Scottish comedy legend Stanley Baxter has died at the age of 99, just months before his milestone 100th birthday.
The Glasgow-born entertainer passed away on Thursday, Dec. 11, 2025, at Denville Hall, a north London care home for entertainment figures, where he had lived since late 2023. His friend and biographer Brian Beacom confirmed the death.
Born May 24, 1926, in Glasgow, Baxter began his remarkable career at age six, launching what would become a seven-decade journey in entertainment. He was educated at Hillhead High School before his performing aspirations took hold.
During World War II, Baxter worked as a Bevin Boy in mining before developing his skills with the British Army alongside comedy actor Kenneth Williams, building the foundation for his future success.
After the war, Baxter returned to Glasgow and spent time at the Citizens’ Theatre, honing his craft on stage. He moved to London in 1959 to pursue television work, a decision that would transform him into a household name.
“The Stanley Baxter Show,” which aired from 1963 to 1971, cemented his reputation and catapulted him to television stardom. The program showcased his extraordinary talents as a multi-faceted comic actor and impressionist who fearlessly mimicked everyone from the Pope to the Queen.
Among his most beloved creations was Parliamo Glasgow, a comedy routine that brilliantly celebrated and satirized Glaswegian dialect. The sketch, presented as if written by a fictitious scholar studying the city, transformed local patois into comedy gold.
Baxter’s film career included notable appearances in “Very Important Person” and “The Fast Lady,” though he remained primarily known for his television and stage work.
Throughout his career, Baxter received multiple BAFTA Awards, a Lifetime Achievement Award at the British Comedy Awards, and an Outstanding Contribution award from BAFTA Scotland in 2020.
Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney led tributes to the entertainer. “He brought incredible joy to generations,” Swinney said in a statement honoring the performer’s legacy.
Baxter retired from performing in 1991 after decades of entertaining audiences. He largely disappeared from public view, though he remained a cherished figure in Scottish entertainment history.
His personal life remained private for many years. Baxter was married for 46 years to Moira, who died in 1997. In 2020, he announced he was gay, a revelation that came decades after his performing career had ended.
A documentary titled “The Real Stanley Baxter” is set to air on December 31, featuring archive footage and interviews celebrating his extraordinary legacy as he approached what would have been his centenary birthday.
Beacom, who knew Baxter for many years, described him as exceptionally entertaining. “He had an incredible warmth and consideration for other people,” Beacom said, reflecting on their long friendship.
BAFTA issued a statement mourning his passing, noting Baxter starred in numerous TV comedy shows, including “The Stanley Baxter Show.”
Baxter leaves behind his younger sister, Alice Warwick. At his request, his funeral will be a small private ceremony attended only by family and close friends.
The entertainer’s career spanned from 1932 through the early 1990s, making him one of Scotland’s most enduring and beloved performers. His ability to combine wit, character work, and fearless comedy made him a unique voice in British entertainment, particularly during the 1960s and 1970s, when his television shows drew millions of viewers.
From his early days performing in Glasgow to his television triumphs and his status as a pantomime legend, Baxter represented a golden era of British comedy while maintaining a distinctly Scottish sensibility that endeared him to audiences across generations.
