Tony's Bio

A little about Tony... Born Nov. 9, 1959 in Northern London, Tony was the fifth and final child of Michael and Margaret Slattery, working class immigrants from Ireland. As a child he was a bit of a loner since his sister Marlene was much older than him and his triplet brothers, Christopher, Michael and Stephen tended to stay within their own circle but still, he says, he had a "gloriously happy" childhood.

Tony, at 8 years of age.

One of the things that kept him busy was a companion he made out of an old pair of pajamas which he stuffed with rags, then used a cricket ball in a sock for the head. He was already showing signs of the improvisational creativity he would become known for in his adulthood. He called his "playmate" Fred and he would act out scenes from 'The Man From Uncle', practice judo and basically beat the stuffing out of him (literally!). That practice with "Fred" gained him the opportunity to represent Britain in a 15 and under competition in judo and he achived a Black Belt by the time he was 17 years old.

Tony with Josie Lawrence

After completing his schooling at Gunnersbury Boy's Grammar School in West London, Tony won a scholarship to study medieval and modern languages at Cambridge University, specializing in Spanish Poetry and French Literature. It was during his time at Cambridge that Tony was introduced to the theatre. He was invited by Stephen Fry to become a member of the renouned Cambridge University Footlights Dramatic Club and from that point on, any thoughts he once had of becoming an academic ended when "getting up on stage and hearing laughter took over." The Footlights won the very first Perrier Comedy Award at the Edinburgh Festival in 1981 for their production of "The Cellar Tapes". Then in 1982, Tony was given the prestigious honor of being named President of the Footlights following such luminaries as Eric Idle, Clive Anderson and Peter Cook. That year's touring show was entitled "Premises Premises".

Tony in 1981 while with the Cambridge University Footlights Dramatic Club.

Tony's fellow students / performers included a number of future stars such as: Emma Thompson, Stephen Fry, Hugh Laurie, Jan Ravens, Sandi Toksvig, Morwenna Banks and Richard Vranch .

Tony proves what a good sport he is during "Helping Hands".

Blessed with a wild sense of humor, one of his most endearing qualities, Tony will do just about anything for a laugh. That's probably the reason he was one of the most popular performers on Whose Line Is It Anyway? for 7 years. Some of WLIIA's craziest games have to be credited to this twisted puppy. And I mean that in the NICEST way! :-) Before his appearances on Whose Line is it Anyway?, he started his professional career doing "a kind of variety act, with bizarre turns" but after dodging bottles at the now defunct Tunnel Club, he realized he would never be a stand up comedian. He then put together a video tape of his best material and sent it off to Whose Line and found a showcase for his talents.

For those not familier with Whose Line Is It Anyway?, it's a very funny improvisational comedy show that started in England on Channel 4, hosted by Clive Anderson (seen in the US on Comedy Central). There was a US version of the show on ABC hosted by Drew Carey. The US show had a number of the cast members from the british show on it as regulars, including Ryan Stiles and Colin Mochrie but sadly, Tony was never a guest on it.

An article written about Tony stated... "Tony Slattery has usually come across on his chat and quiz shows as a bit of a rude boy, frighteningly fluent and funny but with a manic streak, and often pushing the boundaries of decency. In private conversation, he is rather proper, considerate and amusing, with a baroque use of the English language. 'Words are loaded pistols,' he is fond of saying. 'You use them at your peril.'". This isn't too surprising. Some of the things Tony has done on WLIIA have been so outrageous, it sometimes looks as if he's even embarrassed himself! He'll either start blushing or hold his hands over his face while giggling to himself. No one can get offended though because he has this angelic face that allows him to get away with almost anything and all we can do is laugh.

This picture pretty much proves that "rude boy" statment. During the "World's Worst" things to find while flipping through the tv channels, Tony says "Welcome back to the 3rd round of saliva darts", then proceeds to let a big ole wet one sail across the stage, cracking everyone up so badly, they ended the round right there! :-)

Given his reputation in the media though, what people may not realize is that Tony is a very brilliant and articulate, shy man. Even through all of the silliness, when you watch him, it's obvious he's also a very generous and sensitive person. He's always quick to shake someone's hand or give them a pat on the back and tell them "well done" after a good performance.

WLIIA's Dream Team

Top: Greg Proops and Ryan Stiles
Bottom: Colin Mochrie and Tony
Honorable mentions go to Josie Lawrence, Steve Frost, Paul Merton and Mike McShane.

In 1998, Tony added a new job to his resume. He was elected to the post of Rector at Dundee University. As Rector, Tony attended university court meetings to represent the students and their interests and see to their well-being. When elected Tony said "I know it sounds cliche' but when the moment came I was very flattered and honoured and I saw it as a chance to do something important, authentic and useful."

Tony celibrates his election as rector at Dundee.

For two years prior to his election as rector, Tony went through a dark period in his life as he suffered from endogenous clinical depression. Compounding his depression and subsequent breakdown was the fact that he was also suffering from exhaustion. He had been working non-stop since his graduation from Cambridge without ever taking a break. He said "The only excuse I can offer is of my plain, basic insecurity and because of my working class ethic - make hay while the sun shines." That period of time was very traumatic for him but he has since gained great strength from it. Tony said he believed that experience would be helpful in his role as rector. "Student days can be the happiest of your life but they can also be isolating and depressing..." He has since been trying to rebuild his life saying "I reached the bottom and there is no more fuel left to destroy myself further. It's evaporated, I've used it up and there's nothing left now. In fact, things can only get better."

Tony as Brian in the film, "Peter's Friends".

Fortunately for his fans, after taking some time off to focus on his recovery, Tony has returned to working again. He occasionally performed live at The Comedy Store in London and now is making guest appearences with Grand Theft Improv. He also has made appearances in a number of TV and Radio programs in the UK and has had roles in a number of feature films.

Tony in the UK film, " The Wedding Tackle".

I admire Tony for conquering his demons and his willingness to talk so openly about them. He has become a source of inspiration to others dealing with similar issues. I hope the rest of his life is filled with love and happiness. He deserves nothing less after all the happiness and entertainment he has provided us with.