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Career and work
Slattery began performing with the Cambridge Footlights while studying at the University of Cambridge. The troupe that included Slattery, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie and Emma Thompson won the inaugural Perrier Award at the Edinburgh Festival Fringe in 1981. [3]
He became widely known through Channel 4’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?, where he was a frequent performer. He also worked extensively in television, film, theatre and radio, and returned to live performance in later years. In 2024, he launched the podcast Tony Slattery’s Rambling Club. [3]
What has been publicly discussed
Sources and other resourcesExpand to view the sources used in this profile and resources to learn more.
Sources used for this profile
The following sources contain information that supports the claims made on this page.
The Guardian“Tony Slattery: ‘I had a very happy time until I went slightly barmy’” First-person interview covering Slattery’s bipolar diagnosis, mood changes, substance use and reflections on his mental health.
The Observer“Comic relief: Miranda Sawyer meets Tony Slattery” Detailed interview covering his 1996 breakdown, isolation, hospitalization, psychiatric care, medication and substance use.
The Guardian“Tony Slattery obituary” Career overview covering the Cambridge Footlights, Whose Line Is It Anyway?, later work, addiction, bipolar diagnosis and his death in 2025.
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The Guardian“Tony Slattery: ‘This terrible thing still weighs on me. Why, after all this time?’” Interview about his documentary, continuing therapy, reduced alcohol use and ongoing efforts to understand his mental health.
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Recommended books and other resources about Tony Slattery and their experiences.
- The Secret Life of the Manic DepressiveBBC Two
Stephen Fry’s documentary about bipolar disorder, featuring Slattery among the people discussing their own experiences.
- What’s the Matter with Tony Slattery?BBC Two
Documentary following Slattery as he revisits his mental-health history and seeks further clinical assessment.