LAZYTOWN star Stefan Karl Stefansson died yesterday aged 43, following a two-year battle with cancer.

The Icelandic actor played villain Robbie Rotten in the popular children's TV show between 2004 and 2007, and again from 2013-2014.

5 Lzytown star Stefan Karl Stefansson died today aged 43, following a two-year battle with bile duct cancer Credit: Central European News

The actor died surrounded by friends and family following his battle with bile duct cancer, according to TMZ.

Fans who grew up watching the show paid their respects on Twitter. One wrote: "So i just found out robby rotten from lazy town died today... my childhood."

Another added: "Lazytown was a big part of my childhood, and it's so sad to see such an amazing character that brought smiles to everyone even in 2018 has left us. We'll miss you Rotten."

And a third paid tribute, writing: "Even if his character never became a meme, his work was great and was part of my childhood watching Lazy Town. Sad to hear he's gone but at least he won't be forgotten :)."

Stefan Karl Stefansson starring in children's show LazyTown

5 The star kept fans updated on social media throughout his battle Credit: Instagram

Even if his character never became a meme, his work was great and was part of my childhood watching Lazy Town. Sad to hear he's gone but at least he won't be forgotten :) — AlexOnThePiano (@AlexDoesPiano) August 21, 2018

R.I.P Stefan Karl stefansson aka Robbie rotten from lazy town & meme -you are number one .you be truly missed you was number one & Legend no more suffering now rest in peace #mychildhoodmemories❤️ — Tish (@Lsimmonds49) August 21, 2018

Stefansson was diagnosed with pancreatic cancer in 2016, according to Mail Online, and after surgery he appeared to be on the path to recovery. However it returned in March and was inoperable.

At the time the actor posted a statement to fans, saying: "It's not until they tell you you're going to die soon that you realise 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. Dream big."

After the diagnosis his wife Steinunn Olina Porsteinsdottir wrote on Facebook: "Even though I knew for a long time that this day would come, it's a difficult turning point.

"There is no cure for this. Now he will have to undergo chemotherapy to try to prolong his life and we hope that this will go as well is possibly can, to improve how he feels and to prolong his life.

"His illness has had an impact on the whole family, naturally. Some days we feel very low, some days we are happy and are happy about all that we have accomplished together and lived together.

"Nobody can take that away from us, however this goes. Not even death itself."

5 Stefan leaves behind a wife, three daughters and a son

5 The 43-year-old Icelandic actor played villain Robbie Rotten in the popular children's TV show Credit: LazyTown

She had previously spoken out about her husband's illness, saying: "We know that time is now more precious than never, and we have decided to enjoy it, while having the chance.

"It is unbearable for us to tell our children that their father will not be an old man and that the time we have together is very short."

Actor Stefán Karl Stefánsson speaking ahead of his 2016 live event where a reunion of the cast members of LazyTown took place

5 Stefan shot to fame in 2004 when LazyTown first aired Credit: Central European News

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Stefan shot to fame in 2004 when the show, which is broadcast in hundreds of countries, first aired.

Fans have created a crowdfunding page to raise money for his family, including his three daughters and son, who live in Los Angeles.

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