Glasgow actor and comedian Stanley Baxter has died at the age of 99

Stanley Baxter, a star of the Glasgow stage who became a household name in television shows and radio, had died. The actor, comedian, impressionist and author was born in Glasgow and educated at Hillhead High School. He was prepared for the stage by his mother and began his career as a child actor on BBC Scotland’s Children’s Hour.

During the Second World War he served as a Bevin Boy in the mining industry, later honing his performance skills during national service with the British Army’s Combined Services Entertainment unit. After the war he worked extensively at Glasgow’s Citizens’ Theatre before becoming a major figure in Scottish pantomime and revue.

Following success on the radio with Jimmy Logan, he was invited him to star in pantomime at the Theatre Royal in Glasgow followed by the Half Past Eight Shows, and their successors the Five Past Eight Shows at Glasgow's Alhambra Theatre

Baxter achieved national prominence with a succession of highly acclaimed television series, including The Stanley Baxter Show, The Stanley Baxter Picture Show and The Stanley Baxter Series. Renowned for his one-man sketches, linguistic brilliance and impressions, particularly of the Queen, he was also widely known for his satirical creation Parliamo Glasgow which brought local Glaswegian slang to a wide audience.

He later appeared in the children’s television series Mr Majeika and made appearances in films such as The Fast Lady and Crooks Anonymous.

Alongside his screen and stage career, Baxter enjoyed a long association with radio, returning from retirement to create the popular Stanley Baxter Playhouse for BBC Radio 4. He was also the author of several books celebrating the language and humour of Glasgow.

Baxter retired from regular performance in the early 1990s but his work left a lasting impression. He was married to the actress Moira Robertson for 46 years until her death in 1997. In later life he spoke publicly about his sexuality following the publication of his authorised biography.

In 1994, he accepted the Outstanding Contribution to Film & Television award at the virtual BAFTA Scotland ceremony.

During his acceptance speech, he reflected: "I don't think I could have been anything else but a performer. I was so rotten at everything else I tried to do."

Sir Billy Connolly paid tribute on the night, telling him: "Nobody deserves it more. The work you put in in the 60's and 70's stands on its own. You're a marvel and you've got beautiful legs."