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By Jason Murdock
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Stefan Karl Stefansson, the actor best known for playing the bumbling villain Robbie Rotten on children's television show LazyTown, has passed away from cancer aged 43.
A spokesperson for Stefansson's family confirmed the news to TMZ on Tuesday, saying that he was surrounded by friends and family at the time of his death. The actor had been combating bile duct cancer for the past two years. He is survived by his wife and four children.
Stefansson's partner confirmed the news on her Facebook page, saying: "My beloved, Stefan Karl Stefansson, 43, has passed away after battling aggressive bile duct cancer for two years.
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"Per Stefan's wishes, there will be no funeral. His earthly remains will be scattered in secrecy in a distant ocean. 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."
It emerged in March this year that his cancer had returned following a brief period of hope. Last year, following surgery, the Icelandic star stated "the damn disease is gone, until it comes back, whenever that will be, which will hopefully be never," Metro reported. A GoFundMe campaign set up for Stefansson's fight against the cancer raised $169,670.
The actor's final Instagram update to fans, published on June 25, stated: "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, Stefansson first confirmed his cancer was inoperable.
He tweeted: "It's not until they tell you you're going to die soon that you realize 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."
He later added: "Unfortunately it's back and this time they can't operate on it."
In 2016, LazyTown song "We Are Number One" got the internet meme treatment, with a slew of parody videos making their way to YouTube. As noted by Yahoo, Stefansson had embraced the tune's popularity. He even recorded an event with a reunion of the LazyTown cast members that featured a performance of the song. More than 50,000 people watched the event live.
In a Reddit Q&A last year, Stefansson wrote a series of heartfelt responses to fans.
"Being diagnosed with cancer is terrifying," the actor wrote. "I have undergone a very aggressive and successful surgery and I am hopeful that I will get through this. Thank you for asking. I think about what is important and what not. I do not fear death as I cherish life too much."
Stefansson featured in 62 episodes of LazyTown between 2004 and 2014.
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