GERRY ANDERSON, creator of the Thunderbirds and Joe 90 puppet TV shows, has died, his son announced yesterday.
Mr Anderson was 83 and had been suffering from Alzheimer’s disease since early 2010.
His condition had deteriorated in the past six months and he died peacefully in his sleep yesterday, Jamie Anderson said.
“I’m very sad to announce the death of my father, Thunderbirds creator, Gerry Anderson,” Mr Anderson wrote on his website.
“He died peacefully in his sleep at midday today having suffered with mixed dementia for the past few years.”
Mr Anderson also created the hit TV shows Captain Scarlet and Stingray.
He is survived by his wife and four children.
He was diagnosed with mixed dementia at the age of 81, and he and his son Jamie became active supporters of Alzheimer’s Society, recently taking part in the society’s flagship fundraiser Memory Walk.
Jeremy Hughes, chief executive at Alzheimer’s Society, said: “Gerry Anderson has been an outstanding supporter of Alzheimer’s Society and campaigner on behalf of people with dementia.
“He was determined, despite his own recent diagnosis, to spend the last year of his life speaking out for others living with dementia to ensure their voices were heard and their lives improved.
“With the support of his family, Gerry tirelessly attended events around the country to raise awareness of the condition and to raise funds for a cure.”
Nick Williams, chairman of Fanderson, the Gerry Anderson appreciation society, paid tribute to him.
He said: “To those who met him, Gerry was a quiet, unassuming but determined man.
“His desire to make the best films he could drove him and his talented teams to innovate, take risks, and do everything necessary to produce quite inspirational works.”
Mr Anderson began his television career in the 1950s.
He went on to establish himself as one of Britain’s leading creative brains over a career spanning nearly six decades.