We Are Still Number One: 7 Unexpected Ways Stefan Karl Stefansson's Legacy Lives On In 2025

The memory of Stefan Karl Stefansson, the beloved Icelandic actor best known globally as the villainous but endlessly entertaining Robbie Rotten from the children's series LazyTown, remains incredibly vibrant, even years after his passing. His death in August 2018 following a fierce battle with bile duct cancer was a moment of collective sadness for a global community that had embraced him not just for his on-screen antics but for his genuine kindness and inspirational fight against illness. As of December 2025, his legacy is not just a footnote in television history; it is a continuously evolving cultural phenomenon, kept alive by millions of fans and a powerful message of positivity.

This article dives deep into the enduring impact of Stefansson’s life and work, exploring how his iconic character, his unexpected rise to internet fame, and his profound personal advocacy continue to shape online culture and charitable efforts today. From the unkillable "We Are Number One" meme to the ongoing work of his foundation, the spirit of Stefan Karl Stefansson is, truly, still number one for many around the world.

The Complete Profile: Stefan Karl Stefansson's Life and Career

Stefán Karl Stefánsson was more than just a children’s television star; he was a highly respected theatre and film actor in his native Iceland, whose international breakthrough came late in his career. His dedication to his craft and his commitment to using his platform for good defined his professional and personal life.

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• Full Name: Stefán Karl Stefánsson
• Born: July 10, 1975, in Hafnarfjörður, Iceland
• Died: August 21, 2018 (aged 43), in Reykjavík, Iceland
• Cause of Death: Cholangiocarcinoma (Bile Duct Cancer)
• Spouse: Steinunn Ólína Þorsteinsdóttir (Actress and Producer)
• Children: Four children (three daughters and one son)
• Education: Graduated from the Icelandic Academy of Arts (formerly the Drama Academy of Iceland) in 1999.
• Iconic Role: Robbie Rotten in the television series LazyTown (2004–2007, 2013–2014).
• Key Theatre Roles: His extensive theatre career included leading roles in plays such as Cyrano de Bergerac, A Midsummer Night's Dream, and Little Shop of Horrors.
• Advocacy: Founder of the "Rainbow Children" foundation, which focused on anti-bullying efforts and supporting special needs children.

Stefansson’s early career began in 1994, where he worked as a puppeteer before formally studying at the Icelandic Academy of Arts. He quickly became a fixture in the Icelandic theatre scene, excelling in both dramatic and comedic roles. His work on LazyTown, which began as a stage production, brought him to global attention, transforming him from a national star into an international icon of children's entertainment.

7 Unexpected Ways Stefan Karl Stefansson’s Legacy Persists in 2025

The true measure of a person's life is the impact they leave behind. For Stefan Karl Stefansson, that impact has transcended the television screen, evolving into a continuous source of joy, inspiration, and charitable action. His legacy is robust and multifaceted, proving that sometimes, the most enduring heroes are the ones who play the villain.

1. The Immortalization of the "We Are Number One" Meme

The single most powerful engine driving Stefansson's enduring online presence is the "We Are Number One" meme. The song, performed by Robbie Rotten and his clones in the LazyTown episode "Robbie's Dream Team," exploded in popularity in late 2016.

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Its initial viral success was directly linked to a GoFundMe campaign set up to help Stefansson during his cancer battle. The meme became a global rally cry, with fans creating thousands of remixes, parodies, and tributes, turning a catchy children's song into a symbol of collective support and joy. Even in 2025, the song is frequently referenced, remixed for new platforms like TikTok and YouTube Shorts, and used in gaming streams, ensuring that the image and voice of Robbie Rotten are consistently introduced to new generations. The meme’s longevity is a rare phenomenon, a testament to Stefansson’s charismatic performance and the internet’s ability to turn genuine admiration into a continuous cultural touchstone.

2. The Ongoing Anti-Bullying Mission

Before his diagnosis, Stefansson was a passionate advocate against bullying, a mission he channeled through the "Rainbow Children" foundation. His portrayal of a 'bad guy' who was ultimately harmless and relatable made his anti-bullying message particularly potent.

While specific, recent updates on the foundation's operations in 2025 are difficult to track due to its private nature, the core message remains a central theme in online tributes. Fans frequently pair their praise of his work with a reminder of his anti-bullying stance, effectively continuing his advocacy. The community he fostered is one that actively promotes kindness and support, turning the fandom itself into a living extension of his charitable work. This is a crucial part of his topical authority—he was a celebrity who used his fame to address a serious social issue.

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3. The 'Never Say Die' Spirit During His Illness

Stefansson’s public battle with cholangiocarcinoma—a rare and aggressive form of bile duct cancer—was handled with a remarkable degree of transparency, optimism, and humor. His emotional statements and social media updates were not calls for pity, but rallying cries for life.

His wife, Steinunn Ólína Þorsteinsdóttir, frequently provided updates that highlighted his resilience, even after the cancer was deemed terminal. This public display of courage resonated deeply, transforming his personal struggle into a source of inspiration for countless people facing their own health crises. The phrase "We Are Number One" took on a new, profound meaning—a declaration of fighting spirit against overwhelming odds. This narrative of perseverance is a powerful, enduring part of his legacy that is often cited in memorial posts years later.

4. The Enduring Popularity of LazyTown

The show that made him famous, LazyTown, continues to be discovered by new audiences through streaming services and archival clips. Stefansson's character, Robbie Rotten, is the perfect comedic foil—a villain whose elaborate, yet consistently failing, schemes to make the town lazy are the highlight of every episode.

The show’s focus on health, exercise, and positivity, contrasted with Robbie Rotten’s desire for junk food and napping, creates a timeless dynamic. For many, Robbie Rotten was the most relatable character, a charming underachiever whose energy and commitment to being "bad" were ironically inspiring. This continuous viewership ensures that the source material for the memes remains relevant, cementing his place in the pantheon of iconic children's television characters.

5. The Global Tributes on His Birth and Death Anniversaries

Every July 10th (his birthday) and August 21st (his death anniversary) sees a massive resurgence of tributes across social media platforms like Reddit, Twitter/X, and YouTube. These are not small, localized events; they are global, coordinated efforts by the fan community to share memories, artwork, and video tributes.

The sheer volume and sincerity of these annual memorials demonstrate a fan base that views Stefansson not merely as an actor, but as a genuine hero whose positive impact was immense. These anniversaries serve as a yearly mechanism for refreshing his legacy and ensuring he trends online, keeping his name and message in the public consciousness, even in 2025.

6. The Unconventional Path to Internet Celebrity

Stefansson is a prime example of an actor whose career was unexpectedly redefined by the internet. He embraced his meme status with good humor and gratitude, recognizing it as a unique opportunity to connect with fans and raise awareness for his cause. This acceptance of modern internet culture is a key part of his unique legacy.

Unlike some celebrities who distance themselves from internet fame, Stefansson engaged directly with the meme community through an AMA (Ask Me Anything) on Reddit. This interaction solidified his status as a beloved, authentic figure who understood and appreciated the culture that was celebrating him. His willingness to participate in the joke made the love for him even stronger, creating a powerful emotional bond with millions of young people.

7. Inspiration for Aspiring Icelandic Actors and Performers

In Iceland, Stefan Karl Stefansson is remembered as one of the country's most versatile and successful actors. His career, spanning from the National Theatre of Iceland to international television, serves as a powerful inspiration for young Icelandic performers.

His story proves that it is possible to maintain a serious theatre career while also achieving global, mainstream success. His dedication to learning the craft at the Drama Academy of Iceland and his subsequent mastery of both comedy and drama have left an indelible mark on the Icelandic cultural landscape, ensuring he is honored as a national treasure whose influence extends far beyond the playful world of LazyTown.

The Enduring Message: Why We Still Remember Stefán Karl Stefánsson

The legacy of Stefán Karl Stefánsson is a powerful blend of professional brilliance and personal integrity. He took a role as a children's villain and turned it into a vehicle for global joy, charity, and a message of resilience. His work as Robbie Rotten, his battle against cancer, and his commitment to anti-bullying efforts are intertwined, creating a narrative that is both entertaining and deeply moving. The fact that, in 2025, his name continues to generate discussion, art, and charitable impulses is the ultimate testament to his remarkable life. He truly embodied the spirit of being "Number One" in the hearts of his fans.