Estimated read time: Less than a minute
This archived news story is available only for your personal, non-commercial use. Information in the story may be outdated or superseded by additional information. Reading or replaying the story in its archived form does not constitute a republication of the story.
LONDON (AP) — British actor Simon Shelton Barnes, who played Tinky Winky in the children's television series "Teletubbies," has died. He was 52.
The Liverpool Coroner's Office said Thursday it is investigating the death of Barnes, whose body was found in the northwestern English city on Jan. 17. Police say the death is not suspicious, and have referred it to the coroner to determine the cause.
Barnes played one of four gentle, brightly colored characters in the toddler-centric show between 1998 and 2001. "Teletubbies" became such a global hit that Barnes once called it The Beatles of children's television.
Show producer Ragdoll Productions tweeted that Barnes was "a joy to work with, which was clear from the fun and energy that came through the screen, in all of his performances as Tinky Winky."
Copyright © The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.
