Comedian Stanley Baxter dies aged 99
Stanley Baxter, a Scottish actor and comedian, died at the age of 99. Born in Glasgow in 1926, he was one of Britain's most popular celebrities for many decades. Baxter appeared in a number of hit series from the 1960s to the 1980s, and he was also known for his acting roles and as a pantomime regular. Baxter died in Denville Hall, a north London care home for entertainers, where he had lived since late 2023, according to his companion and biographer Brian Beacom.
Baxter, who began his career in Scottish theatres in the 1940s, has found success in variety theatre. This resulted in his appearance in On The Bright Side, where he first performed Parliamo Glasgow, one of his most popular sketches. He delivered words in a thick Glasgow accent and then translated
them into British television's formal pronunciation style at the time.
The Stanley Baxter Show debuted on the BBC in 1963 and became a huge success before moving to London Weekend Television (LWT) in 1973. The Stanley Bxter Picture Show was on display in London. He appeared in the majority of the show's parodies of film and television, winning many Baftas. This was followed by The Stanley Baxter Series in 1981 before returning to the BBC later in the decade. He appeared on Mr Majeka before fading from television in 1990, but he continued to appear as a panto dame in Scotland for many years. He appeared in a string of three-hour radio sitcoms for BBC Radio 4, as well as a number of plays for the station.
Baxter has appeared in a number of films in the 1950s and 60s, as well as receiving a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards. In December 2020, Bafta Scotland presented Baxter with the Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award. First Minister John Swinney of Scotland was one of those who paid tribute. He described him as a giant of Scottish entertainment
who had brought countless years of joy to generations.
We are all very sad for the death of Stanley Baxter, one of Scotland's most beloved actors,BBC Scotland''s director, Hayley Valentine said.
His talent, wit, and originality set a new bar for comedy and performance that has spanned decades. "His brilliance delighted audiences for generations, but he leaves behind a lasting legacy, including his iconic BBC TV shows.
Staff at the King's Theatre in Glasgow said they had been sad by the news, but they would be commemorating Baxter's life.
they said. Baxter regarded himself as a character actor rather than a comedian, and he was a reluctant celebrity, appearing in few interviews and refusing to appear on chat shows. He said he had always been gay but said ohi had initially denied it in the years before decriminalization. Moira, his wife, was alert of the situation, according to him. The couple, who married in 1951, had been apart since the 1970s, but they stayed close and never divorced. Moira died in 1997 and Baxter's long-term partner, Marcus, died in 2016.The legendary actor and comedian made a lasting impression in panto with his memorable appearances on the King's stage,
