LONDON -- Simon Shelton, the actor who portrayed the purple Teletubby, has died at the age of 52.
Best known for playing Tinky Winky, Shelton’s death was announced on his niece’s Instagram page.
She says he was “the kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by all who knew him.”
Shelton took over the role from actor Dave Thompson after he was fired in 1997.
The show featured four colorful characters living in a futuristic done.
Teletubbies aired between 1997 and 2001.
A post shared by Emily Atack (@emilyatackofficial) on
