Theres hugely sad news today for an entire generation of kids who spent hours transfixed to the colourful meanderings of the Teletubbies, with the passing of the actor who voiced Tinky-Winky, Simon Shelton.
Shelton’s family confirmed earlier today that the voice actor and presenter passed away on January 17, mere days after his 52nd birthday.
Shelton played Tinky Winky, the purple/triangle Teletubby from 1998-2001, once telling the BBC the experience was like “like being The Beatles”.
Very sad to hear that actor Simon Shelton, who played Tinky Winky in the late 90’s, has sadly passed away. Our thoughts are with his family and friends. Big hugs. pic.twitter.com/nBofxSYFLd
— Teletubbies (@TeletubbiesHQ) January 23, 2018
Despite early controversies that Tinky Winky was turning a generation of kids gay (Tinky Winky was often seen carrying a red purse and acting more effeminate than the other Tubbies), the character weirdly ended up becoming somewhat of a gay icon and is even praised as one of the first queer characters in children’s entertainment.
Rest in power Simon Shelton. Thanks for gaying up our TVs (whether inadvertently or not).
