Comedian Tony Slattery has died at age 65 from a heart attack after a long struggle with addiction, bipolar disorder, and depression. His partner, Mark Michael Hutchinson, announced his passing on January 14, 2025. Slattery was known for his role in Channel 4’s “Who’s on the Line” and as chairman of the Cambridge Footlights, alongside luminaries like Emma Thompson and Stephen Fry. He also appeared in shows including “Whose Line Is It Anyway” and “Have I Got News For You.” Despite recently touring and launching a podcast, he faced challenges stemming from a traumatic past and substance abuse.
Comedian Tony Slattery has died of a heart attack at the age of 65 after a long battle with cocaine and alcohol addiction, bipolar disorder and depression.
The stand-up, best known as the star of Channel 4’s Who’s on the Line, died on Sunday night, his partner of 40 years, Mark Michael Hutchinson, revealed.
Mr Slattery was a contemporary of Cambridge’s Sir Emma Thompson, Sir Stephen Fry and Hugh Laurie, and was chairman of the world-famous improvisational group the Cambridge Footlights.
He then rose to fame after appearing in comedy shows such as Whose Line Is It Anyway, Just A Minute, and Have I Got News For You.
However, it was later revealed that he was battling addiction. At his lowest point, he was taking 10g of cocaine, downing two bottles of vodka and was spending £4,000 a week on his drug habit.
In 2020, he revealed that he was raped by a priest when he was eight years old, suffered from depression throughout his life, and even at the height of his fame, turned to cocaine and booze to cope.
His last appearance on television was five years ago. However, he has recently been touring a comedy show in the UK and launched his own podcast, Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club, in October.
His partner Mark Michael Hutchinson revealed his death, writing: “It is with great sadness that actor and comedian Tony Slattery, 65, passed away today, Tuesday morning, after suffering a heart attack on Sunday night. I have to make an announcement.”
Tony Slattery dies of heart attack at age 65
Actor and comedian dies of heart attack