Simon Shelton Barnes, the actor who played purple Teletubby Tinky Winky, has died aged 52.
The Teletubies became a global phenomenon when they first appeared in 1997, as the education experts argued if the psychedelic show, that featured four colourful characters who speak like babies and have televisions embedded in the bellies, was actually good for children.
Barnes, who performed under the name Simon Shelton, was the second actor to play the part of Tinky Winky, taking over the role from the show’s second series.
The character of Tinky Winky became embroiled in controversy when it was suggested that the purple Teletubby, who was rarely seen without his red handbag, might be a queer character.
Speculation was first ignited by cultural critic Andy Medhurst in a 1997 letter to British style bible The Face.
Two years later American televangelist Jerry Falwell proclaimed parents should be be concerned about the “covert gay” character because he was purple, a symbol of gay pride, and his antenna was triangle shaped. The Nazi regime in World War II had labeled gay concentration camp prisoners with pink triangles.
The BBC responded to the accusations by saying “Tinky Winky is simply a sweet, technological baby with a magic bag.” While the shows producers said “He’s not gay. He’s not straight. He’s just a character in a children’s series.”
The concern about Tinky Winky’s gender and sexuality continued in 2008 when the Polish Ombudsman ordered an investigation into the show after it was pointed out that Tinky Winky was a boy with a handbag. Psychologist later reported that the show was harmless.
Barnes once commented on the controversy, noting that he was always asked about it.
“People always ask me if Tinky Winky is gay,” Barnes said. “But the character is supposed to be a three-year-old so the question is really quite silly.”
The Teletubbies original run eneded in 2001, but in 2015 the show went back into production with actor Jeremiah Krange taking over the role of Tinky Winky.
The performer was a trained dancer and choreographer, and is survived by his three children.
OIP Staff
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