Lazytown actor Stefan Karl Stefansson has passed away at the age of 43, following a battle with an 'agressive' terminal cancer.

In a statement posted to Facebook, his wife said: "My beloved, Stefan Karl Stefansson, 43, has passed away after battling aggressive bile duct cancer for two years.

"Per Stefan's wishes, there will be no funeral. His earthly remains will be scattered in secrecy in a distant ocean.

"Stefan's family wants to express their gratitude for the support and warmth received in recent years, and to express their deepest sympathy to the many friends and fans of Stefan Karl."

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Credit: Instagram/Stefán Karl Stefánsson

The actor, who was known as the man behind popular character Robbie Rotten, had been suffering from terminal bile duct cancer for the past two years.

Stefansson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer back in 2016, and later underwent surgery to have his metastases removed.

Last year, it looked as though he was recovering - but in March he revealed that his cancer had returned, and that this time, it was incurable.

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That month, he tweeted a poignant message to fans, in which he said time is 'the most valuable thing'.

He wrote: "It's not until they tell you you're going to die soon that you realize how short life is. Time is the most valuable thing in life because it never comes back. And whether you spend it in the arms of a loved one or alone in a prison-cell, life is what you make of it."

He added: "Dream big."

Credit: BBC

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The actor also took part in a Reddit AMA to open up about his battle with cancer, with one commenter asking Stefan for advice after his father had also been diagnosed with pancreatic cancer.

The actor replied: "You have to be optimistic and hopeful and take care of yourself so you can support your dad. He will need it. Don't wear a sad face, enjoy every moment as fully as you can and have someone you can talk to.

"We have to live fully always - even in dire times. Hoping everything goes well for your dad. Love to you and your family."

His last Instagram post in June, which was a picture that read 'At the end of every storm is a rainbow of hope', was captioned: "From the bottom of my heart I thank you for the support you provide me. You give me hope and you all move me."

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