Scottish actor and comedian Stanley Baxter dies aged 99

Baxter began his career as a child actor on BBC Scotland and later became known for his British television comedy shows The Stanley Baxter Show, The Stanley Baxter Picture Show, The Stanley Baxter Series, and Mr Majeika.

He played most of the parts in the show's parodies of film and television, winning several Baftas.

He was one of Scotland’s best-known pantomime stars for years, with one critic labelling him “the dame of the century”.

Baxter was born in Glasgow on May 24, 1926, and was educated at Hillhead High School. He began his career as a child actor in the Scottish edition of the BBC's Children's Hour.

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The comedian was brought up in the West End of Glasgow in a tenement and lived there from the age of five until he married actress Moira Robertson when he was 26-years-old. He later lived in Highgate, North London.

As an actor, Baxter appeared in a number of films, including Geordie (1955), Very Important Person (1961), The Fast Lady (1962), Crooks Anonymous (1962) and Father Came Too! (1963).

Baxter remained a great favourite on the Scottish pantomime circuit, especially at the King's Theatre up until his retirement in 1992.

He received several awards during his career, including a lifetime achievement award at the British Comedy Awards and two TV tribute programmes.

Bafta Scotland also presented Baxter with their Outstanding Contribution to Film and Television Award in a digital ceremony in December 2020 .

In an interview with the Radio Times in July 2014 , in which Baxter described himself as a "devout atheist", he said he had written an autobiography to be published after his death.

Baxter was married for 46 years. His wife, Moira died in 1997.

In 2020, he released a co-written biography The Real Stanley Baxter, which revealed he was gay and had told his wife before they married.

In the book, he said the revelation had prompted her to threaten to jump from a window, but during their marriage he was allowed to bring men home.

He wrote: "Anybody would be insane to choose to live such a very difficult life. There are many gay people these days who are fairly comfortable with their sexuality, fairly happy with who they are. I'm not. I never wanted to be gay. I still don't."

Only earlier this month, it was announced by BBC Scotland that an hour-long documentary featuring archive footage and candid interviews will air on December 31 to celebrate the Scottish actor’s legacy as he approached his 100th birthday.

The film, titled Being Stanley Baxter, features contributions from those those closest to him like actor Bill Paterson, actress Amanda Barrie, and television executive Lord Grade, as well as devoted admirers including actors Mark Gatiss and Alan Cumming.

Baxter has been living in Denville Hall in North London in recent years, which is a care centre associated with actors.

READ MORE: In Pictures: Much loved Scottish comedian Stanley Baxter has died aged 99