Michael Angelis dead aged 68: Long-term narrator of Thomas the Tank Engine series Thomas & Friends passes away at his home
- The actor, who hailed from Liverpool, narrated the classic children’s show from 1991 to 2012 after taking over the role from The Beatles icon Ringo Starr
- Michael was the longest serving narrator for the series, working on the show from its third to its 16th series for the UK
- He trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, and also starred in comedies such as The Liver Birds and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet
- Michael was married to Corrie star Helen Worth from 1991 until their divorce in 2001, and went on to wed Welsh model Jennifer Khalastchi later that year
Michael Angelis, the longtime narrator for Thomas the Tank Engine series Thomas & Friends, died at his home aged 68 on Saturday, his agents confirmed.
The actor, who hailed from Liverpool, narrated the classic children’s show from 1991 to 2012 after taking over the role from The Beatles icon Ringo Starr.
Michael was the longest serving narrator for the series, working on the show from its third to its 16th series for the UK, and also headed six American episodes, the first six The Railway Stories CDs and other commercials.
Tragic: Michael Angelis, long-term narrator of Thomas the Tank Engine series Thomas & Friends, has died aged 68 at his home on Saturday
While Michael’s voice became synonymous with the UK edition of the show, the US version saw actors like Alec Baldwin narrate instead.
Michael trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, and starred in a number of comedies following his graduation, including The Liver Birds which he appeared in from 1975-1978.
He also portrayed the villain Mickey Startup in the television adaptation of comedy-drama Auf Wiedersehen, Pet in its third season.
Michael was married to Coronation Street star Helen Worth from 1991 until their divorce in 2001, and went on to wed Welsh model Jennifer Khalastchi later that year.
Classic: Michael was the longest serving narrator for the series, working on the show from its third to its 16th series for the UK from 1991 to 2012
Former flame: Michael was married to Coronation Street star Helen Worth (pictured) from 1991 until their divorce in 2001, and went on to wed Welsh model Jennifer Khalastchi later that year
Fans of the classic children’s show were left devastated by the news, and took to Twitter to lament his loss.
On fan wrote in a touching tribute: ‘It breaks my heart to hear that the legendary Michael Angelis has passed away.
‘However his legacy will live on within the hearts of many Thomas fans. He shaped so many peoples childhoods and gave people so many laughs. Godspeed Michael. Rest In Peace.’
Tributes: Fans of the classic children’s show were left devastated by the news, and took to Twitter to lament his loss
While another said: ‘I’m stunned. #MichaelAngelis WAS Thomas for me as I was growing up – a charismatic actor with a fantastic voice.
‘excellent turns on Minder and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet as well. thank you for everything Michael, and sleep well [sic]’
And one viewer wrote: ‘Oh Michael… I am devastated to hear of your passing. You gave me so many priceless memories of Thomas and his friends. Thank you for everything…’
RIP: Michael trained at the Royal Scottish Academy of Music and Drama in Glasgow, Scotland, and starred in a number of comedies including The Liver Birds and Auf Wiedersehen, Pet