Michael Angelis, best known as the narrator and voice of Thomas the Tank Engine in the series Thomas And Friends, has died suddenly at the age of 68 (though conflicting reports have said the actor was 76).
The voiceover star apparently died suddenly on Saturday while at home with his wife, Jennifer Khalastchi, his agent has confirmed.
The beloved Brit famously took over from former Beatles member Ringo Starr as the voice of everyone’s favourite talking train on Thomas The Tank Engine And Friends in 1991, with the program’s name later being shortened to Thomas and Friends. In 2012, he passed on the legendary role onto Mark Moraghan (Alec Baldwin did the US dub from 1998 to 2002).
While best known for his longtime work on the much-loved children’s television show, Angelis also played the role as Arnie in September Song, Martin Niarchos in GBH, Lucien Boswell in The Liver Birds and Mickey Startup in Auf Wiedersehen, Pet.
He also made appearances in Casualty, The Bill, Holby City and Heartbeat.
Fans on Twitter mourned Angelis’ death while paying tribute to the iconic voice that had been the staple of so many childhoods.
“Ringo Starr may have started it, but Michael Angelis was the show. There’s a reason he was the narrator for over 20 years. He was just that good,” tweeted one fan.
“Said it before and I’ll say it again. FUCK 2020. Reports have been coming out that Michael Angelis – the show’s narrator from 1991-2012 – has passed away aged 68. If these are true, then I’m legitimately heartbroken…” said another.
A third tweeted, “Heartbroken to hear of the death of the magnificent Michael Angelis. His performance as Chrissy in the seminal Boys From The Blackstuff lit a fire in me as a young man. His generous, passionate, heart on his sleeve acting has always been something to strive for. RIP.”
https://twitter.com/joegibbons1994/status/1266860018718183429?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1266860018718183429&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Ftv%2Fflashback%2Fmichael-angelis-dead-thomas-the-tank-engine-narrator-dies-aged-68%2Fnews-story%2F6e0c44bc741f352f9e23a5a991e91403
https://twitter.com/AEndgame19/status/1266886951744962565?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw%7Ctwcamp%5Etweetembed%7Ctwterm%5E1266886951744962565&ref_url=https%3A%2F%2Fwww.news.com.au%2Fentertainment%2Ftv%2Fflashback%2Fmichael-angelis-dead-thomas-the-tank-engine-narrator-dies-aged-68%2Fnews-story%2F6e0c44bc741f352f9e23a5a991e91403
Angelis was previously married to Coronation Street actress Helen Worthfrom 1991 to 2001, and later married Jennifer Khalastchi who he was with until his death.
