The beloved actor who brought the iconic purple Teletubby Tinky Winky to life endured heartbreaking final days before his tragic death, his daughter has revealed.
Simon Shelton, who played the much-loved children's character from 1998 to 2001, passed away in 2018 at just 52 years old. His daughter, Lydia Shelton, has now shared poignant details about his final months.
A Beloved Children's Icon
Shelton became a household name when he took over the role of Tinky Winky in the second series of the massively popular BBC children's show. The gentle giant with the magical handbag captured the hearts of millions of preschoolers worldwide.
"He absolutely adored playing Tinky Winky," Lydia told The Mirror. "He loved knowing he was making children happy. That meant everything to him."
Struggles Before the End
In the months before his death, Shelton had been working as a chef in London while continuing to perform. However, his daughter reveals he was battling personal demons.
"He was going through a really tough time," Lydia explained. "There were issues with alcohol and depression. We tried to help him, but he pushed everyone away."
A Tragic End
The actor was found dead in an alleyway in Liverpool on January 17, 2018. The coroner ruled his death was alcohol-related.
"The police told us he'd likely been there for hours before being found," Lydia shared. "It breaks my heart thinking about him alone in the cold."
Legacy of Laughter
Despite the tragic circumstances of his death, Shelton's family want him to be remembered for the joy he brought to children worldwide.
"He was so much more than Tinky Winky," Lydia said. "He was a wonderful father, a talented performer, and had the most incredible sense of humor. That's how I want him to be remembered."
The Teletubbies remains one of the most successful children's TV shows of all time, with reruns still entertaining new generations of fans.
