In Loving Memory of Mr Claypole
A terrible thing has happened; there has been a death in the world of
show-business of a much loved childrens television character. Yes, Michael
Staniforth, better known to millions as Mr Claypole, star of TV's Rentaghost,
is dead. I'm sure you'll agree that this a a terible tragedy. An incredibly
talented young actor has been taken from the nation before he was even old
enough to reflect on his life so far, thinking 'What the f**k am I doing
wasting my career dressed as a bl**dy jester'. But what makes this news even
more shocking and sickening is that he actually died 20 years ago, in
1987.
'Gadzooks! Where's my Memorial?'
How can this have gone unknown for so long? I expect many of you simply thought
he had moved onto better things after Rentaghost finished, such as a childrens
party entertainer or working as a waiter at a medieval themed restaurant.
Where are the memorials? Where are the TV specials celebrating his life and
acheivements? Where are the reunions for other surviving cast members (Mr
Meaker kicked the bucket a while ago as well but he was old and annoying and
just wasn't as cool as Mr Claypole anyway, so we'll just ignore his death for
the moment)? Where can ordinary people, such as yourselves, go to mourn his
passing - Elvis has Graceland, so surely Mr Claypole deserves a one bedroom
flat enshrined in his honour?
The Tribute
Well today this injustice will end. Arthur will not stand by and let the death
of a living legend (who is dead) go unnoticed. This web site is now home to the
official Timothy Claypole (aka Michael Staniforth) tribute page. Furthermore,
Arthur has declared a period of national mourning to honour his life and
acheivements. And in recongnition of the fact that his death has gone by
unnoticed, this period of morning will last for the length of time it has taken
for this terrible tragedy to come to the public's attention - 16 years.
The Mr Claypole memorial >>
Mr Claypole's Tribute Pages