24 May 1926 - 11 Dec 2025 (99 years)

Stanley Baxter was a much-loved Scottish actor, comedian, and writer whose career spanned stage, film, and television.

Renowned for his sharp wit, impeccable timing, and gift for character comedy, he became a household name through The Stanley Baxter Show, where his range of disguises and personas delighted audiences across the UK. Baxter’s work combined technical brilliance with warmth and humanity, earning him widespread admiration and numerous honours, including an OBE.

He is remembered as one of Scotland’s finest entertainers, whose humour and creativity left an enduring legacy.

Baxter was brought up in the West End of Glasgow, in a tenement. He lived there from the age of five until he married actress Moira Robertson at 26 years of age. He later lived in Highgate, North London. He was married for 46 years until his wife's death of an overdose in 1997. He was overseas at the time.

In August 2020, Baxter came out as gay, following the release of his authorised biography. His biography described how Baxter had told Moira that he was gay before they married, with Baxter having sought to end their relationship as a result, but that she had threatened suicide, causing him to relent.

Baxter died at Denville Hall where he had been resident from 2023.