- Stanley Baxter, famed Scottish actor and comedian, has died aged 99
- Known for his legendary impressions and sketch comedy, he reshaped British TV
- Highlights of his career include Parliamo Glasgow and The Stanley Baxter Show
Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died aged 99, bringing to a close the life of one of British television’s most influential entertainers.
Born in Glasgow in 1926, Baxter reshaped British comedy from the 1960s through to the 1980s with his memorable sketch comedy and impressions of world figures, including Queen Elizabeth.
His career began on Scottish stages in the 1940s, where he trained as an actor before gravitating towards comedy and variety theatre.
His breakthrough on television came with the sketch show On The Bright Side, where he introduced one of his most enduring creations: Parliamo Glasgow.
The spoof language programme, delivered with academic seriousness and affectionate satire, became a cultural touchstone.
Baxter would say a phrase in a thick Glasgow accent before providing the translation, always to big laughter from the audience.
In 1963, The Stanley Baxter Show launched on the BBC, quickly establishing itself as one of the most popular comedy programmes of the era.
A decade later, he moved to London Weekend Television with The Stanley Baxter Picture Show, a series of film and television parodies that made him an even bigger superstar.
His portrayal of the Queen (billed as The Duchess of Brendagh) was an iconic part of the culture during this period.
Baxter frequently portrayed the majority of the characters himself, transforming seamlessly between genders, accents and personalities, becoming known for his zany characters and excellent impressions.
The show earned him multiple Bafta awards and is often cited as a high point of British sketch comedy.
Further success followed with The Stanley Baxter Series in 1981, before he later returned to the BBC.
Film roles included Crooks Anonymous, with Leslie Phillips, and The Thief and the Cobbler, notable for having remained unfinished for 29 years.
He also appeared in the children’s programme Mr Majeika, introducing a younger audience to his work.
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