British actor and comedian Tony Slattery, best known for his quick-witted performances on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?," died Tuesday morning following a heart attack. He was 65.
His death was confirmed by his longtime partner Mark Michael Hutchinson, who told the BBC that Slattery suffered the heart attack on Sunday evening.
Slattery rose to prominence as a regular cast member on the improvisational comedy show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" from 1988 to 1995, where he delighted audiences with his sharp comedic timing and spontaneous humor.
Born in North London in 1959, Slattery began his entertainment career while studying at the University of Cambridge. There, he joined the prestigious Cambridge Footlights comedy group alongside future stars Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, and Emma Thompson. His talent and leadership abilities led him to become the group's president.
His television career launched in 1983 on "Saturday Stayback," where he became a regular performer. Throughout the 1990s, Slattery expanded his presence on British television, appearing on popular shows including "Have I Got News for You" and "Just a Minute." He also hosted his own film review program, "Saturday Night at the Movies."
Beyond television, Slattery built a diverse acting career in film, appearing in "How to Get Ahead in Advertising" (1989), "Peter's Friends" (1992), and the acclaimed thriller "The Crying Game" (1992).
The comedian's distinctive style and memorable performances on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" helped establish him as one of Britain's most recognized improvisational talents during the show's heyday.