Icelandic actor Stefan Karl Stefansson, best known for playing villain Robbie Rotten in the popular children's TV show "LazyTown," has died at age 43 from cancer, according to his wife.
Stefansson's wife, Steinunn Olina Thorsteinsdottir, shared the news on Facebook Tuesday and revealed he died "battling aggressive bile duct cancer for two years".
The actor has chosen not to have a funeral and wishes to have his earthly remains scattered in secrecy in a distant ocean.
The actor played the villain for ten years and was diagnosed back in 2016. His Lazytown castmates started a crowdfund for his cancer treatment and raised over €170,000.
Lazytown, about a young woman who promotes healthy eating and exercise while Robbie Rotten thwarts her plans by eating junk food, was a constant fixture on The Den back in the early noughties. The show finished in 2014 but it continues to run in syndication.
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The actor was an anti-bullying advocate and publicly gave talks and lectures on the subject. He is remembered by his children and wife and by the fans who loved his Lazytown character:
I'm so sad to hear that Stefan Karl Stefansson (LazyTown's "Robbie Rotten") has passed away. I'm happy he was able to embrace the enormous love of his fans before he passed. pic.twitter.com/UiXk4vnQoq
— Chris Patstone (@ChrisPatstone) August 21, 2018
This is so very unfair, how can one believe in karma with such a lovable man leaving his family behind so early ... Rest in piece and thank you for all the laughs
— TBB (@BastTbb) August 21, 2018
we lost a legend today, I remember watching LazyTown when I was younger...RIP Stefán Karl Stefánsson, love ya <3 pic.twitter.com/yh6Lrr9JYj
— Sketch (@BrokenSketch) August 21, 2018
That episode of LazyTown where they all wish Robbie Rotten back into their lives because they can't imagine life without him, is more prominent now than it ever was... pic.twitter.com/6xY3YYNGcR
— TRAFON (@RiseFallNick) August 22, 2018
LazyTown was one of my favourite shows as a kid and Stefán Karl Stefánsson played the role of Robbie Rotten to perfection. Not only that, but he was also a wonderful person who found joy in making others happy. He will be missed.
RIP Stefán Karl Stefánsson. pic.twitter.com/v0zPY33A7e
— Broski (@BroskiBae) August 21, 2018
Most people knew him from the meme. But I remember watching LazyTown when I was 5 and Robbie Rotten was always one of the best parts of each episode.
R.I.P Stefán Karl Stefánsson, you'll ALWAYS be Number One. pic.twitter.com/xl9JsWLeEK
— MisterBatfleck (@Mister_BatfIeck) August 21, 2018
R.I.P to Stefan Karl who played Robbie on Lazy Town. Thanks for being a huge part of my childhood, you will be missed❤️ pic.twitter.com/pEtcpEKbCK
— H E N N Y (@hennaahmedx) August 22, 2018
Here are just some of the best bits from actors time on the show:
