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Tony Slattery 'killed by cocaine' as pals lament cruel irony of his death
Comedian Tony Slattery overcame a drug and alcohol addiction prior to his death by a heart attack on Tuesday aged 65
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Comedian Tony Slattery overcame a drug and alcohol addiction prior to his death by a heart attack on Tuesday aged 65Tony Slattery died aged 65 (
Image: Tony Slattery)
Comedian Tony Slattery's previous expensive cocaine and alcohol addiction is likely to have caused his death despite years of being clean, an expert has claimed.
The star died on Tuesday at the age of 65. He had suffered a heart attack on Sunday, his devastated partner of nearly 40 years had confirmed.
The former star of Channel 4's Whose Line Is It Anyway? had previously shared the extent of his battle with addiction. In a 2019 TV interview, he said at low points he would take 10 grams of cocaine and down two bottles of vodka each day.
However, he was able to emerge from his "lifelong battle with dark demons" and was free from addiction for a number of years. But the damage could have already been cause, an expert has said.
Tony Slattery on Whose Line Is It Anyway? in 1994 (Image:
Youtube)Ian Hamilton, Associate Professor at the University of York, explained to Mail Online how cocaine and binge drinking can have long-lasting impacts on a person's heart. He explained "While it's good news he was able to overcome and abstain, the damage could already have been done. Particularly with cocaine because it does have an effect on the Cardiovascular system through the heart.
"Unfortunately alcohol is a sneaky drug really - it creeps up on you slowly before causing problems. Cocaine is highly addictive and very damaging to the heart."
While reiterating the fact he'd always encourage people to abstain and receive help, Mr Hamilton believes the toll may have already been taken on the comic's body. He said at the height of Tony's addiction, if his words are to be true, he's been having around 50 units of alcohol a day. "When you think chief medical officers' advice is 40 units a week, it's way over the recommended level," he said.
Tony's devastating final photo was captured on Christmas Day. He posted on social media to reflect on what he called a "wonderful year". He heartbreakingly toasted to a "'healthy, happy new year" in the caption for the upload.
He wore a blue striped shirt and tinsel decorated in holly leaves around his neck for the image. He said: "Hello everyone who is watching this, Tony Slattery here. President of the Rambling Club. We have had a wonderful year and it's thanks to you, the listeners and also the Patreon people who keep us going. We are growing exponentially and we love doing it. This is just to say thank you and Merry Christmas.
"Oh and the guests we've had on. We've had on Hacker the dog, which was hilarious, Julian Carey from who I have borrowed this [he shook his tinsel]. He is in panto but spared it for me. We have got lots of really interesting guests lined up but we will keep that secret for now."
Tony Slattery and Stephen Fry (Image:
BBC / Sundog Pictures)Among those paying tribute to the late comedian was Sir Stephen Fry. Sir Stephen, 67, said his friend had been "snatched" from us following his death. Alongside a photo of the stars from their younger days, he penned on Instagram: "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."
He added: '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. 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."
*Frank offers confidential advice about drugs and addiction (email frank@talktofrank.com, message 82111 or call 0300 123 6600) or the NHS has information about getting help.
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