Tony Slattery
A reader has asked my if I will write about Tony Slatter - a 'Stonebridge boy'. The actor, comedian and master of improvisation was indeed born on the Stonebridge Estate.
He was born into an Irish working class family - the youngest of 5 children to parents Michael and Margaret Slattery. Some write that there was a big gap between him and his older sister that made him a bit of a loner.
He did very well at school and went to Gunnersbury Boys Grammar School and then Cambridge.
It emerged very late in his career that at the age of eight he had been sexually abused by a Catholic priest but had never told his parents. This contributed to mental health problems covered in a Horizon documentary 'What's the Matter with Tony Slattery?'
This much I can glean but if there is anyone out there who knew Tony in his Stonebridge days and can do him justice, please do contribute in comments below or email me at martinrfrancis@virginmedia.com
4 comments:
At times, offering a conventional expression of sympathy, such as "I am sorry," may feel insufficient, particularly when one later learns about the various challenges the individual faced throughout their life. In the case of Tony Slattery, it is plausible to argue that his childhood experiences rendered him vulnerable, potentially leading him to turn to cocaine and alcohol as a means of coping with the painful memories he endured. If this was indeed the case, he ultimately discovered that these substances were not a remedy; rather, they exacerbated his suffering, resulting in a downward spiral that culminated in both mental and physical health issues. It is noteworthy that many individuals who are still alive share similar experiences with Tony, yet not all have pursued a career as a relatively successful actor, comedian, and improvisational artist. My own age allows me to remember watching Tony Slattery's performances, which brought joy to many during the 1980s. This remains a testament to his talent, despite the numerous adversities he faced.
What local schools did he attend?
Someone said St Joseph's Harlesden but not confirmed. Secondary school as article says was Gunnersbury Boys Grammar so must have passed 11+.
I remember Tony at st Joseph’s, he was larger than life even then.
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