Thunderbirds creator Gerry Anderson dies aged 83

Gerry Anderson
1929-2012

British television and film producer Gerry Anderson, best known as the creator of the shuffling puppets of the Thunderbirds, has died at the age of 83.

Anderson, whose credits also included the puppet shows Captain Scarlet and Joe 90, had suffered for several years with dementia and died in his sleep, his son, Jamie Anderson, announced on Wednesday.

In a website posting, the younger Anderson included a tribute written by his father's fan club, known as Fanderson. Nick Williams, chairman of the club, 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. Gerry's legacy is that he inspired so many people and continues to bring so much joy to so many millions of people around the world."

Gerald Alexander Anderson, famous for the use of "supermarionation" - the use of modified puppets - was born in 1929 in Hampstead, north London, and began his career as a film trainee at the UK Ministry of Information before starting work at Gainsborough Pictures. He later set up AP Films with some friends.

With commissions thin on the ground Anderson and his team were eager to produce their first puppet show The Adventures Of Twizzle. Others including Torchy The Battery Boy, and Supercar followed. Success continued with Fireball XL5 and Stingray.