Matthew Steeples remembers the Liverpudlian actor and voice of ‘Thomas & Friends’ Michael Angelis who sadly passed away yesterday
Screen and voice actor Michael Angelis was the narrator of Thomas & Friends for twenty-one years. He took over the role from Ringo Starr and in tribute, following his death, Doctor Who writer Harry Draper remarked of him on Twitter: “Thank you, Michael. You were far more than just Really Useful.”
Born in Liverpool in 1952, Angelis appeared in everything from A Nightingale Sang in Berkeley Square to Boys from the Blackstuff and Lovejoy. He was subsequently married to his Coronation Street co-star Helen Worth from 1991 to 2001 and other credits included Bergerac, Crown Court, Hazell, Midsomer Murders, Minder and Z-Cars.
An amiable sort and often spotted socialising in Chelsea at such places as The Sydney Arms, Angelis lived for many years just to the south of Albert Bridge. More recently, this lively Liverpudlian moved to the countryside with his delightful second wife, Jennifer, and after passing away suddenly yesterday will be missed by many. As a fan concluded: “He was the voice of my childhood… He brought us all a lot of happiness.”
Pictured top: Thomas The Tank Engine, Michael Angelis (18th January 1952 – 30th May 2020) and his wife Jennifer.
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Such a charming gentleman – I remember him and his lovely wife from The Sydney Arms and PJ’s amongst other places. Always jovial.
He had a very soothing voice and was very talented. RIP.
I saw him around and about in Chelsea and he was always smiling.
Great actor – REST IN PEACE sir
Such a lovely couple. Great fun & amazing hosts. A sad loss
Did not know him but he had some great roles. Another talent sadly departed.
He was a great actor, it’s very sad and he was far too young.
Will the fu fu fu fu fat controller be attending his funeral?
My condolences to Jennie his wife. Such a wonderful couple.