LazyTown's 'Robbie Rotten' star Stefan Karl Stefansson dies age 43 after two-year cancer battle

Stefan Karl Stefansson, who played Robbie Rotten in Lazy Town, has died aged 42
The Weekender

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LazyTown star Stefan Karl Stefansson has died aged 43 after a two-year battle with bile duct cancer.

The Icelandic actor, who played villain Robbie Rotten in the popular children’s TV show, died surrounded by his friends and family on Tuesday, TMZ reported.

Stefansson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016 and initially appeared to be on the path to recovery after surgery.

But he revealed in March this year the cancer had returned and was inoperable.

Tributes have poured in on social media for the actor.

Comments from fans included: “Lazytown was a big part of my childhood, and it's so sad to see such an amazing character that brought smiles to everyone even in 2018 has left us.

“We'll miss you Rotten.”

Another fan tribute on Twitter read: “His work was great and was part of my childhood watching Lazy Town. Sad to hear he's gone but at least he won't be forgotten.”

Stefansson often shared his treatment and progress with fans online on social media.

"It's not until they tell you you're going to die soon that you realize how short life is,” he had posted on Twitter.

“Time is the most valuable thing in life because it never comes back. And whether you spend it in the arms of a loved one or alone in a prison cell, life is what you make of it. Dream big.”

In June his wife Steinunn Olina revealed the father-of-four's cancer was in its final stages.

LazyTown was produced between 2004 and 2007 and more episodes were made in 2013 and 2014.

It followed the life of a pink-haired eight-year-old girl named Stephanie and her superhero companion Sportacus.

Stefansson’s character Robbie Rotten was the show's villain and attempted to thwart their schemes, preferring to stay unhealthy.

His character’s popularity continued with many snapshots of his facial expressions being used in memes online.

The show was translated into many languages and aired in more than 180 countries.

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