today.
“Really sad news about Tony Slattery. Such a brilliant talent,” Murray wrote (per The Hollywood Reporter), while Haring posted: “Oh, Tony.”
“Humour, wit, love, my best friend in the absurd, my best man (twice), we loved you — now what will we do,” Lederer reflected.
Our thoughts go out to Tony Slattery’s loved ones during this difficult time.
