**Stanley Baxter, Iconic Glaswegian Comic Actor, Passes Away at 99**
Stanley Baxter, the beloved Glaswegian comic actor and impressionist, has passed away at the age of 99. Known for his audacious impersonations of figures such as the Pope and the Queen, Baxter delighted audiences with his comedic routines that celebrated his native Glasgow through the lens of its unique patois. Throughout his illustrious career, he garnered numerous accolades, including a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards and two television tribute programs.
Baxter’s friend and biographer, Brian Beacom, confirmed that the television star died on Thursday at Denville Hall, a care home in North London for entertainment figures. He had resided there since late 2023 and was just months away from his 100th birthday.
His television shows, often featuring him in extravagant drag, captivated large audiences and established him as one of the most humorous—and at times controversial—comedians of his era. Baxter was also a fixture on the Scottish pantomime circuit until his retirement in 1991. Although he made occasional appearances after retiring, he largely stepped back from the public eye.
Married for 46 years, Baxter’s wife, Moira, passed away in 1997. In 2020, he co-authored a biography titled “The Real Stanley Baxter,” in which he revealed his sexuality and shared that he had confided in his wife about it before their marriage.
Born on May 24, 1926, Baxter began his career as a child actor in the Scottish edition of BBC’s Children’s Hour. During his National Service, he honed his performance skills in the Combined Services Entertainment Unit. After returning to Glasgow and later moving to London, he launched a remarkable television career, debuting in the BBC’s “Shop Window” in 1952 and making several guest appearances in variety shows. His major breakthrough came with the satirical BBC program “On The Bright Side” in 1959, followed by the highly successful “The Stanley Baxter Show” from 1963 to 1971, which solidified his status as a television star.
Baxter also featured in various television specials, including “Stanley Baxter’s Christmas Box.” One of his most memorable routines, “Parliamo Glasgow,” humorously explored the Glasgow dialect, transforming phrases like “It’s an awfully cold day” into “sanoffy cold day.”
After retiring, Baxter returned to the airwaves in 2004 with a series of three half-hour sitcoms for BBC Radio 4 titled “Stanley Baxter and Friends.” He also lent his voice to the animated film “Arabian Knight” and the series “Meeow.” His film credits include “Very Important Person” (1961), showcasing his versatility as a performer.
Stanley Baxter’s legacy as a pioneering comic actor will be remembered fondly by fans and fellow entertainers alike.
**FAQ**
**What was Stanley Baxter known for?**
Stanley Baxter was renowned for his comedic talent, particularly his impersonations of famous figures and his humorous routines that celebrated Glaswegian culture.
