‘LazyTown’ Actor Stefan Karl Stefansson Dead At 43 After Battle With Cancer
The actor best known for his role as Robbie Rotten had reportedly been battling bile duct cancer for two years.
Actor Stefan Karl Stefansson, best known for his role as the villainous, anti-exercise Robbie Rotten in the hit children’s TV show “LazyTown,” passed away on Tuesday at the age of 43 following a lengthy battle with cancer.
Stefansson’s wife, Steinunn Olina Thorsteinsdottir, shared the sad news in a Facebook post on Tuesday. In a statement to People, Thorsteinsdottir revealed that her husband had been battling “aggressive” bile duct cancer for the past two years.
“Per Stefan’s wishes, there will be no funeral. His earthly remains will be scattered in secrecy in a distant ocean,” her statement continued. “Stefan’s family wants to express their gratitude for the support and warmth received in recent years, and to express their deepest sympathy to the many friends and fans of Stefan Karl.”
Stefansson died in his native Iceland at 8:10 a.m., according to People. He is survived by his wife and four children. Various social media posts of Stefansson’s appear to show him receiving treatment in a hospital setting, while the actor’s last Instagram post, uploaded in late June, thanked fans for their continued support.
“From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the support you provide me. You give me hope and you all move me,” his caption read.
Following his death, Stefansson will have a performing arts school created in his honor, TMZ reports. According to the outlet, Stefansson had been working on the project prior to his passing, and the Stefan Karl Academy & Center for the Performing Arts in Switzerland is expected to open next year.
In addition to starring in the long-running Nickelodeon series “LazyTown,” Stefansson, an actor and singer, also worked as a puppeteer during his decades-long career.
[Photo: Stefan Karl attends the musical rehearsals of Dr. Seuss’ “How The Grinch Stole Christmas!” at the Alley Kat Studios on October 29, 2009 in Los Angeles, California. By Angela Weiss/Getty Images]