#MichaelStaniforth (15 December 1942 – 31 July 1987) born in #SellyOak, #Birmingham, was a #British #stageactor. . Staniforth's father was a sergeant in the #Army and so Michael's childhood was spent with his family in #Germany, #Egypt and #Libya. He emigrated to #Australia at the age of 21 and a role in #SouthPacific at The #MenzieTheatreRestaurant in #Sydney, where for the next few years he performed in a further 12 musicals. He returned to #England in late 1969 and first appeared in the West End in Hair at The #ShaftesburyTheatre and in #TwoGentlemenOfVerona and #WinnieThePooh at the #PhoenixTheatre. In 1977 he played the role of Paul in the original British cast of #AChorusLine, returning to the same venue (#TheatreRoyal, #DruryLane) three years later in #Sondheim's #SweeneyTodd. . Staniforth's his best-known role, he entertained children and adults as ghostly jester Timothy Claypole in the #BBC children's television comedy series #Rentaghost. . Staniforth played #TimothyClaypole from 1976 until 1984 and was the longest-standing member of the cast. Staniforth also composed, played and sang the Rentaghost theme music. In 1984, Staniforth had a significant in the original line-up in the #AndrewLloydWebber stage musical #StarlightExpress. . Staniforth was openly #gay. He died from an #AIDS related illness.