Stefan Karl Stefansson star of hit children's TV show LazyTown dies of cancer

Actor Stefan Karl Stefansson, star of hit children's TV show LazyTown, has sadly passed away aged 43 after losing his battle with cancer. LazyTown is an English-language Icelandic children's educational musical comedy tv show on which Stefan played Robbie Rotten.

Stefan was diagnosed with cancer in 2016 and had posted updates about his battle to his followers on Instagram. In February 2017 he posted to his fans that he was all done with chemo.

Stefan's last post on Instagram was in June 2017 that thanked fans for their support. He wrote, 'From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the support you provide me. You give me hope and you all move me.'

In March this year Stefan reached out to fans to tell them that his cancer was incurable and posted. '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.'

The account has since been deleted but a fan took a screenshot of the message and shared it following the news of the actor's death.

Fans took to Twitter to mourn the actor.

The sad news of Stefan's passing was confirmed to TMZ, that explained that he had died surrounded by his family and friends. Stefan starred as Robbie Rotten on LazyTown between 2004 and 2007 and from 2013 to 2014.

Stefan leaves behind a wife and four children.