Brian Trueman, who was a writer for the 1980s children’s TV show Danger Mouse and voiced a character on the series, has died aged 92.
The news was announced by Trueman’s son on social media, who described his father as an ‘absolute gentlemen’.
‘Some sad news. My father (and @skeevyd‘s), Brian Trueman, has died. 92 years of happy life. A career in television and radio that included Children’s Hour, Clitheroe Kid, Scene at 6.30, Granada Reports, Brass Tacks, Screen Test…,’ Ben Trueman wrote, tagging his sibling Jonathan Trueman as well.
Ben continued: ‘He may be best known as the writer of and actor in Dangermouse, Duckula, Jamie and the Magic Torch, Cockleshell Bay, Chorlton and the Wheelies etc.
‘He was clever, funny, resilient, an absolute gentleman, loving and loved. We will all miss him so much.
‘I’d be grateful if anyone who happens to see this could share the news with anyone you think might be interested.’
Several people paid tribute to Trueman following the news of his death.
‘Very sad to hear this – a great presenter and a writer of brilliant kid’s shows. Managed to contact him during my early years as a radio presenter, and he came on the show to talk passionately about it all. A total gent, and he even did the voice of Stiletto the crow for us,’ said writer Bob Fischer, referencing Trueman’s Danger Mouse character Stiletto.
Former BBC North West Tonight presenter Gordon Burns tweeted: ‘So sorry to hear this Ben.
‘He was the loveliest, friendliest and wisest of colleagues when he, Bob Greaves and I were the first presenters of Granada Reports when it launched in 1973. He had a wonderful dry sense of humour too. Such sad news and my thoughts are with u & family.’
Manchester Animation Festival’s Steve Henderson added: ‘Rest in peace Brian Trueman a Titan of telly. He and his work brightened so many lives and his writing for Cosgrove Hall classics like Danger Mouse and Duckula placed UK animation firmly on the world stage.’
Born in Marnchester in May 1932, Trueman was known for his work on cartoons including Danger Mouse, Count Duckula, Thomas & Friends and several Wallace & Gromit adventures.
He also worked on TV programmes including The Treacle People, Budgie the Little Helicopter, The Adventures of Spot and Truckers.
One X user called John Smith expressed his gratitude towards Trueman for playing such a pivotal role in their childhood.
‘Oh man, Brian Trueman has died. He was all over so many childhood favourites of mine,’ they wrote.
‘Cockleshell Bay, Chorlton and the Wheelies, Danger Mouse, Jamie and the Magic Torch, Count Duckula and The Wind in the Willows.
‘Thanks for all of them, Brian.’
‘Simpler days, wonderful times. RIP Brian Trueman,’ wrote MrPaulRobinson, while Chris Shaw shared: ‘He’s the greatest, he’s fantastic.
‘Very sad news about Brian Trueman, whose cv and legacy is essentially making millions of us happy.’
Sam Clifford said that they were ‘saddened beyond words’ by Trueman’s death.
‘Screen Test, Jamie and the Magic Torch, Danger Mouse, Chorlton and the Wheelies, Count Duckula, Alias the Jester. Provided millions of children with their first taste of anarchy. He will be missed,’ they stated.
Louis Barfe added: ‘Such sad news. Brian Trueman was a huge part of my childhood, presenting and writing programmes I loved. He had a calm, warm, avuncular presence on screen, but Danger Mouse showed he also had a surreal and subversive streak, like all good uncles.’
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