Yahoo News Actor who played Tinky Winky in Teletubbies dies aged 52
The actor who played purple Teletubbie Tinky Winky has died at the age of 52, his family have confirmed.
Simon Shelton Barnes, who lived in the market town of Ampthill, Bedfordshire, passed away just four days after his 52nd birthday.
The dad-of-three trained as a ballet dancer and choreographer and was one of the most famous of the Teletubbies for carrying a handbag on the show.
Simon described his the iconic television series in which he starred as “a bit like the Beatles or Take That of television”.
A post shared by Emily Atack (@emilyatackofficial) on Jan 19, 2018 at 4:33am PST
Simon’s niece, Inbetweeners actress Emily Atack, paid tribute to her “wonderful” uncle on Instagram.
She wrote: “My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly.
“The kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by all who knew him, and will be forever. X”
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Simon’s son Henry posted on Facebook: “I lost my lovely dad on Wednesday, he was the kindest and most gentle man I knew and I love him more than anything!!!!
“I always used to be embarrassed as a child that he was a dancer and an actor but now I couldn’t be more proud!
“He is in a better place now and I know he wouldn’t want me to be sad, so I’m going to live my life the way he would want me to.”
Paul McCartney’s brother Mike McGear, a second cousin of Simon’s former wife Emma also paid tribute to the Teletubbies star on Facebook.
He wrote on Emma’s Facebook page: “So sad to hear about Si. He was a luvly lad..and will be dancing along Uncle Bills bar, knocking Mum&Dad, Milly&Ginny, Mike &Betts drinks off, as we talk! Luv to U & kids from me & mine X”
People who have grown up with Teletubbies and parents who still watch it with their children also reacted with shock as the news spread on Twitter:
tinky winky from the teletubbies is dead rip
— kelis lily (@kelisslily) January 23, 2018
How will the other teletubbies ever get good reception on their teevees again? https://t.co/FBnlfbYBMN
— Ƈ (@crk5) January 23, 2018
Aww Tinky Winky has passed away….#Teletubbies pic.twitter.com/qUiEHzoN9m
— Lisa_DrewsNo1Fan (@DrewsNo1Fan___) January 23, 2018
No.1 teletubbies fan as a kid, only just realising how quick time is going and I’m not getting any younger, #RIP you legend https://t.co/ls4hYm0Sdz
— Jess Martin (@jessmartin_94) January 23, 2018
R.I.P. Tinky Winky#tinkywinky #teletubbies pic.twitter.com/QHcLhvK8vF
— Kees Jan Sloff (@robotnikonline) January 23, 2018
Despite being a hugely popular character on children’s television, Tinky Winky did not come without his fair share of controversy.
In the United States, where the show also built up a huge following, the character was accused of being gay by evangelical TV minister Jerry Falwell.
However, responding to the claim, Simon said: “People always ask me if Tinky Winky is gay. But the character is supposed to be a three-year-old so the question is really quite silly.”
Simon’s funeral is set to take place at Bedford Crematorium on 7 February and relatives have asked mourners to “wear bright colours”.
