Tony Slattery, the British actor and comedian known for the original U.K. version of Whose Line Is It Anyway?, has died. His partner confirmed his passing on Tuesday from complications of a heart attack, per The Guardian. He was 65 years old. 

A statement on behalf of Slattery's partner of more than 30 years, Mark Michael Hutchinson, said, "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."

Slattery got his start in comedy while attending Cambridge University when classmate Stephen Fry invited him to join the student sketch comedy group the Cambridge Footlights, where fellow members included Hugh Laurie, Emma Thompson, Sandi Toksvig, Jan Ravens, and Richard Vranch (most of whom would go on to feature on Whose Line at one time or another). Slattery would eventually become president of the club—following in the footsteps of famed U.K. comics like Eric Idle, Peter Cook, and Clive Anderson (the eventual host of Whose Line). 

Slattery was a regular on Whose Line Is It Anyway? from its launch on the U.K.'s Channel 4 in 1988. He had roles in films such as How To Get Ahead In Advertising, Peter's Friends, and The Crying Game. He also appeared on stage, earning an Olivier nomination for best comedy performance in 1995 for his role in the Tim Firth play Neville’s Island. In his later career, he appeared on shows such as long-running soap opera Coronation Street and Kingdom. Slattery struggled with substance abuse and mental health issues that impacted him professionally and  (something he opened up about in the 2020 documentary What's The Matter With Tony Slattery?).

"So very sad to have lost the wonderful Tony Slattery, just about the gentlest, sweetest soul I ever knew. Not to mention a screamingly funny and deeply talented wit and clown. A cruel irony that fate should snatch him from us just as he had really begun to emerge from his lifelong battle with so many dark demons," Fry, who featured Slattery in his 2006 documentary The Secret Life Of The Manic Depressive, posted on Instagram. "He had started live 'evenings with' and his own podcast series. Lovely, at least, this past year for him to have found to his joyous surprise that he was still remembered and held in great affection. Love and condolences to Mark, his staunch, devoted life partner of almost 40 years."

This weekend, British judokas will compete in two major European tournaments: the Porec Millennium Team Cadet European Cup in Croatia and the Riga Senior European Cup in Latvia.

Porec Millennium Team Cadet European Cup

In the men’s division, Coen Gilbert (Sportif) will compete in the -50kg category, while Evan Anderson (Blyth Juno Michi) and Reece Blackshaw (Penistone JC) take on the -55kg. The -60kg field will feature Samuel Tang (Kin Ryu JC) and Jack Milligan (Wirral Judo Club), with Viktor Andriichuk (Camberley) battling in the -66kg.

Lenny Tancock and Luka Abashidze (both Bishops Stortford JK) will compete in the -73kg, while Harrison Elliot (High Wycombe Judo Centre) joins Nikoloz Shengelia (Palavani) in the -81kg.

On the women’s side, Sara Coni (Camberley) and Maisie Broadley (Wirral JC) will contest the -44kg category. Alexis Buchanan (Sportif) and Taylor Chrisp (Blyth Juno Michi) will fight in the -48kg field, while Lucy Robinson (Kin Ryu JC) will compete solo in the -52kg.

Aleksandra Dudko (Ealing JC), Maisie Shattock (Bacup JC), and Valentina Lawlor (Sportif) will take on the -57kg division. In the -63kg, Bronach Mary McGill (Sportif) and Karina Semete (Tonbridge JC) will round out the squad.

Riga Senior European Cup

Ross Dempsey (Clyde Judo) will be the sole British representative in the -60kg division, while a strong quartet of Finlay Allan (Camberley), Cameron Foster (Alness Judo), James Gray (Destination Judo), and Peter Miles (Bradley Stoke Judo) will compete in the -66kg category.

In the -73kg division, Cameron Charles and Harry Le Mare (both Camberley) will take to the mat, with Logan Campbell and Rory Tyrrell (both Camberley) contesting the -81kg. Samuel Petgrave (Westcroft JC) will compete in the -90kg category, while Daniel Ede (Westcroft JC) steps up in the +100kg division.

Lanina Solley (Camberley) will be the sole British contender in the -57kg category. Tomi Imrie (Jidel Judo 93) and Katie Mills (Camberley) will represent GB in the -63kg, while Holly Devall (Dragons Academy) rounds out the squad in the -70kg division.

Good luck to everyone competing!

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