Gerry-Anderson-Obituary

Gerry Anderson

Obituary

LONDON (AP) — Gerry Anderson, puppetry pioneer and British creator of the sci-fi hit "Thunderbirds" TV show, has died. He was 83.

Anderson's son Jamie said his father died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday at a nursing home near Oxfordshire, England, after being diagnosed with mixed dementia two years ago.

His condition had worsened dramatically over the past six months, his son said.

Anderson's television career launched in the 1950s. Once "Thunderbirds" aired in the 1960s, "Thunderbirds are go!" became a catchphrase for generations. It also introduced the use of "supermarionation" — a puppetry technique using thin wires to control marionettes — and made sci-fi mainstream, according to Jamie Anderson.

"He forever changed the direction of sci-fi entertainment," Jamie told the Associated Press. "Lots of animation and films that have been made in the past 20 or 30 years have been inspired by the work that he did."

He said the TV show was perhaps his father's proudest achievement — along with the cross-generational appeal of his body of work, which also included TV shows "Stingray" and "Space: 1999," among others.

"Most people know some aspect of one of his shows which is not something that many TV producers can say," Jamie said. He noted that his father first broke ground with puppets in "Thunderbirds," but was trying new techniques, like advanced computer-generated imagery, into his later years with projects such as 2005's "New Captain Scarlet," the re-imagining of his 1967 TV animation.

Anderson also worked as a consultant on a Hollywood remake of his 1969 series "UFO."

"He was very much a perfectionist and was never happy with any of the end products although he may have been happy with the responses," Jamie said, describing how his father would involve himself in every aspect of production. "He wasn't just someone who sat in a chair barking orders, he managed to bring together great teams of great people and between them with a like mindset produced some real gems."

In recent years, Anderson and his son had become active supporters of Britain's Alzheimer's Society.

Jeremy Hughes, chief executive of society, said Anderson tirelessly attended events to raise awareness and raise money for a cure.

"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," Hughes said.

Anderson is survived by his wife, Mary, and four children.

CASSANDRA VINOGRAD,Associated Press


Copyright © 2012 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

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I remember as a 6 year old sitting in front of a small black and white television set mesmerized by the special effects in Thunderbirds. I was hooked on science fiction and had obtained an immense appreciation of miniatures and the work that went into there magic. Thanks Gerry for the wonderful shows. I shall always think of you when I watch them.

Celebrating a life well lived. We will cherish the memories forever.

Remembering with great fondness all the great SUPERMARIONATION television shows of Mr. Anderson! May his memory live on forever! F.A.B.

I remember Thunderbirds and Joe90 well. I especially loved watching Thunderbirds after school. Super marination was a terrific invention and you were a great innovator. You will be remembered forever. Thank you for contributing to the happiness of my childhood.

As a young boy I was glued to watching his shows on the television. His imagination and the quest for adventure stuck with me so now I'm living the life I envisioned as a child and its rather exciting, Thank you Gerry!
God Bless You!

I was sorry to read about your loss. May the God of all comfort be with you and your family during this difficult time.
JK

Dear friends and family: May our Creator, Jehovah God, continue to give you the strength you need to endure in this sad moment .

I was touched by Mr. Anderson's life story. He was truly gifted. His story especially touches me having been my dear mother-in-laws care taker while she struggled with this devastating disease. Please find comfort in the promise God gives at Isaiah 33:4..."And no resident will say "I am sick", the people that are dwelling in the land will be those pardoned for their error." My deepest condolences.

You were a inspiration to millions and I was one of those. God bless you Gerry Anderson you will be missed big time