History of Tony Slattery in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: January 15, 2025

Tony Slattery, a British actor and comedian, graced television screens regularly from the mid-1980s. Notably, he was a recurring performer on the Channel 4 improv show "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Slattery's acting prowess extended to both comedic and serious film roles. His notable film appearances include "The Crying Game," "Peter's Friends," and "How to Get Ahead in Advertising." Slattery's career showcased his versatility in improvisation and acting across various genres.

November 1959: Birth of Tony Slattery

Tony Declan James Slattery was born in November 1959.

1981: Perrier Award Win and Footlights Presidency

In 1981, Tony Slattery, along with Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, and Sandi Toksvig, won the inaugural Perrier Award for their revue "The Cellar Tapes". He also became President of the Footlights that year.

1981: Formation of "Aftertaste"

Tony Slattery and Richard Vranch formed the comedic duo "Aftertaste" in 1981. They toured Great Britain and hosted several TV shows.

1983: Television Debut

Tony Slattery made his television debut in 1983 as a regular performer on "Saturday Stayback".

1986: Relationship with Mark Michael Hutchinson

Tony Slattery began his relationship with actor Mark Michael Hutchinson in 1986. This relationship lasted until Slattery's death.

1988: "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" Debut

In 1988, Tony Slattery appeared in the first series of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?", becoming a regular performer.

1990: Appearance on "Cluedo"

Tony Slattery appeared as a contestant on the game show "Cluedo" in 1990.

1991: "S&M" Series

In 1991, Tony Slattery and Mike McShane starred in their own improvisational comedy series, "S&M".

1992: Various Television Appearances

In 1992, Tony Slattery appeared in the film "Carry On Columbus", the series "Dead Ringer", and as a contestant on "GamesMaster".

1993: Host of "Trivial Pursuit"

From 1993 to 1994, Tony Slattery hosted the game show "Trivial Pursuit".

1993: Role in "Just a Gigolo"

Tony Slattery starred in the ITV sitcom "Just a Gigolo" in 1993.

1994: Leicester Comedy Festival Patron

Tony Slattery became a founding patron of the Leicester Comedy Festival in 1994.

1994: End of "Trivial Pursuit" Hosting

Tony Slattery finished his run as host of "Trivial Pursuit" in 1994.

1995: Last Appearance on "Whose Line" and Hiatus Due to Illness

Tony Slattery made his last appearance on "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" in 1995 and began an extended period of reduced television work due to illness.

1996: First Leicester Comedy Festival Appearance

Tony Slattery appeared at the first Leicester Comedy Festival in 1996.

1996: Mental Health Struggles and Bipolar Diagnosis

Tony Slattery experienced a period of reclusiveness in 1996, culminating in a hospital stay and a bipolar disorder diagnosis.

May 1998: Elected Rector of University of Dundee

Tony Slattery was elected Rector of the University of Dundee in May 1998.

1999: Role in "The Wedding Tackle"

Tony Slattery played the character of Little Ted in the 1999 film "The Wedding Tackle".

1999: Voice Role in "Red Dwarf"

Tony Slattery provided a voice role in "Red Dwarf" in 1999.

February 2001: End of Rectorship at University of Dundee

Tony Slattery's term as Rector of the University of Dundee ended in February 2001.

December 2005: Various Television Appearances and "Coronation Street" Role

In December 2005, Tony Slattery appeared in the TV film "Ahead of the Class", "Bad Girls", and "Life Begins", and joined the cast of "Coronation Street". He also won a celebrity edition of "The Weakest Link".

April 2006: Appearance on "Grumpy Old Men"

Tony Slattery appeared on "Grumpy Old Men" in April 2006.

May 2006: Narrator in "Rocky Horror Tribute Show"

In May 2006, Tony Slattery narrated Richard O'Brien's "Rocky Horror Tribute Show".

2006: Documentary Appearance

In 2006, Tony Slattery discussed his mental health struggles in Stephen Fry's documentary, "The Secret Life of the Manic Depressive".

2007: Film and Television Roles

In 2007, Tony Slattery appeared in the film "Lady Godiva: Back in the Saddle" and the TV series "Robin Hood" and "Kingdom".

2009: Return to "Kingdom"

Tony Slattery returned for a third series of "Kingdom" in 2009.

March 2011: "Whose Line" Reunion

In March 2011, Tony Slattery appeared in a reunion special of "Whose Line Is It Anyway?" for Comic Relief.

2017: Edinburgh Fringe Appearance

Tony Slattery returned to Edinburgh and appeared at the Fringe in 2017.

2017: "Slattery Night Fever" Debut

Tony Slattery starred in the improvised comedy show "Slattery Night Fever" in London's off-West End, starting in 2017.

2018: "Slattery will get you Nowhere" Shows

In 2018, Tony Slattery appeared in shows titled "Slattery will get you Nowhere".

2018: Continuation of "Slattery Night Fever"

Tony Slattery continued performing in "Slattery Night Fever" in 2018.

April 2019: Tony Slattery Reveals Childhood Abuse

In April 2019, Tony Slattery publicly revealed that he was sexually abused by a priest at the age of eight. He believed this event contributed to his later struggles with mental health.

May 2019: Fundraising Appeal

Tony Slattery launched a fundraising appeal in May 2019 to support his continued stage appearances.

September 2020: Memoir Deal

Tony Slattery signed a deal to write his memoirs in September 2020.

2020: BBC Horizon Documentary

In 2020, Tony Slattery and his partner Mark Hutchinson were featured in a BBC Horizon documentary exploring Slattery's mental health, childhood trauma, and addictions.