Remembering Simon Shelton: The Legacy Of Tinky Winky From Teletubbies

Teletubbies was a physically taxing gig for all the stars of the BBC show. But it was especially tough on Simon Shelton Barnes, the actor behind the beloved purple character, Tinky Winky. Last week, the entertainment world was shaken by the unexpected news of Shelton's passing at the age of 52. His niece, Emily Atack, confirmed the heartbreaking news on Instagram, revealing that he was found dead near the Liverpool waterfront on January 17. As investigations continue, the cause of death remains unclear, although authorities have stated that it is not being treated as suspicious.

Simon Shelton was not just an actor; he was a trained ballet dancer and choreographer who took on the role of Tinky Winky in 1998 after the BBC made a casting change. He brought the character to life until the show's final episode in 2001, leaving a lasting impression on children and families worldwide. Before taking on this iconic role, Shelton showcased his talent as the Dark Knight in the children's game show Incredible Games, proving his versatility in the entertainment industry.

The Teletubbies, with their whimsical adventures and bright colors, captivated audiences, yet the reality of wearing those costumes was far from whimsical. The real-life versions of these characters were far larger than they appeared on screen. For instance, while Po, the smallest Teletubby, stood at an impressive 6 feet 6 inches, Shelton's Tinky Winky towered nearly 10 feet tall! The heavy, hot, and cumbersome costumes meant that the actors endured long, physically demanding workdays, often lasting up to 11 hours.

The Demands of Playing Tinky Winky

The role of Tinky Winky brought with it a unique set of challenges. Despite their average-size appearance on the show, the actors had to wear enormous costumes that were often heavy and uncomfortable. Nikky Smedley, who played Laa-Laa, recounted how difficult it was to adjust to the gargantuan outfits. “When we first saw them, we were taken back, because they were huge,” she said. The weight of the costumes, which could weigh up to 60 pounds, made their performances even more impressive.

To ensure that young viewers could relate to the characters, the producers designed the Teletubbies to appear larger than life. “We wanted the small children who were watching to think we were the same size as them,” Smedley explained. This meant that everything around the actors had to be proportionately larger, adding to the complexity of their roles.

Life Beyond the Costumes

Even with the challenges of wearing the heavy costumes, the Teletubbies cast formed a strong bond over the years. They traveled together to promote the show and remained close friends long after filming ended. John Simmit, who portrayed Dipsy, noted, “We’ve spent years and many hours in each other’s company. That bond isn’t made up.” This camaraderie was evident in their interactions both on and off set.

Unfortunately, the show was not without its controversies. In 1999, Tinky Winky faced criticism from televangelist Jerry Falwell, who claimed the character was “modeling the gay lifestyle” due to its purple color and red handbag. Simon Shelton responded to the controversy by stating that Tinky Winky was meant to represent a three-year-old child, making the questions surrounding the character's sexuality rather silly.

The Impact of Simon Shelton's Legacy

Simon Shelton's death was a profound loss to those who knew him and to fans of Teletubbies. His co-star, Nikky Smedley, remembered him as a kind-hearted individual whose presence could light up a room. “His remedy for everything was kindness,” she shared, echoing the sentiments of many who had the privilege to work alongside him. As we remember Simon, we also celebrate the joy he brought into the lives of countless children through his work.

In the end, Simon Shelton’s legacy as Tinky Winky will continue to live on, cherished by fans and remembered by friends and colleagues. His contribution to children's entertainment is immeasurable, and his spirit will always be a part of the colorful world of the Teletubbies. We can only hope that future generations will come to appreciate the hard work and dedication it took to create such an iconic character.

As we reflect on Simon Shelton's life and career, we are reminded of the joy and laughter he brought to many, and we will carry his memory forward with love and respect.