‘Teletubbies’ Tinky Winky Actor Simon Shelton Dies at 52

One of the guys who played Tinky Winky — the allegedly gay Teletubby — has died.

Simon Shelton died last week, according to his son, who told the BBC his dad passed last Wednesday. Shelton's niece, Emily Atack, said her uncle was "taken so suddenly."

My wonderful uncle Simon Barnes has been taken from us all so suddenly. The kindest and most talented man you could ever wish to meet. Loved by all who knew him, and will be forever. X

A post shared by Emily Atack (@emilyatackofficial) on Jan 19, 2018 at 4:33am PST

Simon scored the "Teletubbies" role as the purple Teletubby after the original actor was fired in 1997. He stayed in the purple suit through 2001.

Tinky Winky was accused of being gay by deceased televangelist Jerry Falwell, who once wrote … "He is purple — the gay pride color, and his antenna is shaped like a triangle — the gay pride symbol."

Yes, that actually happened.

Shelton was 52. RIP

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