Family ‘Absolutely Heartbroken’ After TV Legend Takes His Own Life at 61
Beloved illustrator and BAFTA-winning TV figure Daniel Postgate was discovered dead in a shed attached to his home in Whitstable, England, in June. It has now been revealed that he had received a heartbreaking letter just one day before he died.
Daniel Postgate, aged 61, was found in the shed on his Whitstable property. The BAFTA-winning producer had recently ended his 35-year relationship with his partner and, according to The Sun, was diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome—a form of blood cancer—shortly afterward.
An inquest revealed that Postgate had previously endured intense treatment for aplastic anaemia in 2019. He left behind a note for his family, explaining that he had received a letter from the National Health Service (NHS) regarding his diagnosis.
His family told police that Daniel would have “scrutinised every single word of the letter,” and they believed the contents played a role in his decision to end his life.
They told the inquest the letter “was the straw that broke the camel’s back.”
BAFTA-winning writer Daniel Postgate dead at 61
Postgate had already completed one round of chemotherapy. In a handwritten message to his family, he admitted he was “afraid my illness can’t be cured.”
“I hope you all have wonderful lives, and remember to love each other,” he added.
Two days before his death, Daniel spoke with his brother Simon. Simon told the court, “I think he had something in mind, but I can’t say for sure. He could still talk, he was fairly chatty and seemed reasonably calm, but he had been living with underlying depression for about 40 years. It was often difficult to tell what state of mind he was truly in.”
Coroner Sarah Clarke told the Daily Mail that she believed Postgate had intentionally taken his own life.
“As I always tell families, I don’t think the question of why can ever be fully answered. He tells me he carried out a deliberate act. He didn’t want to continue the treatment. It would be wrong of me to suggest another explanation for his death.”
In 2008, Daniel Postgate took over Smallfilms—the production company in Blean, Canterbury—after the passing of his father. The company was behind iconic children’s series such as Bagpuss, which received a BAFTA British Academy Children’s Award in 2015. The following year, Postgate earned a nomination for Best Writer.
“Absolutely heartbroken”
Most recently, he had been working on plans to bring Bagpuss to cinemas in 2027. Smallfilms shared a tribute after Daniel’s passing.
“I am absolutely heartbroken to have to inform you of the passing of my dear friend and custodian of all things Smallfilms, Daniel Postgate. He was a lovely, kind man and will be immensely missed by everyone who knew him. Our thoughts are with his family at this difficult time.”
Rest in peace, Daniel Postgate. Our thoughts and prayers remain with his loved ones.