Michael Sundin facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Michael Sundin
Born	(1961-03-01)1 March 1961 Low Fell, Gateshead, Tyne and Wear, England
Died	23 July 1989(1989-07-23) (aged 28) Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne, England
Occupation	Television presenter, actor, dancer, trampolinist
Years active	1980–1989

Michael Sundin (born March 1, 1961 – died July 23, 1989) was an English television presenter, actor, dancer, and trampolinist. He was best known for being a presenter on the popular BBC children's show Blue Peter. He appeared in 77 episodes between 1984 and 1985.

Early Life and Career Beginnings

Michael Sundin was born in Low Fell, Gateshead, in Tyne and Wear, England. His parents were Alan and Joyce Sundin. He also had a brother named David.

Before starting his acting career, Michael was a very talented trampolinist. He won five British titles and one world title in trampolining competitions.

In 1980, he began his career in entertainment. He first appeared in a pantomime called Jack and the Beanstalk with actress Barbara Windsor.

From Stage to Screen

Michael performed in many TV shows and theatre productions. He worked as both an actor and a dancer. This led him to a long role in the famous musical Cats. He played the character Bill Bailey in the West End show from 1982 to 1983.

He also appeared in the music video for Culture Club's song I'll Tumble 4 Ya in 1982.

In 1984, Michael started practicing to play the character Tik-Tok for the Walt Disney movie Return to Oz. The children's show Blue Peter covered this process.

Joining Blue Peter

Michael impressed the editor of Blue Peter, Biddy Baxter, during the filming. He was then invited to try out for a presenting job. The previous presenter, Peter Duncan, had left the show.

It was lucky for Michael that one of the audition tasks was to interview someone on a trampoline! He presented his very first Blue Peter programme on September 13, 1984.

After presenting 77 episodes, the Blue Peter team decided not to renew Michael's contract. They felt he did not connect well enough with the viewers. He presented his last show on June 24, 1985. Michael was quite upset about this decision.

In 2007, the former Blue Peter editor, Biddy Baxter, spoke about Michael's departure. She was interviewed by journalist Mark Lawson for a BBC Four programme. This was the first time she had openly discussed why Michael left the show.

Later Acting Roles

After Blue Peter, Michael continued his acting career. He appeared in the film Lionheart (1987). In this movie, his name was incorrectly spelled as 'Michel Sundin' in the credits.

From 1987 to 1988, he toured the UK in the musical Seven Brides for Seven Brothers. He also performed in a Japanese and Australian tour of Starlight Express.

One of his last public appearances was as a dancer. He was in the music video for Rick Astley's song She Wants to Dance With Me (1988).

Passing Away

In 1988, Michael Sundin became unwell. He passed away at the age of 28 in Newcastle General Hospital, Newcastle upon Tyne. He was the first former Blue Peter presenter to die.

Film and TV Appearances