Simon Barnes Shelton (13 January 1966 – 17 January 2018) was an English actor.

Simon Shelton
Born
Simon Barnes Shelton

(1966-01-13)13 January 1966
Died17 January 2018(2018-01-17) (aged 52)
Liverpool, England
OccupationActor
Years active1988–2018
Notable workPlaying Tinky Winky in Teletubbies (1997–2001)
SpouseEmma Robbins
Children3
RelativesEmily Atack (niece)

Biography

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Shelton was born in the Bethnal Green area of London on 13 January 1966.[citation needed]

Shelton was best known for his children's television work. He portrayed Tinky Winky on Teletubbies from 1997 to 2001, replacing the original actor Dave Thompson.[1] He also played Dark Knight on Incredible Games from 1994 to 1995.[2]

Shelton was married to Emma Robbins. They had two children and lived in Ampthill, Bedfordshire. Shelton went on to have a further child with another partner.[2] Shelton's niece is actress Emily Atack.[2]

Shelton had a history of alcoholism.[3] On 17 January 2018, four days after his 52nd birthday, he was found dead in a car park stairwell near the Port of Liverpool Building in Liverpool.[2] His cause of death was hypothermia and he had a high concentration of alcohol in his system.[3]

References

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  1. ^ "Alcohol and hypothermia killed Tinky Winky actor Simon Shelton, inquest rules". Sky News. 19 January 2018. Retrieved 31 May 2023.
  2. ^ a b c d "Teletubbies' Tinky Winky actor Simon Shelton dies aged 52". BBC News. 23 January 2018. Retrieved 23 October 2022.
  3. ^ a b "Alcohol and hypothermia killed Tinky Winky actor Simon Shelton, inquest rules". Sky News. Retrieved 7 October 2024.
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