"No, I'm afraid I don't (have any memories). I don't. I'm from South Africa and I guess I didn't watch much TV when I came to Canada." -- Russell Oliver, Celebrity Pawnbroker and Jewelry Fanatic
"Oh, yeah, it was my favorite show! My mom actually banned me from watching Mr. Dressup at one point because I would always cry when it was over. And she just got fed up with me having a fit every day at 10:30 a.m. So I was banned from watching it." -- Lisa Marr, Singer/Bassist, cub
"Personally, I don't know who he is. What is he selling, I'm sorry? Is he a comedian? My kids might see it, I don't." -- Crazy Joe, Crazy TV guy
"He's awesome. I watched him when I was a kid." -- Ben Campbell, 11, Jake And The Kid's kid.
"He's one of Canada's true icons. When I travel the country, he's one of the television personalities I'm asked most often about. And because he's been at it so long, those who ask about him range across all age groups. If the reruns ever end, mornings will never be the same." -- CBC National news anchor Peter Mansbridge.
"After a while I realized this was a guy who for his entire life was delighted by what he does." -- TV producer Joe Bodolai, who compiled a Mr. Dressup career tribute for the Gemini Awards.
"I remember one time, I think it was for Valentine's Day, and I was home sick and I was watching it, and you could cut hearts out of pieces of paper and take little pieces of drinking straw and you'd tie them up together with pieces of string. And my mother wore it for like three days around the house -- obviously she didn't want to hurt my feelings." -- Ontario native, comic and sometimes Fox-TV star Tim Conlon.
"The first time Mr. Dressup appeared on Fred Penner's Place, the cre was awestruck. He was instantly respected by everyone. They had grown up with Mr. Dressup. He and I shared some wonderful moments together and I consider it an honor to call him my friend. Thanks, Mr. Dressup." -- Kids show host Fred Penner, who insists this message must be signed "Love, Fred Penner."
"I never really watched Mr. Dressup but I love the concept." -- Carole Pope, known for "dressing up" in leather during the days of Rough Trade.
"I remember watching him when I was little -- I hope. I was very sick and I found both he and his program very comforting. Now of course I have two children and they watch him from time to time. And I walk by the television and go, 'Hey, I know that guy.'" -- Primo Ballerino Frank Augustyn.
"We weren't allowed to watch television when we were younger unless it was Canadian programming. That was my parents' rule. They were supporting the Canadian industry. So I did get to watch Mr. Dressup. I guess I just want to say thank you for all those years of playing with us." -- Megan Follows
"My fondest memory of Mr. Dressup was of Finnigan's voice. Only I could hear him." -- Chin Injeti, lead singer/bassist for Bass is Base.
"Mr. Dressup might ride in on The Friendly Giant's shoulder and stomp the CBC headquarters into oblivion. The CBC had better treat him right." -- Joe Keithley, singer/guitarist for D.O.A.
"I recently met Mr. Dressup at an awards show and although we were supposed to be peers, I felt like I was six years old again! 'Wow!' was the only thing that came to mind." -- Patty, co-host, TVO Kids.
"There were two upsides to being sick when I was younger. One, I missed a day of school. Two, I could watch Mr. Dressup. His show and The Friendly Giant were always sick-at-home bonuses." -- Joe, co-host, TVO Kids.
"It was good 'cause it really tapped into your innocence. As an adult you might be cynical enough to ask, 'Why's the guy living with a puppet? What does he do for a living really? Does he have a car? Does he have any visible means of income?' "But not as a child. He's talking to an owl who happens to be hung on a wall. And that's perfectly normal." -- Tim Conlon
Issue #8 Page -- Cygnals Zine Page