TORONTO [Peter Paul Media] — Canada paused today to celebrate the birthday of Ernie Coombs — forever known as Mr. Dressup — born November 26, 1927, in Lewiston, Maine. Were he still alive, Coombs would be 98 years old today, a milestone that underscores just how long his influence has lasted across generations of Canadian families.
For millions, Mr. Dressup wasn’t just a children’s television host. He was a soft-spoken companion who brought calm, creativity, and warmth into living rooms for nearly three decades. His gentle voice, welcoming smile, and the familiar ritual of opening the Tickle Trunk helped turn ordinary mornings into moments of small wonder.
After arriving in Canada in the early 1960s to work with Fred Rogers, Coombs soon made the country his home. One of the most meaningful chapters of his life unfolded in Scarborough, the suburban community in Toronto’s east end where he lived for many years.
Scarborough, known historically for its patchwork of growing neighbourhoods, immigrant families, and strong community spirit, became a backdrop to Coombs’ off-screen life. Long before its later waves of development and urban expansion, Scarborough in the 1970s and ’80s embodied the quiet, family-centred environment that aligned perfectly with Coombs’s personality.
Local residents often recall seeing him at community events, libraries, and small arts gatherings — always approachable, always smiling. In a suburb still finding its identity as part of the newly amalgamated Metropolitan Toronto, Coombs stood out as a humble and reassuring figure who treated neighbours with the same warmth he showed viewers across the country.
Many credit him as the first adult outside their family who spoke to them with true respect, never talking down, never hurrying them along. Over the years, Scarborough embraced Mr. Dressup not just as a television star but as a quiet, grounded member of the community.
Educators and artists continue to cite Coombs as a foundational figure who shaped the tone of Canadian children’s programming. His belief in kindness, creativity, and the power of pretend play remains deeply woven into the national childhood experience.
As Canada marks his birthday, what stands out most is how timeless his teachings remain. He reminded children — and adults — that imagination is limitless, that creativity is for everyone, and that gentleness is a strength. These ideas endure long after the cameras stopped rolling.
Today, Canadians celebrate a man who never tried to be a star — only a friend. In the process, he became a cultural treasure whose influence continues to brighten early mornings, childhood memories, and the creative spirit of generations. Reruns and digital archives introduce new viewers to his world, creating a bridge between generations.
Coombs passsed away on September 18, 2001, after suffering a stroke at the age of 73, leaving behind a nation of viewers who felt as though they had lost a beloved childhood friend.
In the years since, tributes, documentaries, and renewed viewership have ensured that his spirit continues to live on — not as a nostalgic memory, but as a lasting cornerstone of Canadian childhood.
Peter Paul Media 