7 Reasons Stanley Baxter’s Death Leaves a Huge Void in Comedy
Scottish entertainment legend Stanley Baxter dies at 99. Discover 7 powerful reasons his loss leaves a lasting impact on comedy and generations of fans.
Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died at the age of 99.
Born in Glasgow in 1926, he was one of the biggest stars of British television for several decades.
Baxter appeared in numerous hit series between the 1960s and 1980s, and was also known for his acting roles and regular pantomime appearances.
His friend and biographer, Brian Beacom, said Baxter died on Thursday at Denville Hall, a care home for people associated with entertainment in North London, where he had lived since late 2023.
After beginning his career in Scottish theatre in the 1940s, Baxter gained recognition in variety theatre.
This led to his being cast in the comedy sketch show On the Bright Side, where he first performed what would become one of his most popular sketches – "Parliamento Glasgow."
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In this spoof of a foreign language program, he spoke in a thick Glasgow accent and then "translated" it into the formal pronunciation style of British television at the time.
The Stanley Baxter Show debuted on the BBC in 1963 and was a huge hit, before he moved to London Weekend Television (LWT) in 1973 with The Stanley Baxter Picture Show.
He played most of the roles in the show's parodies of film and television, winning several BAFTAs.
This was followed by The Stanley Baxter Series in 1981, and then returned to the BBC later that decade.
He also appeared in the children's show Mr. Magica before retiring from television in 1990, but he continued to work as a panto dame in Scotland for several more years.
He later appeared in a series of three half-hour radio sitcoms for BBC Radio 4 and also recorded several plays for the station.
Baxter also appeared in numerous films in the 1950s and 60s, and received a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards.
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In December 2020, BAFTA Scotland presented Baxter with its award for his outstanding contribution to film and television.
Scotland's First Minister, John Swinney, was among those who paid tribute.
He described him as "a towering figure in Scottish entertainment" who "brought enormous joy to generations."
Hayley Valentine said: "We are all deeply saddened by the passing of Stanley Baxter, one of Scotland's most beloved stars.
"His talent, wit, and originality set a benchmark for comedy and performance that lasted for decades.
"His talent delighted audiences for generations, and he leaves behind a wonderful legacy, including his celebrated BBC TV shows."
Staff at the King's Theatre in Glasgow said they were saddened by the news but would celebrate Baxter's life.
They said, "The renowned actor and comedian made a unique and lasting impact on the world of panto with his memorable performances on the King's stage." Baxter always considered himself a character actor rather than a comedian and was a reticent figure, giving few interviews and refusing to appear on chat shows. At the age of 94, he confirmed that he had always been gay, but said he initially concealed the truth to avoid arrest in the years before decriminalization.
He said his wife, Moira, was fully aware of the situation. The couple, who married in 1951, had been living separately since the 1970s, but remained close and never divorced.
Moira died in 1997 and Baxter's long-term partner, Marcus, died in 2016.
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