Television Personality. Born Ernest Coombs in Lewiston, Maine, on November 26, 1927, he was considered a true icon of Canadian children's programming. Affectionately know as 'Ernie', Coombs he is best remembered for his role as 'Mr. Dressup' on the Canadian Broadcasting Network's (CBC), long-running children's program by the same name. The show which ran from 1967 to 1996, had Coombs showing children how to draw, make crafts, read stories, entertaining them by dressing up in costumes that he had in his 'tickle trunk', all with the help of puppet friends like, Casey and Finnigan, Alligator Al who owned a trading post, Truffles, Granny, Chester the Crow, and even some live guests. Before getting into acting, Coombs studied commercial art and painted scenery. He later worked with the Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, based Miniature Theatre, and WQED-TV. In the late 1950's he met a man named Fred Rogers (the future 'Mr. Rogers') and moved with him to Canada, becoming a puppeteer for Rogers. In 1964 Rogers moved back to the United States, but Coombs stayed in Canada and became the host of the children's television program, "Butternut Square" where he also first introduced the character of 'Mr. Dressup.' The show ran from 1964 to 1967. Coombs also did other children's programming including, "MisteRogers" from 1962 to 1964, "Vacation Time" in 1965, and "Simon In The Land Of Chalk Drawings" iin 1976 which he narrated. In 1992 tragedy struck when Coombs' wife Lynn was killed in Toronto when a car jumped a curb and hit her. They had been married for 31 years. In 1994 he was given the honor of becoming a Canadian Citizen, was awarded the Earl Grey Award the same year for Excellence in television, he was awarded a Gemini for best performance in a children's program, and in 1996 he was awarded the Order of Canada. After he retired from his show in 1996 after almost 30 years and countless episodes, Coombs continued to make personal appearances and even some time to do stage work for children including, Peter Pan, Aladdin, and Cinderella. He also wanted to spend time with his family and enjoy time at his property in Maine. On September 18, 2001, at the age of 73, Coombs passed away from the effects of a stroke he had suffered a few days earlier. He was cremated and his ashes were scattered at his property in Maine. Following his death there was many tributes and memorial services in his honor.