I’m very sad to announce the death of my father, Thunderbirds creator, Gerry Anderson. He died peacefully in his sleep at midday today (26th December 2012), having suffered with mixed dementia for the past few years. He was 83.
Please make donations in his memory to the Alzheimer’s Society via this just giving link: http://www.justgiving.com/RememberingGerryAnderson
Below is an obituary kindly written by his fan club: Fanderson
Gerry Anderson has died
26th December 2012
Gerry Anderson, known the world over as the film and television producer of Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Space:1999 amongst many others, has died at the age of 83.
On hearing the news the chairman of Fanderson Nick Williams paid tribute to him:
“To those who met him Gerry was a quiet, unassuming but determined man. His desire to make the best films he could drove him and his talented teams to innovate, take risks, and do everything necessary to produce quite inspirational works. Gerry’s legacy is that he inspired so many people and continues to bring so much joy to so many millions of people around the world.”
Anderson’s unique style of filmmaking influenced the imaginations and careers of countless creatives that succeeded him, and his productions continue to be shown around the world to new generations of fans.
Gerry was diagnosed with mixed dementia two years ago and his condition worsened quite dramatically over the past six months. Having already decided with his family on a care home for himself earlier this year, he moved in there in October.
Until very recently Anderson remained interested and involved in the film industry, keen to re-visit some of his earlier successes using the latest technology available. His last producer credit came in 2005 on New Captain Scarlet, a CGI-animated re-imagining of his 1967 Supermarionation series, which premiered on ITV in the UK. Most recently he worked as a consultant on a Hollywood remake of his 1969 series UFO, directed by Matthew Gratzner.
He also worked as a celebrity ambassador for The Alzheimer’s Society, helping to raise awareness of the disease and much-needed funds for the society.
Gerry leaves three children from former marriages, Joy, Linda and Gerry Junior, his son Jamie and widow Mary.
Fanderson will pay a full tribute to Gerry Anderson in FAB 74, due in March 2013.
Donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Society in his memory.
Added at 7.14pm 26/12/12 – I just wanted to thank everyone for their incredibly kind messages of support, and for sharing their happy childhood memories – inspired by Dad’s work. I know Dad would have been blown away by the support, positivity, and kind words. I think the saddest thing would have been if he had passed without being noticed, but the response has been the total opposite. Thank you.
UPDATE: 27/03/2013 – A new website has been launched to celebrate Gerry Anderson’s legacy, and keep fans informed about new Gerry Anderson projects. Please visit the Gerry Anderson website.
Very saddened at the news. Mr Anderson provided a rich adventure backdrop to my childhood and alerted me to the endless possibility of tomorrows dreams.
So very sad to learn about the death of your Father Jamie. His Thunderbirds made my childhood sparkle with wonder and promise and like most of my generation I have carried this precious gift throughout my life. God Bless Gerry.
My condolences.
I watched Fireball XL5 and The Thunderbirds while growing up,and had many good fantasies based on them.
I recently picked up the Thunderbirds DVD, and again relived the old memories.
Condolences to you and yours, Jamie. Your Dad was a great creator, an inspiration and an entertainer of many; doing far more than most as his work connected with many generations, not just one, or two.
On a personal level, most recently, it allowed me to see that my Autistic son could connect with the outside world. Wish I could’ve met him and thanked him for this and agreed to be a low key patron to a charity supporting the special school my son attended. both meant a huge amount to me.
Adding my condolences as well.
Your Father’s shows were part of my childhood here in Australia.
A sad day..
As a young boy born towards the end of the 1960’s, programmes such as Thunderbirds, Stingray, Joe 90 and Captain Scarlet were a massive part of my childhood, and a few years later I added Space 1999 to that list. Mr Anderson’s programmes were imaginative, fun and exciting, and my two sons both grew up watching his work. His imagination was absolutely first class, and as long as there are TV sets working, then his vision will be seen by generations as yet unborn. I’m saddened by his passing. My condolences to you Jamie, and to all his family.
I never met the man,but he was part of me.
Hi Jamie, I never met your father, but is the most people have influence my life! I personally invite Ed Bishop in italian convention at end of ’90 and talk with him about the incredible work of your father.I’m contribute also for Alzemeir’s society,terrible disease, I hope you are really proud of your father and his work! Gerry is not dead…Gerry Are Go!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sincerly
Roberto Leofrigio
Italy Rome
The world has lost a very talented man who brought joy to so many people during their formative years. I hope someone continues his vision for space and childrens TV.
Thank you to a man that made my childhood cool and amazing.
Sincere condolences, Jamie. Your father’s shows played an enormous part in my childhood. He will be long remembered by many.
As I just tweeted:
“Dear Gerry Anderson. The future was fantastic, and most of it was down to you. We believed. We still do.”
Well said.
Amen to that.
What a great man he was and author of my childhood, growing up with his programmes made me a happier person.
So sorry for your loss Jamie,
your father’s work changed a lot of lives for better…
This is most sad – Gerry was a bringer of wonder and adventure. He was a force to be reckoned with and his productions were always of the highest quality.
It is no exaggeration to say he was a legend, an inspiration to generations and a talent, the likes of which we will never se again.
R.I.P Gerry Anderson.
RIP Gerry, you were my childhood and will be very much missed by big kids like me all over the world xxx
I can only agree with the above. You were our guiding light through childhood from XL-5 to Space 1999. Your positive outlook & vision maintained us. I only wish we had such positive souls in the media today to guide my own kids.
Very sad news. Gerry’s works were a huge part of my childhood.
I had the privilege of meeting and interviewing him for a talking newspaper in the mid 1990s while he was promoting his biography.
Sadly the newspaper ceased production shortly afterwards, and the recording was never broadcast.
Dear Jaime,
Firstly I would just like to pass on my deepest sympathy to you and the rest of the Anderson family at this very difficult time. Secondly I have been a fan of Gerry’s work for many years in particular the tv series ‘Thunderbirds’. The man was a pioneer and a legend and I remember at a Fanderson convention your father being described quiet rightly as the UK’s George Lucas. Long may his legacy continue!
Regards
Laurence
So sorry for your loss Jamie and all your family.
My thoughts go out to you all at this sad time.
He was a big source of imagination for children and adults alike. I grew up loving everything Gerry Anderson and he will be greatly missed.
I know his work will never be forgotten.
Please accept my condolences and remember all the joy your father gave to the world.
My sincere condolences, Mr. Anderson. Your father has made my childhood Saturdays something very special. I grew up with his UFO and the interest in SF never waned. The best ever!
Spectrum is Green.
Thanks for creating this FAB series. Watched it, loved it.
My deepest sympathies for your loss. Gerry Anderson and the many TV series he created, were an inspiration to the childhood imagination of millions. A remarkable legacy.
So many great memories from my childhood To Jamie and family, my family here in Australia are so very very sorry for your loss. You must have had an amazing upbringing living with those characters. xx
BroqnSquirrel, as a fellow Australian, I too had the pleasure of growing up watching these incredible shows co-created by the legendary Mr. Anderson. Some of my earliest memories belong to the adventures of Captain Scarlet and the Tracy Brothers (both of which remain to this day a valuable inspiration and entertaining viewing).
While I regret never having the opportunity to meet the great man, seeing his legacy continue to inspire no less than four generations in a row (with a revival surely to mark the 50th anniversary in the not-too distant future, so let’s try and make that five) is satisfying enough. So much is owed to the man who dared to dream.
Jamie, this is a horrific loss, and I truly empathize with you. Best of luck with your Alzheimer’s Society campaign.
FROM HERE TO ETERNITY
So so sorry to hear the news Jamie . Your father was a true inspiration and legend who pushed boundaries and barriers further than ever before and changed and shaped generations forever. My thoughts are with you and your family at this very sad time. May he Rest In Peace .
So dreadfully sorry for your Loss Jamie; your Father has given so much pleasure to millions of children (& Adults) with his wonderful productions.
The TV & Film industry owes him and his teams a huge debt of Gratitude for the pioneering work he developed.
As sole Carer to my own Father who has Vascular Dementia, I hope he is now at peace. He will never be forgotten. RIP.
Deeeply saddened at the news of Mr. Andersons passing. He leaves behind a legacy that will last for generations to come. He cemented vision and concepts into young minds around the world. Rest well Gerry.
So sorry to hear this. I worked on the magazines TV-21 and Lady Penelope in Fleet Street back in the Sixties and met him a few times. I met him again with my husband a few years ago when he did a Lecture Tour. He actually remembered me after all those years! He will indeed be sadly missed.
Lynda Cumberland
With deepest sympathy to you and your mum Jamie. I was privileged to work for Gerry in the 1990’s as a photographer and puppeteer. Working for him quite literally enriched and changed my life. And as a child his programmes with puppets were far more exciting than those others were making with live actors. So many people were inspired by him and his work. FAB Gerry.
I grew up with Space 1999, and it remains one of my favorite shows, RIP Gerry.
Jamie I am so so sorry to hear your news – we had the very great pleasure in meeting your father at one of the BBQs at Pinewood – he was one of the nicest men I met. He had time for everyone who wanted to speak to him (and there were a few of those)…
RIP Gerry 🙁
I attended the covent garden odeon cinema screening of fireball xl5 to coincide with the dvd release a few years back. my young nephew was also in attendance and got to ask Gerry a question post screening. Gerry was very kind with his reponse – you could see he really enjoyed his work. He was a pleasrue to meet that day. My thoughts are with yourself and family. Thankyou Gerry for the wonderful memories.
He gave the worlds children (yes) a lot of happiness. Bless him for that.
Dear Mr Anderson,
Very sad news about your father.
As a child, Thunderbirds and Joe 90 were a much loved part of my and my friends young lives.
What he did for children’s TV in the late 60s can never be repeated or emulated, and he will always be associated with that time.
Whilst my words are probably not enough, I hope my thoughts are.
Kind regards
Dom
I’m terribly sorry for your loss.
Like so many others, I was drawn into his works early on, with their irrepressible sense of adventure and futurism. Even now, Thunderbirds, Space: 1999, Captain Scarlet, and so many others remain so widely loved and enjoyed – indeed, to the point where Captain Scarlet saw that rather wonderful new CG version, retaining all the spirit of the original, but with the additional cinematographic freedom afforded by CG. That a project like that could come about, decades after the original outing, is testament to his works’ enduring popularity.
He’ll be remembered by us all, with due warmth and gratitude.
My late father worked with Reg Hill and took me to meet him, to two tin-roofed units on the Slough Trading Estate, when I was eith (in 1964).
I saw some scenery but never had the joy of meeting ‘the man who created the magic’.
My father also died from complications from Alzheimer’s so I almost rejoice at a ‘blessed release’.
Rest In Peace Gerry (if I may) and thank you for bringing wonder to millions of small boys who have grown knowing that the impossible is possible. Thank you so much.
So sorry to hear about Gerry Anderson’s passing. He was a fundamental influence in my lifelong interest in science fiction. Saturday afternoons were spent counting down the minutes until Supercar started, and the opening sequence of Fireball XL5 is still captivating after all those years.
Deepest sympathies.
As a kid born in 1961, I grew up with Thunderbirds, Scarlet et al. Happy days!
Born in 1961 those programmes were made for us but how fantastic they still live on. goodbye gerry, there will never be another
sorry to hear of your father’s passing. He was a true visionary of not only puppetry but how science fiction was presented on television. His work was a true favourite of my childhood years.
Very sad to hear this news. It was Gerry Anderson’s wonderful models that inspired me to take up model building. I spent many hours as an 11 year old trying to build a flying Supercar, and learned a lot about aerodynamics as a result of my failure!
I was fortunate enough to meet Gerry once. I was working for a small video facilities house in Bristol in the early 90s, and showing off my large (and flying!) scale Bell 47 helicopter to our maintenance engineer. When Gerry saw it, he immediately came over and we had a long chat about it and its innermost workings. He was extremely enthusiastic and complimentary about it, which made me an even bigger admirer!
A lovely man, who brought a lot of very good entertainment to youngsters down the years. He will be sadly missed.
My condolences to his family.
My absolute favorite show when I was a kid was Supercar. I’ve been a fan of your father’s work for over 50 years, and I am truly saddened at his passing. My condolences to you and your family. I lost my father recently and I know how hard it can be.
Such very, very sad news.
Gerry Anderson has been a huge influence in my life. He made my childhood more bearable, his series took me to amazing and wonderful places. His inspiration, creativity and imagination influenced my career and interests.
The nature and manner of his illness was so cruel, but he is free now.
Gerry, I and thousands of people will always admire your work, and your memory will last as long as people around the world watch, marvel and wonder at the wonderful work you inspired and created. Your creativity inspired countless people such as myself to dare to dream and make the seemingly impossible a reality.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart.
Griff
My condolences to you and your family Jamie.
He was a great visionary and will be sadly missed .
Your father was a great influence on my childhood 🙁
Regards ,
Howard
I’m very sorry to hear of the death of your father. I lost mine to Alzheimer’s eight years ago. Its brutal. But i’d just like to say what an enormous contribution your dad made to british culture and my entertainment . at fifty i still watch them all and the house is full of his toys. In fact this christmas my 16 year old autistic son got a thunderbirds board game for christmas. You should be very proud
all the best
ed
One of the greatest visionaries of the 20th century. A talented man able to enthral and entertain with his masterpiece of film work and animation. Many writers would just leave to the imaginations of others, what Gerry made in to real life with his puppets and stage craft.
Jamie and other family members, you have my most profound and heartfelt sympathy at this awful time. I lost a close family member earlier this year and can easily understand how you will feel right now. I’m afraid the pain and loss doesn’t get any easier, but in time you will take comfort from sharing your dads life with so many that loved him, his work and your own memories.
I’m so sorry to hear this Jamie.
It might not be any comfort right now, but your father’s work gave enormous pleasure to millions of children and inspired tens of thousands to become scientists and engineers, or just to look at the universe in wonder.
With the very best wishes,
Mike.
Sentite condoglianze.RIP, Jerry.
Thank You for giving me a Childhood to remember , your shows will keep you memory alive , for future generations . F.A.B
Such sad news, Jamie. I grew up watching your father’s shows, and even now, fifty odd years down the line, I can tune in to an episode of any one of them and feel like a big kid all over again. I once met your dad at a signing; I didn’t even know he was going to be at the shop but I was after a album of Barry Gray’s music so I thought “why not?” and got in line. I think I must have seemed a rather more normal fan than some, for we spent a very long time nattering about all sorts of things, to the fury of many others in the queue, and I never forgot that example of grace under fire. A great talent, who gave so much enjoyment to so many. With deepest sympathy, Keith Ducklin.
“F A B” Gerry!
My sincerest condolences to the Anderson family – Gerry Anderson was a legend in his own time, an innovator and creative. It was watching such shows as Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet as a kid that encouraged my desire to go into the TV industry. I would not be the man I am today without your father Jamie, and I am deeply saddened by the news. May he rest in peace
My late father worked with Reg Hill and took me to meet him, to two tin-roofed units on the Slough Trading Estate, when I was eith (in 1964).
I saw some scenery but never had the joy of meeting ‘the man who created the magic’.
My father also died from complications from Alzheimer’s so I almost rejoice at a ‘blessed release’.
Rest In Peace Gerry (if I may) and thank you for bringing wonder to millions of small boys who have grown knowing that the impossible is possible. Thanks you so much.
Thanks for all the dreams Mr. Anderson. Thanks for a world of fantasy so far removed from my life in 1960’s Britain. Thanks for giving lots of folk such a lot of enjoyment. When I was a wee boy I lived and breathed Thunderbirds.
I’m shedding a tear today.
My deepest sympathies to you and your family. You can be immensely proud of your father’s contribution to the lives of so many children, of all ages, and across so many years. He expanded the imaginations of so many. Despite the intervening years I can still recall the excitement and anticipation of each new episode of Supercar, Fireball XL5 and Stingray. May he rest in peace.
So sorry to hear of your loss Jamie. As a child I was captivated by Thunderbirds and the magic of the series still remains with me today, along with all of Gerry’s productions. I think he was a true genius in his field. RIP Gerry.
I am sorry and shocked to hear this. I went to his talk on Worthing pier a few years ago which was very interesting. He displayed Fab 1, Parker and Lady Penelope. I am 49 and really enjoy his shows as much now as did when I was a child.
My deepest regrets – your father was an enormous influence on me as a kid and has produced shows which have thrilled me all my life and which continue to do so and shall do for generations to come. Even now I still relish Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds et al. And UFO remains one of the best sci-fi series produced in this country.
So very sad to hear this news. I grew up loving all your dad’s programmes, starting with Fireball XL5…. RIP Gerry
Condolences and best wishes to you all
David
Very sad news – but what an amazing legacy. Gerry Anderson’s work made so many children’s (and in later lives as adults and parents) lives of the 60’s and beyond, immensely enriched by a vision of tomorrow filled with hope, heroism, friendship and excitement alongside the most advanced futuristic technologies with the aim of selflessly helping others.
Simply the best
Very sad as I had the pleasure to know him as his mum lived at the end of our garden,as I grew up. I also remember Jamie as a young boy when he visited his Nan . I was (still am) a fan of Thunderbirds he will be missed.
A very big thanks to someone who may not ever realise how much he gave to so many. Fuel for the imagination.
Dear Jamie,
I’m not usually one to leave comments on forums but such is my respect for your fathers achievements i have to pay my condolences. There will be millions of people around the world who were blessed to see your fathers work at a time when it changed childrens viewing. I’m still a big kid at heart mainly due to Gerry’s shows.
My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family at this time.
kind regards
Paul
so sad. An icon who’s creations inspired me. Farewell Gerry you will be sadly missed.
Gerry and his wonderful productions was someone who I grew up with and who was an inspiration to me, and I know many others in science and engineering. He leaves us all so many fine programmes and films. My very best wishes to his family and his very many friends around the world who will be sad to hear the news.
Jamie,
My most profound regrets at your dads passing. He was a significant influence in my life. I do believe that the reason I became an engineer and not a musician is because of the the influence of “Brains”.
However big planes, hot girls, danger and ethics are a heady mix for a 12 yr old boy in the stix.
I wish you and your family well. He will be missed
Kind Regards Soren Ingram
Really sorry to hear this news Jamie. Thoughts are with you and Mum at this difficult time.
My sincerest condolences to the Anderson family, Gerry lit up my life as a wee boy, the pure joy and excitement that his creations brought to me will be with me always.
Rest in Peace…….
RIP Gerry Anderson. You inspired a generation with your work which is timeless. That your work is still available for todays generation to appreciate speaks volumes. My condolences to the family and friends.
Dear Jamie,
I’m sure I will be one of millions to offer my sincere condolences to you and your family at this very sad time.
Having lost my grandmother exactly a year ago to Alzheimer’s, I can appreciate the ‘long goodbye’.
Gerry Anderson had such a fabulous imagination, and one that I will continue to keep me young at heart!
With kind regards,
Mark
Extremely saddened to hear that your father has passed Jamie.
However, I rejoice in the memory of a great man that inspired so many of us through his work.
R.I.P.
So sorry for your loss. Gerry’s shows brought so much joy to me throughout my childhood. Something for which I will be forever grateful.
My condolences to the Anderson family. RIP Gerry Anderson, and thanks for all the adventures.
I am sorry for your loss but your father will always live on in the way he changed the direction of mine and many others lives . Thankyou.
A true giant of television who gave us the most wonderful gift of happiness.
So sorry for you loss Jamie.
RIP Mr. Anderson. Thunderbirds will live on.
Gerry Anderson – FAB – a true master of his craft (pun intended) – imagineer extraordinaire. A genius and a true pioneer. Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Joe-90, UFO, Space:1999, Space Precinct – they all captured my heart and my imagination at various times in my life. Particularly Thunderbirds. They have been jewels I have also delighted in sharing with my kids.
We all have many heroes, but some will stand out to us as people who have repeatedly created or done things that have generated so much happiness, and inspired and affected us in so many ways. In the movie industry, there are 3 names for me that top the list – Gerry Anderson, Ray Harryhausen and Stan Winston.
It was horrible news when I found out earlier this year that Gerry, who has brought endless joy to the lives of so many, was afflicted by this terrible disease. I am now so sad to hear of his passing.
Gerry – you will be SOOOO missed. You always were and always will be one of my heroes. Thank-you for a wonderful childhood, one that never ended due in no small part to you.
Jamie – my sympathies to yourself, Mary and all Gerry’s close friends & family. I hope that as with his millions of fans, you can take some solace in the fact that he will live on forever in his creations.
A personal childhood and adult hero of mine. The world has lost a great visionary and tallent. So sad for your loss.
Sad news. The UFO series I fondly remember was both a scientific career inspiration for me and set the bar for so many science fiction productions since.
Gerry Anderson’s work inspired me and started my big interest in science, specifically Psychology. Joe 90, Started my fascination with the nature of genius and super intelligence, my debt to Mr Anderson is immense, my condolences go out to his family, may he rest in peace.
Wow the clip on BBC New brought it all back to me…how I loved Thunderbirds as a kid 🙂
Thank you Gerry for your fabulous contribution to my childhood.
My sympathies to Jamie and the rest of the family.
F A B
An amazing man who pushed the boundaries of television and entertained millions of people. Thank you Gerry.
May he rest in peace.
My condolences to you and all who loved him, Jamie.
The legacy of innovation and sheer delight he has left behind in his work, and the good humour and generosity he showed in his rôle as an ambassador for The Alzheimer’s Society, would each be a fitting tribute to a life. That he leaves both will surely, I hope, be a comfort to you.
Jamie & Mary…
Am so saddened to hear of Gerry’s passing. He was a pioneer of Television and was without doubt the bigges name of the “golden age” as well as the new with the CGI of Captain Scarlet.
He developed so much new talent for the industry – so many owe him for their success after Gerry gave them their 1st career opportunity. He inspired so many professionally and delighted millions globally with his shows – a pioneer and a real gentleman, I am so very proud to have known him. My and Lois’s thoughts are with you and Mary this very sad day.
Robert
RIP Gerry.
Thank you for making me childhood so special.
When I was growing up I watched many programmes on tv, but those that stuck with me were the ones with the magic and sense of wonder that the great Gerry Anderson created.
Yes I remember Fireball XL5, Stingray, Thunderbirds, Space 1999, UFO and many many others. Gerry gave me what I was looking for at an early age, he showed me that the sense of wonder I had could be fed, and that someone out there had the same sense of adventure I was looking for.
He was ahead of his time, and many people appreciated that. his time and effort was put into every show he created, and it’s easy to see the care put into these programmes also.
Gerry has probably inspired more people than he realised, how I was introduced to Science Fiction and Fantasy through his shows.
Gerry Anderson may be gone, but he will never ever be forgotten, he will live on in his creations, and through those who were lucky enough to know him, he will never be truly gone until all those whose lives he touched are gone also, he will live forever in our hearts and minds, and all I can do, in a humble way is create these words of admiration for an amazing individual, and true genius who will live on in my heart and mind forever.
F.A.B. Gerry. F.A.B.
So sorry to hear this. He was truly a great visionary and will be missed.
Very very sad to hear the news a great man with a great mind r.I.p Gerry you made a lot of ppl dream and brought the future a little closer for all … Rob
He WAS my childhood. Happy memories of Four Feather falls, Twizzle, Supercar and Fireball. So sad.
A piece of my childhood just died.
We thought you were “indestructible” Gerry.
You were F.A.B
now R.I.P
Thank you so much for the riches you provided…….
Jamie, heartfelt condolences to you and yours. Your father lives on, in the wonderful body of work he has left us, which has given me so much enjoyment in the 48 years since I first watched Fireball XL5 at the age of four, and continues to do so to this day. It was a special joy and pleasure to pass on that enjoyment to my own son. Your father was a true genius and the world is a better place for his having been here. May he rest in peace, and may you and yours be comforted. with best wishes, Ian, Devon, England
So sorry to hear the news. Gerry’s children’s TV programs of the sixties were a major influence on me during my formative years. He will be missed, but his work will carry on. R.I.P. and F.A.B. Mr. Anderson.
Gerry and his wonderful productions was someone who I grew up with and who was an inspiration to me, and I know many others in science and engineering. He leaves us all so many fine programmes and films. My very best wishes to his family and his very many friends around the world who will be sad to hear the news.
I’m very sad to hear about the passing of a great and inspirational man; he will be hugely missed.
I grew up in the 90s and it was my father that introduced me to Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Stingray as he had watched them in the 60s and 70s. It was a childhood experience that bonded my father and I, as I imagine it did for many fathers and sons.
I’ve lost a grandparent to Alzheimers too and as you have likely experienced, it is ‘the long goodbye’ – flashes of the person you knew come and go and it can be heartbreaking one minute and gratifying to have the former person back the next.
I hope Gerry is at peace and that the family can take comfort in knowing the fact that he MADE many peoples’ childhoods with his wonderful forward-thinking creations that inspired every generation that has watched it. That’s no small feat and one that won’t be forgotten any time soon.
Martin
Such sad news – my condolences, your father was a wonderful man.
At least four generations of children owe him so much. An optimistic vision of the future, an early engagement with science and technology, and children’s drama that always pushed the boundaries. His work was always so high-quality; even the most fantastic scenario would be meticulously written, directed, designed, lit, acted, edited, by people at the top of their game. Quality was an Anderson hallmark. Not to mention by all accounts, he was a thoroughly lovely man. Science fiction has lost a giant.
I suspect his work will live on well beyond the future it portrays. It’s too good not to. I’m one of the 1990s generation that rediscovered his earlier work in repeats. We were all stunned when we heard these shows were over 30 years old, nothing like them was being turned out then (or now). And some of his later work, like the New Captain Scarlet, has yet to get the attention and appreciation it fully deserves. RIP.
I’m so sorry for your loss and to hear this sad news. Your father and his creations made my childhood special (and still do, even though I’m now in my 40s).
I’ll be watching UFO in his honour later tonight.
RIP, Gerry.
My deepest condolences to you & you family on this very sad day. Just know that your father work touched many of us out here & still does to this day… Chris
Really sad the hear this news today. I like many others of my generation ‘grew up’ on your fathers imagination. I am convinced that the gadget man in me can be traced back to your father! He made my childhood special – and the big kid in me still loves to watch the productions. Spellbinding. RIP Gerry.
…so many people will sing Gerry Anderson’s praise, and it is well and truly deserved, but I simply want to say this: Jamie, I am sorry that you have lost your father, and I want you to know that in time, the pain and loss will get better. Take what comfort you can, and be reassured that everyone who knew his work, every single person who was touched by what Gerry did, is mourning with you. I can say no more than that. Be well.
R.I.P. Gerry Anderson You were a big part of my Childhood viewing experience, As well as my Children’s and hopefully my Grand Children, You left an amazing Legacy for us all.
His talent will be missed, so sorry to hear of his passing. His programmes from Fireball XL5 in black and white through to UFO had me rushing home and glued to TV.
His influence continues .. all the PC’s and servers on my network are called “Thunderbird*” .. main laptop is of course Thunderbird 5. Fond memories of the cinema film Thunderbird 6.
My fathers engineering factory wasn’t far from Bowie films on the Slough Trading Estate 45 years ago .. I would often run round to see if the doors were open so we could see in ..
RIP Gerry.
I live in Germany. It is very sad, that Gerry has died, My favourite tv series was SPACE:1999 (German title: MONDBASIS ALPHA 1). Gerry’s future was fantastic! I have all the episodes on Blu-ray Disc (and many models of the spaceships like the Eagle Transporter).
I wish I had something original to add to all the thoughts already expressed by others, but I don’t. Gerry Anderson’s work was a major source of joy in both my childhood and my adulthood. I’m grateful for all he did, and I’m sorry he’s no longer among us. Best wishes and peace to his family.
Stingray and Thunderbirds were my first favorite things, and Gerry Anderson was my first favorite creator. Those shows did so much to shape my earliest feelings of adventure and imagination and heroism. I know he was in a bad way for a while and I’m glad he’s at peace now. But a world that never had Gerry Anderson in it isn’t a world I would recognize.
I am 48 years old and grey up with Stingray, Thunderbirds, Joe 90, Captain Scarlet, UFO and Space 1999, all filling my head with wild imagination. These days the DVD collections still bring a smile to my face when I want to escape from reality for a while.
Goodbye Mr Anderson and thank you for the very fond memories.
Ger Roe
Wicklow, Ireland.
Very sad news indeed. My young son has, just this year, ‘discovered’ Joe 90 and all that Gerry created. He inspired my childhood and hopefully his efforts and imagination will continue to inspire our future generations.
Jamie, so sad to hear of your dad’s passing.
Although born in the mid 1950’s, I was definitely a child of the 60’s and like so many other people, my childhood was shaped by the puppet shows your dad created.
His shows are a big part of my life more than forty years later and I shared his heartbreak that the CGI version of Captain Scarlet was well and truly sabotaged. It was ground-breaking and clearly had so much love and hard work poured into it by everyone involved. I am probably unusual for my generation in actually preferring the new version to the original!
While it would be wonderful to think that his work would be continued in some way by future generations, rest assured that his life’s work will not be forgotten as long as there are fan fiction writers out there – and there are a lot of us!
Thinking of you, your mother and the rest of your family,
Christine
Gerry made such an impression on kids my age, and nurtured quite a few careers.
Sadly missed.
A HUGE thanks to Gerry Anderson for such FAB childhood memories – he not only inspired my generation, but has steadily increased his fanbase over a 50 year period (and continues to do so).
R.I.P.
R.I.P Gerry anderson , and may thanks from your thunderbird fans. god bless all
Can’t quite believe the news, part of my life and so many others for as long as I can remember. You will never be forgotten Gerry.
Like so many others I enjoyed you father’s TV shows as a child in the 1960s and 70s. What a sad loss for you and the rest of the family. Hopefully the respect that so many of us feel for him and his work will help you at this time. Gerry Anderson was a great of British TV.
I was fortunate enough to meet Gerry a couple of years ago at forbidden planet/London – as I stood waiting to meet Gerry you could sense he had a passion for the legacy he had created with the time he spent talking to every single person,they say never meet your heroes but I was so glad I met Gerry-absolute gentleman – he spoke with pride about the CGI series of captain Scarlett and his other work-for me like millions of other kids his work defined a generation and was inspirational on so many levels to so many people-my sincere condolences Jamie to you and your family-your fathers genius will live for generations to come to countless more people for them to be inspired,enthralled and even if it only manages to put a smile on one small child’s face-job done!RIP Gerry-you were my hero
Dear Gerry,
Thank you for being born. The world was, and is a far better place for your creativity, inspiration, talent and enthusiasm which came across in all the great films and programs you made. I dared to dream magical and fantastic dreams because you showed me the way.
R.I.P Gerry.
So sorry for you Jamie and your family. Thunderbirds defined my childhood- did you know that I was the unofficial pilot of Thunderbirds Six? Well that was my dream growing up and it has never left me. My whole family pretty much loves everything Gerry did, but Thunderbirds, Fireball XL5 and the original and new Captain Scarlet really stand out. Now aged 51 they still are my favourite programmes- in the last few weeks I watched the whole new Captain Scarlet again with great pleasure, and my number 1 present yesterday was “Thunderbirds are Go” on vinyl, featuring the magnificent work of Barry Gray, who is also sadly missed. Gerry there has never been anyone like you, your work will never leave our hearts.
My condolences on your loss – I spent way too much time with a Joe 90 toy attaché case as a child 😉
S.A.D
Very sorry to learn of Mr. Anderson’s passing. His films allowed me as a young lad to dream big. “When I grow up I wanted to be a Thunderbird.”
Thank you Mr. Anderson , Rest Peacefully Sir. FAB.
God Bless,
Murray,
Vancouver, British Columbia Canada.
Very sad news.Your father was a great creative genius who produced a fantastic legacy of programs that have entertained and inspired so many people.He will never be forgotten.
Thanks, Gerry Anderson for the happy moments you gave me at my childhood. RIP
Brilliant man… my childhood was inspired by his creations ! I consider myself very lucky to have grown up in that era, watching his fantastic work..
RIP
Simon.
His various series were the central focus of every Saturday night’s television for years. Magic, pure magic. Thank you, Gerry.
Condolences for man that was such an inspiration for most of us lads with his creations. RIP Gerry.
I was honoured to meet Gerry Anderson at a book signing in Edinburgh 10 years ago. He was very patient and appeared modest and bemused that I would compliment his work. Little did he know that his shows influenced me in many ways and continue to be a source of comfort in difficult times. I remember telling him how thrilled I was to see his short promo film for New Captain Scarlet – a show that I’ve introduced several friends too and think of as one of his greatest achievements.
RIP Gerry Anderson and my deepest condolences, Jamie.
RIP Gerry Anderson. So sorry Jamie for your loss. It’s incredibly sad. He was a wonderful man who brought such happy memories for me as a child. My Dad and me watched Captain Scarlet and Thunderbirds all the time and I loved it so very much. My partner also has loved Gerry Andersons things since he was younger too, and we still watch the fantastic creations today. You can’t beat it. I am very very sad. I wish I would of wrote to him before his sad passing. Sending love, Gem x
RIP Gerry, thanks for providing me many years of enjoyment.
A little girl growing up in 1960s Uganda together with her brothers were frozen in front of the TV screen with wide amazed eyes as they watched Thunderbird, Captain Scarlet etc. The series were a hit with the siblings who never missed a viewing! It made our childhood sooo much more interesting (though because I was much younger, I was petrified at the baddies every time, believing them to be real! Lol). But that’s why the series were so fantastic…they transfixed every child at the time. I am now in my 40s and still get transfixed as I am taken back to my childhood memories.
Ahhhhh! Alas! Jamie, It is now with such sadness that I hear of the death of your father, Mr Gerry Anderson, the greatest producer ever of a TV series that can never be replicated to his standard! He was the fore runner of special effects big time! What a mind, what a special man!
Condolences to you Jamie and your family members. You are NOT alone!
Mr Gerry Anderson…you will never be forgotten. Rest in peace.
Thunderbirds ARRRRRRREE Go!
So sorry to learn of Gerry’s passing, he was a true inspiration to me all through my Childhood and Adult live, a man who had an extraordinary vision, where Race was no longer an issue.
All his shows had action, excitement, and normally a moral tail to be told.
I was lucky to meet Gerry back in the second wave of Thunderbirds, and had a lengthy chat about his success and how his shows have stuck with me all these year.
I say, thanks Gerry, we will miss you, but we won’t forget you.
Donald and Gregor Suttie
Dundee
Gerry Anderson wrote the storybook of my childhood. Preschool I adventured with Mike Mercury in Supercar and Steve Zodiac in Fireball XL5. Later Stingray, Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet were big favourites.
I went through primary school trying to find out how to get Steve Zodiac’s job. That’s why I ended up in Astronomy.
Mr Anderson will be fondly remembered and sadly missed.
It ‘s like losing a distant uncle ….
Sweet dreams old dreamer …..
Sorry for your loss. Your dad’s shows taught us up to believe that the future would be better and that there was always hope. Tears will be shed across the planet.
So sad to learn the news; I remember all of his TV series so vividly through my childhood in the 60’s and 70’s. RIP to a great and inspirational man.
I’m very sorry to have learnt this news today. Your Father’s work was pivotal to my early childhood in Chester. In the mid 1960’s when all the girls at the local village primary school were making daisy chains, all of us boys were scooting around the playground pretending to be saving good folks from various imaginary bad guys. The sounds, the explosions, the rescues – all based on Thunderbirds (watched on our black & white ‘Radio Rentals’ telly in those days!).
I remember my own Dad telling me I’d grow out of it when I was older. I disagreed! Now I’m the age my Dad was then, and I have a boxed set of Thunderbirds, and UFO too… Happy memories for me, that are soon to be enjoyed by own young lad!
Jamie, you’re very lucky to have had such an inspirational and famous Father. Condolences to all your family, and thank you.
Sorry to hear of your loss Jamie, I had the great pleasure of meeting your father twice in my life, the first briefly at the Bristol Fanderson convention a few years ago and then again at the Fanderson Birthday party in Marlow 2011, and we had a short chat before he left the party where I managed to tell him how he had influenced me over the years to get into film making, and shake his hand and say thank you.
My thoughts are with both you and your mother on this sad day, your father was a true legend and will forever live on in the memories of all who he inflenced and entertained.
The first TV shows I ever remember watching were Supercar and Fireball XL5.
Sorry to hear about Gerry’s passing.
Sorry to here of your sad loss. I know I will be one of very many to say what a huge effect your dads work/talent had on my childhood. I was born in 1965 and so your dads show were constantly my favorites, starting with thunderbirds though captain scarlet and U.F.O. to space 1999. those memories from my childhood will be with me forever. I truly hope all these messages posted here will bring bring a small comfort to you and your family.
Best wishes
all time Gerry Anderson fan.
My sincere condolences for your loss. Gerry is a creative genius and a most interesting man. His amazing and timeless creations, including Space: 1999, will always be in my heart.
From the USA:
Chris, we do not know each other but I wanted to mention that your Dad was a very special person. He directly influenced my childhood and adult life in a way that cannot be measured.
He was certainly a man way ahead of his time.
I’m fortunate that I can share his legacy with my young son who enjoys your fathers work as much as I do. It is my sincere hope that you will carry on the tradition. RIP, Gerry.
God love you Gerry. A very special part of my childhood.You captivated the young and adults alike with your unforgettable shows and formats.You changed the way Sci-fi was made and you pioneered techniques in production which changed the industry.A modest yet brilliantly creative gentleman.Irreplaceable.
I was saddened today to hear of the passing of Gerry Anderson. He was a great spirit that influenced and inspired so many lives. The future “Anderson” Science Fiction Dream Worlds have sparked the imaginations of so many young for decades to make some part of those dreams a reality. He will be missed but never forgotten! See you in the stars Gerry.
R.I.P Gerry, very sad news. Having grown up like thousands of other Children and Adults on Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Stingray etc. Gerry was way ahead of his time and a true inspiration. Condolences to you and your Family Jamie.
Jamie; there is nothing I can say that’s not already been said.
Your dad’s mastery will live on.
My condolences
Simon
Thunderbirds was my staple diet on ATV when I was young – personally I wanted to be Virgil.
Used to build tons of lego vehicles inspired by the show at an early age and, well, I still do – working and running a Visual Effects facility. I even showed the guys here explosion reference from Thunderbirds just the other day when referring to scaling and miniature photography.
Genius stuff, he’ll be surely missed.
Pete
PS My Grandpa also had gradually increasing dementia from the last five years of his life… but somehow I was one of the few he remembered…
Really sad news about your father Jamie. Gerry Anderson inspired many people including myself who ended up as a designer for a large european organisation. We will remember the visionary and highly entertaining shows.
Thank you Gerry, what you created was simply brilliant, wonderful and magic. Kevin age 50!
Here in Brazil, I was then 6 years old and I built from the scratch 5 wooden models of the #2. I played a lot with them. My Father was a Mechanical Designer at FAB. One can only imagine how moved I was at the time I saw those machines working at each episode! Sweet memories thanks to you Mr. Anderson. Thank you very much! F. A. B.
By the way, FAB in my post means Força Aérea Brasileira; Brazillian Air Force. The second F.A.B. means the usual: FABulous!!!!
The only competition I ever won, for ‘Look-In comic’, a Dinky Eagle transporter. ‘It’s here!’ I excitedly announced to the family as I carried the box upstairs after receiving it from the postman. I had no previous knowledge of my win but it was as if I was always going to answer those questions and win!
I used to make cap explosions to match Derek Meddings’s ‘effects’, imitate Parker and re-enact the scenes from Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Joe 90. The magic and wonder of it all rocketed my childhood imagination and it still soars today in a creative life and career as illustrator, University lecturer, writer and poet.
I am hugely indebted to his profound influence. Thank you Gerry Anderson. Thank You
I wish I could add something to all the previous comments but I’m alomost lost for words. All the productions were way ahead of their time. (Radio-controlled puppet mouths? Whatever next? !!). Gerry gave an awful lot of pleasure to an awful lot of folk, both old and young, and the TV biz has lost one of its major creative geniuses. Like many “mature” people, I can still view his productions with awe and be temporarily transported back to the fantasy days of my youth when they are shown again. There was nothing else quite like them on the box at the time and probably never will be again now we’re in the age of computer-generated characters. Just sheer magic.
The world is a poor place. Gerry Anderson was hero of mine and his shows enriched my life enormously.So sorry for your loss.The world will never have another Gerry Anderson. Thank you and RIP Gerry.
I was very sad to hear this news today. Gerry enriched my childhood back in the 70s.
Condolences to you and your family
Mark
myself and my family would like to send our condolences to gerry andersons family at this difficult time. he will be greatly missed and a ledgend in his own right. i grew up watching many of gerrys programmes like thunderbirds, joe 90, captain scarlet, ufo, space 1999 and many others.
Jamie:
My condolonsces to you and your family on the passing of your father, Gerry Anderson.
The Thunderbirds series was a geniune treat and there are no other shows that I can recall that I enjoyed so much. It had action, adventure and excitement! Mr. Anderson will be missed, may he rest in peace.
RIP Gerry, Spectrum is Green. You weren’t indestructible but your memory is. Bless you, thanks for a great childhood. Jerry
I am a child of the 1960s who grew up on a diet of Stingray, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet etc. They were the highlight of my viewing week and provided images, characters and stories that have stayed with me, and probably helped shaped my values as an adult.
Jamie, your father has a special place in the hearts of many like me who watched his shows as children in decade after decade over the last fifty years. He will never be forgotten.
My thoughts are with you.
Thanks Gerry for being part of my childhood, with your fantastic shows.
RIP
Rob
I can only re-iterate what I have written elsewhere and that is…
my childhood would have been a far emptier place without Gerry Anderson and his shows. In fact, it started then and continued through to my adulthood as I continue to enjoy all of his shows still. I doubt I could say that about any other TV programme over the last 45 years.
Thanks for Gerry Anderson’s wonderful imagination. He made my childhood years special.
Condolences to you his family on his loss.
As a child born in the early 50`s i was lucky to be a neighbour of your father and was privileged to be invited to the studios in Slough during the making of an episode of Thunderbirds,still clear in my mind.After all i had been brought up on Four Feathers, Twizzle, Supercar and FireballXL5. He has left a great impression on myself and a wonderful legacy to all children. Thank you Gerry Anderson. My thoughts are with your family.
So sad to hear this news and thoughts with all Gerrys family. His work is part of the fabric of my childhood. His commitment to making great and innovative shows means he will be remembered fondly by many many people. A great talent.
The world has lost a television legend. Everything Gerry made was exciting and he made sure the puppets looked good. The strings were there but it was so well made you didn’t care. RIP Gerry.
Been a Thunderbirds (and Stingray & Captain Scarlet too!) fan since I was 7 when the show came back to our screens in 1992 and for Christmas yesterday I received the complete boxset of Thunderbirds on DVD after my original set was ruined by the Sun (leaving them on windowsill not best idea!) so I am now watching them in honour of Gerry. A genius. May he rest in peace.
My sincere condolences to you Jamie, your mother and your family. Your father’s work was always a big inspiration to me and he certainly was “responsible” for some important choices in my life.
I also once had the pleasure to meet him and your mother in person at the opening of the Comet Miniatures shop in London, which was a very pleasant experience. I especially travelled there from Switzerland to see Gerry in person. And I really met a very nice person with a gentle voice. That is how I will remember him: inspiring, pleasantly and a gentleman. He left us far too soon. May he rest in peace.
Ron
What can be said about a modest gentleman whose ideas gave us such great television. Was just listening to his commentary on UFO last week. My thoughts go to his family and his ideas will be alive forever.
Very sad new Gerry Anderson was a big part of my childhood and my son loved watching the dvd’s or tv runs of his show which bought back many memories.
My thoughts are with Gerry’s family at this sad time
Rest In peace
Kevin
Still watch thunderbirds with amazement ..the most perfect show in history RIp jerry
Your Father’s work filled my imagination as a young child! A true pioneer and genius!
RIP Gerry Anderson and thankyou for all of the years of entertainment you provided to me and all children, including those of us who never fully grew up, over the decades. I grew up watching, and loving, Thunderbirds, UFO, Space 1999, Captain Scarlet and The Mysterons and Stingray. If only todays childrens shows could develop the same sort of devoted fandom 50 yeas on.
As a 60s child I was obsessed with anything Gerry Anderson, and proudly own the all the shows on DVD! I immediately started digging them out again after hearing this sad news. Gerry gave kids of my age amazing TV shows and fantastical worlds to vanish into. The games we played as a result oh his characters!
I hope the upcoming UFO movie servers his memory well.
Gerry will always live on in our memories, and I also made sure my kids watched his shows, to extend that legacy a bit further.
There was nothing quite like Gerry’s shows, and I fear there never will be again.
Rest well Gerry, and be assured we’ll be enjoying your work for many many years to come.
Nigel
Godspeed Gerry Anderson. You made my childhood so much brighter and better with all your programs! You will be missed.
Jamie
Your Dad was a genius
I used to go places where he would publically appear
The last time was The Strand for the royal mail stamps launch & every time I have met him I have been Starstruck & Tonguetied so I really never got the chance to tell him how much is work has shaped my life
I pride myself on being the biggest Memorabilia collector of his work, no exaggeration
My deepest condolences
Larry Peterson
Sincere condolences Jamie to you and to Mary.
As somebody who grew up as a spellbound child,absolutely mesmerised by the world of Gerry Anderson I was so incredibly privileged to actually work with Gerry when we made the Mr Thunderbird documentary on his life and work – something I could never even have dreamed of as a child.
He was not just a visionary and a genius, but much more importantly a lovely man, and his place in the memories and consciousness of millions of people has been set in stone for all of us to share for all time.
God bless you Gerry.
Dear Jamie,
I’d like to add my condolences to those you’ve already received. I remember forcing myself awake at age 8 to watch Thunderbirds here, in the U.S. and, between that, U.F.O., and Space 1999, have had a huge interest in spacelfight ever since. Recently, my 3-year-old daughter Annette has become a fan of the Thunderbirds after having viewed several episodes on the boxed set of DVD’s I bought.
As for myself, it was my privilege to work on the descent radar for the Mars Science Laboratory and, at least vicariously, live-out some of the thrilling vision your father inspired in me.
God Bless and Keep you and Yours,
Fred H. Francis–
A terrific comment! As a huge space fan, it makes me smile that Gerry inspired you, and we were all privileged to see Curiosity safely land on Mars.
There was nothing that stirred me more as a young boy than watching the opening sequence to Fireball XL5. Your dad’s work helped shape the way I am, and I know influenced countless others. My condolences. I wish I could have thanked your dad.
As a fifies child I had my weekly fix of Stingray and THunderbirds,sorry
for your loss
I don’t normally do posts, but upon hearing the news about Gerry, I felt I had to let you know had sad I was to hear of his passing. I like many others in our 40’s / 50’s grew up with your shows, It made us as kids believe that anything was possible and how great the future would be. Thank you for you innovation and inspiration Gerry, you will be greatly missed. RIP.
My sympathies to you and your mother, Jamie. Your father and his work has meant so much to so many, I’m very glad to have met and known him.
My tribute is here:
http://taylorcosm.com/?p=344
Truly sorry for your loss. Your father’s creations were an inspiration to me and my brother in our most formative years.
He will be missed by many.
Steve
As a boy I had no idea one man created all my favourite television shows. What adventures and magic Gerry created, a true genius. My thoughts are with his family and friends.
I was brought up with your dads imagination and his wonderous creations and because of that im sure it made me a better person in later life that im sure He helped build my own imagintion and we all loved him for that his creationd/shows was well thought out and planned with terrific stories i loved them all i really did R.I.P Gerry Anderson.
Gerry Anderson, has always been and will always be remembered as a TRUE LEGEND in his field – such great memories of watching his creations such as Thunderbirds – may you rest in peace Gerry – my thoughts and prayers are with your family at this sad time xx
Sorry for your loss.
He took us to so many places we never would have been able to go to on our own.
May he rest in peace.
Jamie
your father fueled my childhood imagination for which I am eternally grateful. My condolences to you and your family.
Heartfelt condolences on the loss of your father, such a lovely man, please send our sympathies to Mary x
Every time I rolled my aircraft onto the runway and pushed the throttle froward, the theme from Thunderbirds would play through my head. And who didn’t want a jet that could fly out from under water like Sky 1 in U.F.O.? And the Eagle Transporter is still, in my opinion, the most realistic rendering of a workhorse spaceship.
Mr. Anderson supplied my childhood with fantastic raw material for my imagination.
Godspeed, Gerry!
Thunderbirds blew me away with it’s suspenseful story telling and miniature effects when I was young (and I’m only 30 now).
Rest in Peace Gerry! I just heard this on the news. My deepest sympathies to his family.
My brother and I watched Thunderbirds and Stingray as kids; he had a model of Fireball XL5 which I inherited when he passed away. These shows captured our imaginations like nothing else. My favorite character was Marina 🙂 Oh, the memories…
Jaime, I’m sorry for your loss. I’ve been a Captain Scarlet, UFO, and Space 1999 fan, from childhood. He will be missed.
RIP Gerry, and Godspeed. Or should I say, Spectrum Is Green?
Jamie … i was so sad to hear on the news that your father has passed away. He was a genius and will be sadly missed. He will always be remembered in the hearts & minds of the young and young at heart, for everything that he has done.
Alex London UK
A great affected kiss to the my second father, the father of my character, my dreams, my personality. Thank you Gerry for all fantastic dreams that you gave me. I hope to meet you a day along with all the other heroes who have given me during my adolescence.
With love
Umberto
Dear Jamie.
I’m very sad to hear of your Dad’s passing.
You must be very proud of him and the achievements that he and his collaberative teams made together.
Fantastic entertainment-both then and now!
A Legend, one whom wiill be missed by many, many fans.
The future is no longer what it used to be.
I feel apart of me has died as well, his creations & genius lives on, despite all the CGI nowadays still nothing comes close to Gerry Anderson brilliance, my favorite has got to be thunderbirds and later UFO.
Gerry Anderson will be remembered as one of the greats & irreplaceable persons to of lived like Kenny Everett & Benny Hill.
Thank you Gerry for making my childhood a time to look back too, what have the kids got now NOTHING
My condolences to his family.
Rick O Shay
Peter
R.I.P. Gerry, to us kids in the UK you were our Walt Disney.
My best childhood memories
Regards
Ken Richards
So very sad to here about this. My sincere condolences to you and your family.
Venus was my 1st Love.
Many thanks to your father for making my childhood such an exciting time.
Regards John.
RIP Gerry
Thank you for giving us Thunderbirds and the other shows, Thunderbirds first blew me away at the age of 7 in the mid 70’s, and had me hooked for life.
Can I pass on my condolences to Gerry’s family.
I can’t add anything new or clever, I just want to say “thank you”.
Rest well.
Such a trail blaze, such a trend setter. Like the family on Tracy Island, Gerry Anderson was far ahead of his time. The music was memorable, the sets powered the imagination and Brains was unbearable !!!!!!!!
My childhood was richer for the work that Gerry produced and now our lives are poorer for the loss .
FAB Virgil
Dear Jamie,
I want to say how sorry I am for the loss of your father. He was a big part of my childhood in the 60’s here in the USA. Although Thunderbirds was not as popular here, I can never forget the amazing Supercar and Fireball XL5 as a child. They made me WANT to go to space. They made it fun, exciting, and innocent all at the same time. The good guys were very, very good. And the bad guys never won.
And the effects were groundbreaking at the time. Considering the very limited budget and the need to produce episodes quickly, the series have held up well over time.
The child in me wants you to know your dad was really important to me. The adult in me still has a love of space, and I mourn the loss of your father.
I know he’s out there somewhere.
“I wish I were a spaceman, the fastest guy alive…”
RIP Gerry Anderson.
Sincerely,
Helen Hill
Los Angeles, CA
How very sad to hear your father has passed away…But What a clever and innovative man your father was.. i always remember sitting by the tv waiting for Thunderbirds to come on. My most favourite childrens programs were Thunderbirds and Stingray…I even had a Stingray gun when i was 7years old..I am now 53- Even today these wonderful stories stand up to be watched.. I know this must be a very sad time for you and your family but just know that your father made lots of young children and adults very happy..
All good wishes to you and your family
Heather
Dear Jamie,
Please accept my deepest condolences. Losing a loved one to a degenerative disease is a terrible thing, and accompanying your father through his journey living with that disease must have been an emotionally overwhelming experience (I lost my mother after a long battle with Parkinson’s Disease several years ago). I grew up in Canada watching the Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet, Joe 90, UFO and Space:1999 — In the original English but also dubbed into French as well on stations broadcast out of Quebec! Since I moved to the United States over twenty years ago, I have found that fewer people were familiar with Gerry’s work in the USA, but those whom I do encounter are fervent fans. I think an underlying theme in much of your father’s work was a fundamental optimism about mankind, a sense that as flawed as humanity is, there is always hope that we can overcome our petty squabbles, greed and prejudices, and strive toward a better future.
Know, in your immediate family’s sorrow, that Gerry’s extended family comprised millions around the world, and that we all mourn his passing.
Dear Jamie,
Sincere condolences on the loss of your father.
Your father was truly wonderful. He brightened the lives of literally millions of children. I cannot imagine your loss but please have some comfort by their love of him. I feel so fortunate to have met him.
your Dad was a hero to me , made lots of kids of all ages very happy and brought joy to millions .
he will be missed
a fan from the 70s
alex de capua
Dear Jamie,
I was deeply saddened to hear this news today. Although I never met your father, he has always been a huge inspiration to me and I greatly admire his sheer determination to solider on, either doing something he loved or for a cause he believed in. What inspired me most was the fact that he never gave up on anything he put his mind to, sometimes against all the odds, and achieved so much in his lifetime.
He was a truly remarkable man, and I’m sure you are immensely proud of him.
I hope you take some comfort knowing that his work will continue to entertain and inspire kids for generations to come, and I look forward to one day sitting down with my own children and introducing them to Thunderbirds.
If I was able to say one thing to him now, it would be simply to say Thank You for making my childhood (and adulthood!) so very exciting!
Best regards
Ross
A soul like Mr. Anderson never dies, he will always be our hero. I live in Rio de Janeiro and Thunderbirds was the series that fill my Dreams since I was a kid.
Such sad news. Mr. Anderson’s t.v. show UFO gave me much JOY and continues to do so on DVD. Your legacy is secure.
its a rare thing that a TV show can grab childrens imagination the way Thunderbirds did, and really inspire a generation. Thanks to Gerry and all who worked with him for making a 7 year old boys’ Sunday mornings magic 🙂
Condolences to you and your family. Great childhood memories of Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and Stingray. What little girl didn’t want to be a mermaid??? =)
F.A.B.
The Thunderbirds were a huge part of my childhood. With my brothers and friends we spent countless hours and days pretending to be Virgil, Gordon, John, Alan and Scott, living out our own TB adventures in cardboard boxes and playing with those marvelous Corgi die-cast models (which to my great regret have long since passed from my possession). No better adventure series for a young boy could be imagined. I simply loved the TBs. I was a great fan of Space: 1999 as well. Thank you, Andersons.
RIP and FAB, Gerry.
So sorry to hear about the death of your father today Jamie. Some people in life have a unique ability to enhance who we are as individuals. I can say with hand on heart that Gerry Anderson did that for me. He welcomed me from a very young age in the 1960’s, through to my adolescence and even onto adulthood with his wonderfully creative mind. As a creative person myself I know now that he didn’t just entertain me greatly, he actually assisted me to look at things differently with such imagination and wonder. Televison series such as Thunderbirds, Joe 90, Stingray, Captain Scarlett, UFO, Space 1999 shall always be part of who I am, and I am deeply grateful for sharing his unique mind with us all. RIP Gerry. x
The future was fantastic! Thank you Gerry, for SPACE:1999.
My condolences. Gerry will be missed but won’t be forgotten.
My childhood wouldn’t have been the same without Captain Scarlet, Thunderbirds, Stingray and Joe 90. Your father planted the seeds that grew into a love of science fiction that continues to this day. As I type this I look to my right and see the Captain Scarlet’s SPV and MPV Dinky toys I played with as a child sitting in a place of honour on the shelf above my desk.
I never met Mr Gerry Anderson myself , but from the moment I discovered Joe 90 on Tele-Monte-Carlo in France in the early 1970s , my life changed and I knew it would have to be connected with Science Fiction somehow .
Kevin Collette – former Film Critic at Mad Movies & L’ Ecran Fantastique
I’m really, really sorry for your loss Jamie.
Possibly, just possibly, Thunderbirds is the greatest children’s television series ever made. I grew up with it as well as UFO, Space:1999 and the others, and am now watching it with my son.
In fact I am just about to go and put ‘Thunderbirds are Go’ DVD on and watch it with him – he hasn’t seen it yet!
A heartfelt THANK YOU for making my awesome childhood, Gerry.
I dont think it would be possible for your dads passing to go unnoticed, it is a great loss.
He, like Gene Roddenberry, Sydney Newman, C.E. Webber, Donald Wilson and Rod Serling, was one of the greatest architects of science-fiction television. His shows and movies entertained everyone from small children to adults. He may have left this Earth, but his work, and spirit will live on.
Sincere Condolences to you and the family Jamie. In 2000 my husband and I travelled to England from the U.S. to attend a Fanderson convention to meet your Dad – the man who enriched our childhoods with his wonderful creative programs. We will never forget your Dad and the joy he brought to our lives nor will we ever forget meeting your wonderful father. May he rest in peace.
I’m so very sorry to hear of Gerry Anderson’s passing, and I’d like to pass on my sincerest condolences to you and your family.
Thunderbirds, for me, was not just a show that I loved. It put me in contact with a whole community online who loved the TV show, and through that community, I have made the most amazing friends through our mutual love for the show. Without Thunderbirds, I doubt that I would have ever become friends with these people, and for this reason I’ve always been so grateful to your father.
Thunderbirds are Go, and his name and legacy will live on.
Thank you so much.
Deepest sympathy to you and your mother on this sad occasion.
Gerry Anderson’s shows were the highlights of my TV viewing childhood and I lived for reading TV21 each week. (One day my bicycle was stolen from the racks at school so I had to walk home, but to my parent’s disgust I detoured to collect the latest issue of TV21 from the newsagent as usual before I got home with the bad news….such was my obsession).
Your father leaves a wonderful legacy that will never be forgotten.
RIP Gerry.
A very sad day indeed. SPACE: 1999 was a great science fiction program and it was one of many sci-fi shows that should’ve lasted much longer than its short 2-season run. I hope that someone is able to revive the series, if for no other reason than to pay tribute to Gerry for creating it and inspiring all of us as to what the future can hold.
My thoughts and prayers go out to you and the rest of your family Jamie.
Gerry will be missed, but he will never be forgotten.
~Scott
Goodbye, Sir. While I was born in 1974, I did enjoy the Thunderbirds at the TV when I was younger, and I consider them to be part of the Geek culture. Now you can reach the stars and see the universe you made us dream about.
Gerry, you were way ahead of your time.
I fly the jets your imagination helped inspire.
Thank you.
I’d like to add my condolences to those you’ve already received. I remember racing home from school to watch Thunderbirds and other shows I’d like to add my condolences to those you’ve already received. I remember racing home from school to watch Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet and other shows Fireball XL5 is my favourite along with Stingray and UFO the list goes on I loved them all and still do, have them all on DVD and watch them all the time with my kids.
I work with dementia as a Specialist Nurse and know all to well how this disease affects those who have it and the effect it has on those around them.
Keep up the good work, your dad will be a great loss to everyone.
Respects and best wishes.
I grew up with the wonderful productions of Gerry Anderson from the mid-60s on. My children then watched them all again in the 90s and that was a delight.
He set our imagination alight.
RIP Gerry. You made a little gay kid growing up in Glasgow in the 60’s feel like the future was a better place. Thank you for your amazing work and inspiration.
Dear Jamie,
condolences to you and your family for the loss of your father.
Although I never met your father, his many fantastic and imaginative works shaped dreams of my childhood.
May his memory – and his works – be fondly and long remembered.
yours sincerely,
Keith Cohen
Watched his shows as a kid, at the time there were very few positive female characters in sci fi and fantasy TV. Marina and Lady P were my heroes!
Had the pleasure of meeting Gerry a few years ago, he was a lovely man.
Condolences to you and your family.
Jamie, I wanted you to know that the members of the Tracy Island Chronicles website are holding a minute’s tribute at 12 noon today (27th). We are a world-wide group of fans of your father’s work, and this tribute is being done in local time, so members in NZ and Australia have already joined in and the tribute is rolling around the world. As midday strikes in each time zone, members there will be pausing to look at the sky and remember your father, giving thanks for his life, his creations and the friendships he has brought us, and thinking of you and your family.
Anyone else reading this is welcome to join us in paying tribute to a great man.
Your father had a profound influence in my childhood and again in my second childhood. Still have cards, books and toys. The DVDs are serving another generation. he will be sadly missed.
Jamie your dad sparked and fed my interest in sci fi, and adventure not just watching it but reading it and also writing. I loved watching Thunderbirds and Joe 90, and later UFO and Space 1999 and Terrahawkes and Space Precinct (despite being a supposigly grown up woman in my 30s!). Thank you for your Dad and his imagination, may he rest in peace.
Kindest Regards
Mairhi.
As a very little girl Troy was my first love and playing Marina was my mum’s favourite game as it meant me being silent! My younger brother and I who agreed on little would happily enjoy Thunderbirds together. I feel a real sense of loss at Mr Andersen’s passing and would like to offer sincere condolences to his family.
A sad day. A man with great imagination. I hope the UFO movie will be dedicated to him.
Your father was a true inspiration and leaves a lasting legacy. Heartfelt condolences to you and your family at this tragic time.
From Chile…our Condolences to you and yours, Jamie. Your Dad was a great creator
Gerry Anderson and his creations were (and are) an inspiration for 2 or even 3 generations of Engineers, Scientists and Explorers.
So very sad to hear of the passing of Gerry Anderson.
Sincere condolences to family and loved ones.
Classy, charming, unique, quality TV.
Classy, charming, unique, quality man.
God bless you Gerry Anderson, bringer of wonder.
Mi dispiace tantissimo ! La fantastica opera di Gerry è indelebilmente scolpita nei mie ricordi di gioventù. E ancor oggi, che non sono più quello che si dice un giovanotto, riesce ancora a trasmettermi le stesse emozioni. Grazie Gerry ! R.I.P.
An absolute genius, so far ahead of his time. RIP Gerry Anderson
So sorry to hear about your father. His shows were a big inspiration to me. My favourite of all was UFO. My father died 5 years ago today (27.12.2012) of Alzheimers at the same age as your father.
Jamie,
Our thoughts are with you on the sad loss of your father. He will be greatly missed. His programmes such as Thunderbirds, Supercar, Captain Scarlet & Joe 90 were what I grew up on. All his programmes were years ahead of their time and brought vivid imaginations to kids of all ages.
I was very fortunate to meet him at one of the Mem
What a great man, sad news but what a fantastic legacy for the world. Condolences.
Jamie,
Our thoughts are with you on the sad loss of your father. He will be greatly missed. His programmes such as Thunderbirds, Supercar, Captain Scarlet & Joe 90 were what I grew up on. All his programmes were years ahead of their time and brought vivid imaginations to kids of all ages.
I was very fortunate to meet him at one of the Memorabilia shows at the N.E.C. A few years ago and found him a very enjoyable person to talk to. He was a kind-hearted person and I was thrilled I got to meet him.
All I can say is that to keep your chin up and we are all thinking about you at this sad time.
God Bless.
Sorry to hear for your sad loss, a great man and truly a legend. His work will live forever. Followed his work since I was a young child and enjoyed the stories and the characters, they don’t write stories like that today, I passed the THUNDERBIRDS onto my son and he was immediately captured by it, I remember buying the action figures,vehicles and tracy island for christmas a few years back.
I hope the BFI southbank will show a season of his best work.
Hi Jamie, so sorry to hear about your dad, sad times, he gave us many a joys growing up, hope your well? sue xx
Jamie,
I am thinking of you and your mother after your sad loss.
Gerry was my inspiration and I am glad I was able to tell him to his face.
RIP Gerry
R.I.P Gerry………. :-((((((
Space 1999
Very sad news indeed.
As a a young man who hated school and was too young to appreciate TV and films, I remember when my dad introduced me to Thunderbirds. I was hooked.
I followed this by watching Stingray and Capatin Scarlet.
This led me getting interested in editing and led me to my career and hobbies now.
A sad loss of a great talent and by all accounts, a lovely man.
Regards
Back in the 60’s when there were not the special effect we take for granted today, Gerry Anderson’s shows were pioneering and inspirational. When I was working in Pinewood studios, he invited me to his office and spent an hour with me. So kind of him to give up his time for a fan. As well as being so talented he was generous, modest and very funny. What a wonderful man, he will be greatly missed.
I grew up with this man, I fell in love with his world, and am at a loss now that he has passed…I felt somehow this was coming, and now I mourn his death 🙁
Very sad to hear the news. Space:1999 was my favourite show as a kid and I am sure was as instrumental as Star Trek in getting me into the film business (I became a director of photography). His shows always had such imagination behind them. I hope this gives you a little smile in the midst of what must be a terrible time for you and your family. Thank you, Gerry! You made the world a better place!
A true legend, without whom my childhood would of been dull. So sad to hear this news but i still love thunderbirds to this day.
My deepest condolences. Gerry inspired me as a child and brought me enormous enjoyment. He leaves a great legacy.
Goodbye Gerry.
Even in Italy we have seen your genius, your look to the future has filled my youth and conditioned my fantasy and i take it with me even now i’m 44.
i particularly loved UFO and space 1999 which are my favourite science fictions, i’ll never forget some charachters like Straker,Foster and the moon-girls. The news of your depart make me sad, because i think you’ve been one if us.
you are Forward, as you’ve always been.
You should be so proud of what your father achieved, not only did his genius create iconic characters, he gave millions of us kids a fantasy world which was so realistic we believed in it.
I thank your father for my wonderful childhood spent watching Thunderbirds and Captain Scarlet.
Just wanted to add that I lost my dad 3 weeks ago and it’s a huge void in ones life to lose your parent. My thoughts prayers and condolences go to you and members of your family.
Gerry Anderson has always been a will be a big part of my life. His programmes will live forever. Thank you Mr Gerry Anderson.
The best way to put it, your dad was a magician: the stuff he made was magic! Space 1999 was incredible and had such an influence upon me. I even wrote him a letter when I was a kid! 🙂 Thank you for posting information – and my thoughts and prayers are with you.
Very sad news, my sincere condolences to family and loved ones.
Gerry Anderson’s vision and what he brought to the viewing public was truely ahead of it’s time. Nothing will ever replace his unique and insperational style.
I grew up with Space 1999, Thunderbirds and Joe 90 and it really got me hooked on science fiction which is still with me today 35 years on, it made me part of who i am.
Thank you Mr Anderson for inspiring me with your work, you will be sadly missed, but you will live on through your work that i’m sure will continue to inspire future generations, what a truely wonderful legacy!
Like everybody here, I grew up with your dad’s shows back in the 70’s and 80’s. I can honestly say that Captain Scarlet was one of my all time favorites and I still watch it on DVD every now and then. It always puts me into a creative mood, or lets my mind turn to flights of fantsy. Very few shows, books, or movies do that for me. Thats a gift from your father that truly pleases me. I offer my best wishes to you and your familly for the loss. Also, thank you for giving the fans a place to share a thought.
From Thunderbirds,Captain Scarlet,Joe-90,The Secret Service,UFO and my favorite,Space:1999 you filled my childhood,teens & twenties with some of the best TV I’ve ever seen or are likely to see again.You filled my weekends acting out the many and varied adventures I’d seen on your shows.
(something I’d love to do now,but at 47 it might be a little strange)
A happy time,a wonderful time a treasured time.Books,annuals,models along with articles & magazines & of course my DVD’s of 1999 & Capt Scarlet all take me back to that time when I want to feel like a kid again.
Thank you Gerry Anderson..so very much.
I was so saddened to hear the awful news of the sudden passing of your father on Boxing Day Jamie – please accept my sincere condolences.
Gerry’s TV shows were a huge part of my childhood, and I loved everything he did. I remember (as a child) thinking that they were made in America, and was amazed to find out that they were in fact made just down the road from Maidenhead, where I lived (and still do now).
I had the privilege of meeting Gerry a few years ago, when I took my young son to see him at a promotional signing event in Maidenhead for Berkshire Air Ambulance, and he was very generous with his time.
My son and I still love Gerry’s TV shows, and he is a true pioneer and original who brought joy to millions of people – he will never be forgotten 🙂
Hi Jamie,
I’m sorry Gerry died.
I read Thunderbirds books when I was 8, about 40 years ago. Thunderbirds was not on Dutch telly I think.
Later on I saw the series and was very much inspiered by those.
I bought the books 2nd hand for my kids, and watch the series with them.
I’m so sorry for your loss, my dad died also from Alzheimer in 2008, and it’s not the best way to leave this life…
Anyway, he left a great monument to us!
Thanks.
Duco de Klonia,
Molenlaan 4
9906PT Bierum
the Netherlands
My deepest sympathy to you Jamie, and also to your mother and family.
I was saddened to hear of your father’s death yesterday, as I was driving home up the M6.I had just been listening to my Joe 90 music CD, and switched over to Today on Radio 4 to hear Marina’s theme,and the news of your father’s death. I knew he was ill, but it was still a shock.
I was introduced to Gerry’s work with Torchy, and was enthralled with his shows from that moment on. Fireball XL5 was a favourite of mine, and I still have pictures of myself play-acting in the Steve Zodiac costume my mother made for me.With Stingray ,and the highly ambitious Thunderbirds he developed storylining, puppetry, model work, and editing to feature film standards, and his work was way ahead of it’s time. When the much darker Captain Scarlet came along (and mother was still producing costumes for me), he had evolved even more realistic puppets and settings. I was a little too old to really appreciate the 9 year old hero of Joe 90, at that time, but have recently enjoyed watching the dvds and rediscovering the magic that Gerry imparted to all his work.
His magical programmes inspired me to enter a career in television, beginning at ATV Elstree (ironically the setting for UFO’s Harlington-Staker film studios).
I had the pleasure of meeting him several times, through Fanderson, and also professionally whilst filming a behind the scene report for ITV on the set of Lavender Castle. I also appeared on the This Morning Show with Richard and Judy doing a live demonstration of how to build a Captain Scarlet Cloudbase model!
I found Gerry quiet,and charming, and always ready to listen to his fans, and take an interest in them.
Gerry Anderson’s productions have played a huge part in my life, from childhood to the present day. I love to collect the classic toys, books and games from his shows of the sixties. They bring back so many happy memories.I still watch videos of his shows,and they bring a smile to my face and a warm comfortable and familiar feeling inside.
My mother has recently been diagnosed with dementia, so I appreciate the difficulties and heartaches that you must have been through recently. I am sure that you will take strength from the knowledge that your father’s career brought such deep joy, and influenced so many people, in this country and around the world.
He will be sadly missed.
A fervent fan
My deepest sympathies go out to all Gerry’s family. I have been a massive fan of all of Gerry’s productions and watched them religiously whilst growing up in the 90s when all the shows were released to my generation (plus a few sneaky watched over the last few years too!). I’m 28 now and ironically only recieved the Dinky FAB 1 of Lady Penelope’s car for Christmas 2012 from my own father who watched all the series’ himself in the 1960s. We were both fans of all the shows.
I am even more deeply saddened by the news as I was unaware Gerry was suffering from Alzeimers’ disease. I have only just lost my own grandfather in August this year to the same disease. My grandfather was diagnosed in 2005 and we had done reasonably well with him until the start of 2012 when his conditioned worsened, and then dramatically so in July and August this year. I know how painful this disease can be for both the patient and the family and my thoughts go out to you all.
Regards, a life-long fan!
i have just heard of the sad news that your dad ,gerry has passed away, he brought so much adventure, fun and excitment throughout my childhood. I was influenced by his shows right up to the present day, meeting him at the many Fanderson events in the passed 30 years was an honour and a pleasure.
my deepest sympathy to your family jamie, my father in law suffers from Alzeimers so i appreciate the difficulties and the sadness watching the ones that you love, he will be sadly missed.
My deepest sympathy for your loss, Jamie. I am not one for posting comments online but I need to pay respect to your father. His work and innovation not only influenced TV and film making but also inspired many people in the world of Design. Through your fathers work I realised I could train to be a designer and help create a visualy innovative world of the future. My career in car design, along with so many others, happened because of your fathers work. Along with some fellow designers we created a tribute to that influence in an article in Top Gear magazine a few years ago.
The best teachers ignite an interest and help realise potential in children.
As such, your father qualifies as the best media/ engineering/ design/ science teacher of the last few decades..
His legacy is that he has helped maintain Britain’s excellence in Design, Engineering and innovation.
My kids are now big fans of Century 21 productions (Joe 90 in particular!) and were thrilled to meet your father at the Leicester Space Centre.
I hope these words of celebration help you in this difficult time.
Jamie, I am so sorry for your loss, and send my best wishes to you and yours at this sad time. Your Dad’s shows gave me such enormous pleasure, starting with Fireball XL5 (the Granitoid Tanks scared me considerably!). I loved Thunderbirds the most and it was the highlight of my week to be sitting on the edge of my seat, thrilling to the latest adventure of the Tracy family. You are all in my thoughts and prayers.
Gerry, you entertained countless millions of kids (and adults) with your action-filled fun! A job very, very well done! I enjoyed meeting you in Hollywood several years back and we had a great chat. Rest in peace . . . or better yet, I sincerely hope you are making a new series with Derek Meddings, Barry Gray, and the rest in heaven! I can’t wait to see that one someday!
Jamie, I’d guess that more than 90% of UK engineers of a certain age were inspired by your father to be who they are now. I know for certain Thunderbirds influenced me 😉
This has been a terrible year for me, three major icons, Armstrong, Moore and Anderson have gone.
Your dad’s gone, but all your happy memories remain.
Steve
sorry Your dad’s gone,
sad time
growing up with all his work best for me was ufo ,
can we get a film going To honor the memory .
could be based on ufo, space 1999 , joe 90 , captain scarlet all in one film.
would be great
Such a cruel disease. Like many, I have seen it at first hand. Gerry is now at peace and I would like to thank him for the imagination he bestowed on to the million of children, who then, as adults were in awe of the creativity of the man. My best wishes to your family.
Sorry for your loss. Gerry was an inspiration to a whole generation of sci-fi fans and if it is of any consolation, he made a big difference to the lives of a very large number of people indeed. Rest in peace gerry
Your father’s work gave me a sweet, deep, inspirational dream that accompanied me in all my life. Surely it was real art. My sincere condolences to all of you. Be proud of him. Davide, Milano.
My condoleance to gerry’s family
He was a great visionairy man wit great ideas that inspired lot’s of people world wide
He wil be missed his spirrit and creations will live on to inspire more generations
Dear Jamie, my sincerest condolences to you, your mother and all the other relatives. I am very sad to read about your dad’s passing. Although my home country, Germany, is not far away from the U.K. Gerry’s wonderful Supermarionation series are not so widely known here as some of them were first only shown on local TV stations and the later reruns only on pay-TV. As I spent a few years of my childhood/youth in America (non-US) I was fortunate to watch these series, especially my favourite “Thunderbirds”. In the early eighties I even had the privilege to meet Gerry in person on a Fanderson convention. Now in his honour I will watch his series again, which I have on DVD or VHS. Thank you, Gerry, for all the series you produced – puppet and – live action – and the fond memories. You will be missed. R.I.P.
(I lost my mum last year. She also suffered from dementia).
Hi Jamie,
My sincere condolences to the family.
In Brazil, Thunderbirds had a huge audience.
Your father was my superhero. 🙂
He left an amazing legacy for the world.
The Tracy Island was the best place in my world.
RIP Gerry 🙁
much condolences to the anderson family , whos father is a true genius , an icon in filmmaking who inspires still this day , i grew up on re-runs of thunderbirds who were very much emulated by dudley moore and peter cook on thier shows how they got away with it i wont ever know but it proved your father had a great sense of humour to allow such fun being poked at his creations …but i am in the generation that had space 1999 as a show on itv in the 1970s that show was such a great series set into the what was then the future of mankind as we believed in … and what a idea having moonbase alpha as the setting what preceded which was UFO , i have seen every anderson show in my growing up and nothing can truly better it anymore ..it was groundbreaking and for it still to have a lot of fans coming up who was never around when it was first shown ..truly says what is real televison ..thank you gerry and of course sylvia anderson for allowing such visionary excellence brighten not just our childhoods but future generations …RIP gerry
and thank you again for your contribution and your legacy
So very sorry to hear of Gerry’s passing, my condolences to you and your family. Gerry was a true pioneer and an inspiration to many who will be much missed. I’m actively encouraging people to donate to the AS via your Just Giving page.
So sad to hear of your loss.
I loved the shows and when I was a kid Gerry Anderson was responsible for most of my favourite toys and then, decades later, most of my son’s favourite toys.
What an imagination that man had. Thank you Gerry Anderson.
Jamie, your dad meant so much to me- he has been part of my life for as long as I can remember.As a child of the sixties his shows were as important to me as breathing, and this has never changed.I hope the out-poring of affection, and love goes some way to soften this terrible blow.my thoughts are with your mum Mary, and yourself at this sad time.
Gerrys work will live on in us all,
thanks to you Gerry, the future is [and always will be]FANTASTIC!
Very sorry to hear of your father’s death. He was, through his creations, part of many people’s families. My sympathies to you and your family at this time.
My prayers to you and your family, your father was a true master of his craft. I am 51 and grew up watching Space:1999, UFO, as well as Supercar, Thunderbirds, Space Precinct, etc. I collected most of his shows on DVD, I love his work. His legacy will forever live on, he will be missed immensely.
Thank you Gerry for enriching my childhood and adult life so much. When something leaves an impression on you as a child it stays with your entire life. Gerry bequeathed this gift to hundreds of thousands of people across the world – I’ve seen a Thunderbird 3 in Blackpool and a Thunderbirds cafe in Tokyo. Thank you for all the joy you’ve given us Gerry!
So sorry to hear about your father’s death. Your father’s work lit up my childhood in the dreary west of Scotland with his exciting tales of the future. As I got older so did his work mature, with adult dramas such as UFO and Space 1999. I loved all his work and have continued to do so throuout my life. I am 50 now but get the same thrills from watching programmes like Captain Scarlet ( old and new) as I did as a child. I am so glad he got a set of stamps dedicated to him while he was alive. I will never stop feeling thankful for all the happiness his work has given to me. May he Rest in Peace.
Thanks for bringing so much, so much pleasure,,fantastic sci fi,and great childhood memories,,inocent and fun,,i salute you Mr Anderson.
I was very saddened to hear of your fathers death,I thank him for all the lovely memories he gave me as a child,with Thunderbirds,Stingray,Captain Scarlett and UFO to name but a few.My thoughts and prays are with you at this sad time.
Paul
Like all those here, I was saddened to here of the passing of your father, an inspiration to a good many people around the world.
Thanks to Thunderbirds I have corresponded with, and met, a number of people from many different nations; other fans who I’ve only known via email and who have become friends.
On the strength of that, and Fanderson’s 2010 convention, I was inspired for fly from New Zealand to England, something I probably would never have dreamed of doing if it hadn’t been for my love of the show. At that time I was fortunate to meet many of the people behind the series, and listening to Gerry Anderson speak was one of the highlights.
Thunderbirds has inspired me to try writing Thunderbirds fan fiction (a hobby which I find enthralling, enriching, and engrossing), and one day I hope to be a good enough author to be able to create something original, and hopefully publishable.
If it hadn’t been for Gerry Anderson, I would have missed out on so much; friends, a hobby, memories of a trip halfway around the world, and the thrill of meeting the people behind a timeless show.
Thank you, Mr Anderson
FAB
Sereena
i met gerry for the first time in 2005 at borehamwood i was walking around the display room at the fanderson convention there when out of the blue a man started talking to me and it was only after a few moments that i realised just who he was of course it was gerry i must say i was taken aback because here was a gentle articulate and modest man who had forever changed my life. no words can ever express the sheer joy this man gave to untold millions of people all over the world with his cutting edge tv series and movies the world is a sadder place for his loss but his legacy will last for ever.he inspired me as a child and more so in his fund raising efforts when so ill.goodbye gerry thank you for my wonderful life. deepest sympathy and love to all your family.
Dear Jamie, Mary and family.
I was another proud and excited fan waiting in the queue to meet Gerry back in 2005 in Borehamwood. At 50 yrs old now I was one of those many boys that wanted to fly Thunderbird 2, drive an SPV sitting backwards watching a monitor, have the brain pattern of a fighter pilot, jump through the interceptor chutes again and again…….Like so many comments already, your fathers productions have touched so many people over so many years. I too, watch the DVD episodes regularly, listen to the numerous CD’s of Barry Gray, all a reminder of the joy your father brought to me through the decades.
In a world of Oscars, Golden Globes etc etc I will always believe Gerry never got the recognition he truly deserved.
I hope Jamie and Mary that over time, mine and all the comments expressed will bring you much ‘comfort’ that Gerry was (and still is) so well loved, respected and seen as an inspiration to so many.
May Gerry rest in peace and his legacy never be forgotten.
Sincere condolences,
David Convery
It was through Gerry Anderson that became a science fiction fan. I met him once and thanked him for his achievements and what he had done for me. His response was warm and kind. Thank you again Gerry Anderson
Dear Jamie.
My heart and prayers are with you and all your family at this sad time,
your dad was one of the nicest people you could ever meet. I am one of the lucky ones who was privilged to meet him on quite a few occasions.I met him at the Fanderson conventions where he always took the time to talk to his fans.Gerrys interviews were brilliant telling you what he had been up too.He meant so much to me and everyone that knew him , he gaves so much pleasure through my childhood even today at 51. He will be with us forever, and i tell you something jamie he is one special dad.It feels like we have lost one our family he will be so sadly missed.We were the lucky ones the children of today missed out on so much.He may be out of sight but not mind. GOD BLESS JAMIE AND YOUR FAMILY.
R.I.P GERRY ( Till we meet again )
I really dont know where to begin but i was deeply saddened to hear about Gerry but if i may say this my biggest thrill on dvd is to watch all things Gerry Anderson on DVD as it takes me back to my childhood and nothing can compare to what he achieved at that time.
I so sorry for this news, my childhood in Argentinea was shared with your father´s tv series, and i like all his works.
Well my condolence to you and your family.
I just received today the notice
Dear Jamie and family, I am very sad to learn about Gerry´s death. I grew up watching Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet (my favorite), UFO and Space 1999 (also my favorite). Gerry was an outstanding creator and ahead of its time. All his programs were inspiring and hard to forget! God Bless.
Adrian from Buenos Aires, Argentina
My sincere condolences to you and your family on the sad passing of Gerry Anderson. Like so many here, his shows were an integral part of growing up. I have fond memories of watching Thunderbirds and all the others; of playing with the toys and reading the comics. I was fortunate enough to meet Gerry once at the Bristol festival of Ideas in 2008 and he kindly signed my DVD of The New Captain Scarlet (which is excellent, by the way). I shall forever cherish those far off childhood memories and continue to appreciate his work until I also depart for that great Tracy island in the sky.
RIP Gerry…and thanks for my childhood:)
Lamento profundamente el fallecimiento de Gerry Anderson, disfrute de sus creacion durante mi infancia (Fireball XL5, Thunderbirds, Captain Scarlet – mi favorita, UFO) y mas grande Space:1999. Gerry y su equipo de trabajo fueron verdaderos adelantados a su epoca y una fuente de inspiracion. Rest in Peace.
Adrian – Buenos Aires / Argentina
Jamie,
I’m just a fan of your Dad’s work over the years, but my heart goes out to you and your mother.
I can’t tell you how much of an impact your Dad’s work — particularly Journey to the Far Side of the Sun, UFO and Space:1999 had on me as impressionable youth.
I just learned of Gerry’s passing today and was absolutely shocked and saddened.
All my best to the survivors and to Gerry I say “Godspeed and thank you for all the years of amazing science fiction TV — may you rest in peace!”
Its not everyday I get to say thank you to someone who brought such joy to my childhood.From Fireball XL5 to Captain Scarlet and the Mysterons. A treasured cornucopia of memories, of thrills and spills and wonderful adventures amidst the stars.
Today, 50 years later, there is still nothing to beat the intro..
5..4..3..2..1 THUNDERBIRDS ARE GO!
Thank you Mr.Gerry Anderson. You brought joy to my childhood Sir, and that is a wonderful thing! R.I.P and God bless you.
I’m from Argentina, sorry my bad English
I very much regret the passing of Gerry and I’m very hurt.
My condolences to the family and loved ones.
Growth with extraordinary puppets and movies.
It also motivated to make music sequence UFO and Space 1999.
I hope you like. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=14vMbvI-RGk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jxsa3_f6iGQ
many seguieron the passage of Gerry Anderson.
miss him.
Soy de Argentina, perdón mi mal ingles
Lamento enormemente el fallecimiento de Gerry y estoy muy dolido.
Mis condolencias a la familia y sus seres queridos.
Crecí con sus extraordinarias marionetas y sus películas.
Ello motivaron también a hacer la música de secuencia de UFO y Space 1999.
espero les agrade.
muchos siguieron los paso de Gerry Anderson.
lo extrañaremos.
Words fail me at this time. The universe is a darker place now that you are gone Gerry. Your light guided me into the wonder of science fiction. I have been a fan of your work since the days when Supercar was the newest program on Telly. Yea I have grown up with your wonderful worlds. I am retired now so that should say how long I have been a loyal fan
Rest easy. You have more than earned it
John Martin
Toronto Canada
I’m greatly saddened to learn of your fathers death. I Was born in ’62, so cannot remember a time before his TV shows.From Fireball XL5 to UFO they were works of sheer genius & hugely entertaining. Mau God rest his soul in peace.