Ivor the Engine Actor Dies

files/pictures/picture-35.jpgActor Anthony Jackson, who provided many voices for Britain's IVOR THE ENGINE animated series, died Nov. 26, 2006, in London of cancer, according to the Big Cartoon Database. He was 62.

Born in Birmingham on Feb. 18, 1944, Jackson voiced Dai Station, Evans the Song and Mr. Dinwiddy on IVOR THE ENGINE, which debuted with six episodes in 1958. He reprised the same roles when the series was remade in color in 1975.

Additionally, he lent his voice to the character Nug in THE DREAMSTONE, which was created by Michael Jupp and directed by Phil Robinson. ITV broadcast the program in 1990. For the 1999 animated TV series version of WATERSHIP DOWN, he voiced characters Kehar and Cowslip.

His other animation credits included: Puck in the "A Midsummer Night's Dream" episode of SHAKESPEARE: THE ANIMATED TALES; Joseph in an episode of TESTAMENT: THE BIBLE IN ANIMATION; and THE WORLD OF PETER RABBIT AND FRIENDS.

Stage and radio actor's other live-action TV credits included: Trevor Lewis in BLESS THIS HOUSE (1971); ghost Fred Mumford in the 1976-78 BBC series, RENTAGHOST; and Frank Bosomworth in the 1973 comedy series ALL OUR SATURDAYS. He made guest appearance on shows such as DOCTORS, THE BILL, FOOTBALLERS' WIVES and LOVEJOY.

Throughout the 1980s, his voice was featured in many Marathon chocolate bars commercials.

Predeceased by a daughter, he is survived by a son and two daughters.