He was a wonderful team player in Whose Line Is It Anyway? – and affection for him only grew when he disclosed the severe pain and distress he was trying keep at bay
• Comedian Tony Slattery dies aged 65
• Tony Slattery: a life in pictures
Improvisation has seldom taken off on television, and – for all its grassroots popularity – maintains a fairly niche profile even away from the small screen. There is one significant exception, and that’s Whose Line Is It Anyway?, a huge hit for Channel 4 in the 80s and 90s. What was it about this particular format, at that particular time, that made mincemeat of the rule? Well, judging by the outpouring of grief for Tony Slattery, one of its breakout performers, who died this week, it had a lot to do with its cast – a striking collection of talents and personalities for whom public affection remains high 30 years later.
Take the eulogies at face value, and you would believe Slattery was the programme’s standout performer – but I’m not sure that accords with my memories, or with a dip into the show’s clips online. Yes, his was a presence that drew the eye, with its intriguing combination of demureness and unpredictability – and he was handsome, too. But this was an ensemble show, not a star vehicle – that may even have been part of its unique alchemy, in an art form, improv, where teamwork is key even as it’s often overwhelmed by look-at-me theatrics. If Slattery threatened to steal the show, Mike McShane, John Sessions and Josie Lawrence could easily steal it back again.
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