Stefan Karl Stefansson's heartbroken Lazytown co-stars pay tribute to 'great talent and human being' after death from cancer

The entertainer died yesterday aged 43 following a two-year battle with cancer.

5 The creator, director and actor who played Sportacus in Lazytown Magnus Scheving posted a picture of Stefan and wrote a tribute to his friend and co-star:

"Today the world is poorer. Stefan a great talent and a human being passed away.

"My heartfelt for his friends and family. LazyTown will be empty without you."

While his co-star Juliana Rose Mauriello – who played Stephanie in the show – also paid a lengthy tribute to her beloved colleague:

"Death leaves a heartache no one can heal, love leaves a memory no one can steal.

"I always will be dancing right beside you.

"But I know you are not alone, you have my mom and grandma.."

Before adding: "Please watch over me. I will try to stay strong."

Fans and co-stars alike have been mourning the untimely death of the Icelandic actor.

He was best known for playing villain Robbie Rotten in the popular children's TV show between 2004 and 2007, and again from 2013-2014.

The actor died surrounded by friends and family following his battle with bile duct cancer, according to TMZ.

Fans who grew up watching the show paid their respects on Twitter. One wrote: "So i just found out robby rotten from lazy town died today… my childhood."

Another added: "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."

And a third paid tribute, writing: "Even if his character never became a meme, 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 was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016, according to Mail Online, and after surgery he appeared to be on the path to recovery. However it returned in March and was inoperable.

At the time the actor posted a statement to fans, saying: "It's not until they tell you you're going to die soon that you realise how short life is.

"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."

After the diagnosis his wife Steinunn Olina Porsteinsdottir wrote on Facebook: "Even though I knew for a long time that this day would come, it's a difficult turning point.


"There is no cure for this. Now he will have to undergo chemotherapy to try to prolong his life and we hope that this will go as well is possibly can, to improve how he feels and to prolong his life.

"His illness has had an impact on the whole family, naturally. Some days we feel very low, some days we are happy and are happy about all that we have accomplished together and lived together.

"Nobody can take that away from us, however this goes. Not even death itself."

Stefan shot to fame in 2004 when the show, which is broadcast in hundreds of countries, first aired.

Fans have created a crowdfunding page to raise money for his family, including his three daughters and son, who live in Los Angeles.


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