Andy Cunningham (actor)
Andy Cunningham | |
---|---|
Cunningham (as Simon Bodger) and Badger on a visit to Aston University, 24 February 2007 | |
Born |
London, England | 13 May 1950
Died |
5 June 2017 67) Brighton, East Sussex, England | (aged
Occupation | Actor, Writer |
Years active | 1983–2015 |
Notable work | Bodger & Badger (1989–1999) |
Andrew "Andy" Cunningham (13 May 1950 – 5 June 2017[1]), was an English actor, puppeteer, ventriloquist and writer. He was best known as the creator and main writer of the children's BBC television series, Bodger & Badger, in which he acted as the likeable but accident prone Simon Bodger and his pet, Badger.
Personal life
Cunningham studied at the University of Cambridge, where he read English.[1] He was in a long-term relationship with co-star Jane Bassett who played Mousey in Bodger & Badger. They later separated but remained good friends.[2] He also had a daughter, Phoebe.[3]
Career
He was perhaps best known as the creator and main writer of the children's BBC television series, Bodger & Badger, in which he acted as Simon Bodger and his pet, Badger. He was also the uncredited puppeteer of Ephant Mon, Jabba the Hutt's Head of Security in Return of the Jedi (1983).[1] Comedian Julian Clary got his first job from Cunningham.[1]
Death
Cunningham died due to cancer on 5 June 2017 at Royal Sussex County Hospital with his former partner and his family around him.[2]
References
- 1 2 3 4 "Bodger and Badger creator Andy Cunningham dies aged 67". BBC News. 2017-06-07. Retrieved 2017-06-07.
- 1 2 "Andy Cunningham, creator and star of Bodger and Badger, dies aged 67". The Telegraph. 7 June 2017.
- ↑ "Bodger and Badger star Andy Cunningham dies aged 67". ITV News. 2017-06-07. Retrieved 2017-06-08.