Stanley Baxter, the BAFTA-winning Scottish actor, comedian and pantomime icon, has died at the age of 99.
Widely regarded as one of the greatest variety entertainers produced by Scotland, Baxter leaves behind a legacy that shaped British comedy for generations
Born in Glasgow on 24 May 1926, Baxter began performing at just six years old and later became a young star on BBC Scotland, long before colour television or modern sketch formats existed.
A Look Back at His Rise to Fame
Baxter first gained national attention through the BBC comedy sketch series On the Bright Side, where he performed alongside Betty Marsden.
The show propelled him into the spotlight, leading to a BAFTA win for Light Entertainment Performance.
His own programme, The Stanley Baxter Show, which ran from 1963 to 1971, showcased elaborate sketches, musical numbers and sharply observed impressions, long before special effects and digital editing became common.
Why Was Stanley Baxter Such a Big Name in British Comedy?
Part of Baxter’s enduring appeal came from his ability to play multiple characters in a single sketch, something that was incredibly ambitious for the era. His parody of Glaswegian dialect, “Parliamo Glasgow”, became a cultural phenomenon.
He later fronted The Stanley Baxter Picture Show on ITV, proving he could command audiences on multiple networks.
His Impact on Pantomime and Theatre
While many know his TV work, Baxter was also one of Scotland’s most celebrated pantomime dames.
For years, he performed in Glasgow’s King’s Theatre, dazzling audiences with elaborate costumes, quick-witted humour and warm connection with live crowds.
One critic famously called him “the dame of the century”, a title that followed him throughout his career.
Tributes and Public Reaction
RIP Stanley Baxter. Mostly before my time but his work still resonated. “Fitba”, the Rab C. Nesbitt episode he appeared in, has been a comfort watch for me since it first aired. pic.twitter.com/6TDyGa2tkt
— Paul McDonald (@Paul_R_McDonald) December 12, 2025
So very very sad to hear that #StanleyBaxter has died. What a talented and funny man he was. pic.twitter.com/2aQNpKxIUc
— Martin Paul (@martinianpaul) December 12, 2025
Where Did Stanley Baxter Spend His Final Years?
In later life, Baxter stepped away from public appearances and moved to Denville Hall, a residential care home in North London known for supporting actors and performers.
He died peacefully at the age of 99, marking the end of an era for British light entertainment.
