Tony Slattery, the beloved comic and star of *Have I Got News for You*,
tragically passed away at the age of 65 following a heart attack on Sunday evening.
His partner, Michael Mark Hutchinson, confirmed the news in a heartfelt statement shared with the public:
“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.”
The news has left fans and colleagues in mourning, as the comedian was an iconic figure in British television and comedy.
In a poignant twist, Slattery had predicted his death years before it occurred. Back in 2019, the comedian spoke candidly about his own mortality in an interview with *The Guardian*, expressing a sense of resignation and acceptance.
At the time, he was focused on reaching his 60th birthday, a milestone he had set as a personal goal. Reflecting on his life, Slattery mused about the possibility of meeting his maker, saying with a smile, “A lot can happen between now and then.” His words now feel especially haunting, given that his death came a few years after this interview.
Despite his earlier prediction, Slattery’s life was filled with numerous challenges. His bravery in opening up about his difficult past and mental health struggles was deeply inspiring. In the same 2019 interview, he spoke about the trauma he endured as a child, revealing that he had been sexually abused by a priest at the age of eight. This deeply personal revelation was part of his larger conversation on mental health, which he continued to explore throughout his life. His reflections on the abuse were painful, and he admitted to feeling “embarrassed” by the lasting effects it had on him. His candidness about his childhood suffering and the impact it had on his life resonated with many who faced similar battles.
Slattery also bravely discussed his long-term struggles with bipolar disorder, a mental health condition that he had openly lived with and talked about for years. His transparency about the condition and his battle with addiction brought attention to the intersection between mental health and personal trauma. In 2020, he revealed that he had faced significant financial difficulties, including bankruptcy, largely due to his struggles with substance abuse and mental health issues. Slattery spoke candidly to *Radio Times* about how his financial mismanagement, combined with misplaced trust in others, contributed to his financial downfall.
Despite these challenges, Slattery remained a vibrant and beloved figure in British comedy. In addition to his time on *Have I Got News for You*, where he became known for his sharp wit and quick humor, Slattery also worked with other comedy giants such as Dame Emma Thompson, Sir Stephen Fry, and Hugh Laurie during his years at the University of Cambridge. He served as the president of the Cambridge Footlights, an iconic improv group, and continued to bring joy to audiences through his comedy. Even in his later years, he kept his comedy spirit alive by touring a show in England and launching a podcast, *Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club*, in October.
Slattery’s death has sparked an outpouring of tributes from those who knew him. Journalist Hadley Freeman, who interviewed Slattery in 2019 and 2020, expressed her sorrow on Twitter (now X), writing, “Oh I’m so sad to hear that Tony Slattery has passed away. Interviewing him in 2019 and 2020 was such an honour. So much love to his devoted partner Mark. Despite everything, I will always remember him like this, so handsome and brilliant on *Whose Line*.”
Tony Slattery’s passing leaves behind a legacy of humor, honesty, and resilience. He will be remembered not only for his brilliant comedic talent but also for his courage in confronting personal demons and speaking openly about mental health issues. Fans and colleagues alike will cherish the memory of his infectious humor and the joy he brought to so many throughout his life.
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