Michael Sundin was an English actor, puppeteer, dancer, and champion trampolinist from Low Fell, Gateshead. He gained prominence as a presenter on the children's program "Blue Peter" from 1984 to 1985, a role that ended in controversial circumstances.
Early Career and Acrobatics
Sundin initially excelled as a trampolinist, reportedly winning five British and one world title. He transitioned to show business, making his stage debut in the 1980 Christmas pantomime "Jack and the Beanstalk". His blend of acting and acrobatic skill led him to a significant role in the musical "Cats" (1981) from 1982 to 1983, where he portrayed the athletic kitten, Bill Bailey. The musical was based on T. S. Eliot's poetry collection "Old Possum's Book of Practical Cats" (1939).
"Return to Oz" and "Blue Peter"
In 1984, Sundin was hired as the in-suit performer for the dark fantasy film "Return to Oz" (1985), a loose adaptation of L. Frank Baum's novels "The Marvelous Land of Oz" and "Ozma of Oz". He embodied the main character, the sentient robot Tik-Tok, operating the body while Tim Rose handled the head and Sean Barrett provided the voice.
While preparing for this high-profile film role, producer Biddy Baxter invited him to audition for "Blue Peter". Sundin was successful and replaced Peter Duncan, with his debut episode airing in September 1984.
Controversial Departure
Sundin's time on "Blue Peter" concluded in late June 1985 when his contract was not renewed. The official reason given was a lack of "rapport with the viewers." However, Baxter also cited complaints from parents and viewers that Sundin was "too effeminate." Sundin had recently been outed in the press as a gay man, leading to widespread speculation that his sexuality was the true, undeclared reason for his firing, sparking a tabloid controversy over perceived discrimination. Baxter later maintained that he was dismissed solely because "children didn't like him."
Post-Blue Peter Film Roles and Death
Following "Return to Oz," Sundin appeared as the March Hare in the drama film "Dreamchild" (1985), which juxtaposed the elderly Alice Liddell's memories with hallucinations of Wonderland characters. His final film appearance was in the adventure film "Lionheart" (1987).
Sundin fell ill in 1988 and was hospitalized the following year. He died in July 1989 at the Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, at the age of 28. He was the first "Blue Peter" presenter to pass away. Though initial press reports attributed his death to liver cancer, later reports indicated that Michael Sundin had contracted HIV/AIDS and succumbed to the infection.
