Ernie Coombs (Mr. Dressup)
If Tickle Trunk, Casey, Finnegan and Mr. Dressup are familiar terms to you ~ then you have been a child in Canada. For the younger generation, Chester the Crow, Truffles and their friends would be familiar too.
Mr. Dressup was a Canadian television icon. From 1967 to 1996, Ernie Coombs brought pleasure and imagination to Canadian children. Not many people know that Coombs was born an American and followed Fred Rogers when he was developing Mister Roger's Neighborhood on the Canadian Broadcasting Network (CBC). Within 1 year Coombs had his own children's program in Canada. Butternut Square starred Coombs from 1964-1967. When it was cancelled Coombs presented a new improved version called Mr. Dressup.
My father worked for CBC his entire career and at that time, was working in the same building that Mr. Dressup was being taped. On one of the many occasions I accompanied my father to work at his Jarvis Street office, he had a special surprise for me. I was introduced to Mr. Dressup, Casey and Finnegan in a private meeting around 1969.
Coombs quickly sketched the above picture for me and signed it during my visit. I have treasured it ever since. He told me it was a self-portrait ~ although I didn't see any resemblance!
Trivia Eh?
Born in Maine.
Died at 73 years old from a stroke on September 18, 2001.
Lived in Pickering, a city on the
outskirts of Toronto
Owned a cottage in Maine
Interested in vintage Auburn
automobiles
Presented with the Earle Grey Award
which honours excellence in Canadian television
In 1996 he became a member of the Order of Canada. The Order of Canada is presented to a limited number of Canadians who exemplify the highest qualities of citizenship and whose contributions enrich the lives of their contemporaries.
Was a spokesperson for the Canadian Save the Children organization and received an award from them in 1997.
Had 2 children, daughter Cathy, son
Chris and several grandchildren
Lost his wife in a freak accident in Toronto when a car crashed through a plate glass window and killed her.