Kid Show Host “Uncle Bobby” Dies
Posted May 23, 2007 12:00 pm.
This article is more than 5 years old.
He was an icon to Toronto kids before they even knew what the word meant. Bobby Ash, the man hundreds of thousands of baby boomers knew as “Uncle Bobby” has died. The English-born entertainer was on the air in the 60s and 70s and was popular for his infamous “Bimbo the Birthday Clown” and “The Singing Policeman”.
His show first aired locally in 1964, and lasted longer than many of his competitors, perhaps with the exception of Mr. Rogers and Mr. Dress-Up. The gentle “uncle” showed cartoons, read stories and wished kids a happy birthday before finally leaving the air in 1979, after an amazing run.
He represents an end of a TV era in more ways than one. Uncle Bobby was among the last of a genre known as the kids’ show host, which included a hallowed set of long cherished stars including “Buffalo” Bob Smith (of Howdy Doody fame), Captain Kangaroo (played until he really was old and grey by former Howdy Doody Clarabelle Bob Keeshan), Pinkie Lee, Soupy Sales and others on a national scale.
There was also a ton of local celebrities, including Commander Tom, Dave Thomas of “Rocketship 7” (whose son David Boreanaz wound up as Angel on his own show and Buffy The Vampire Slayer), Bill Lawrence (of Tiny Talent Time and Albert J. Steed fame), Mike Merian (various roles in Buffalo) and Grandpa Schnitzel on the Hamilton-produced Schnitzel House. Even CHUM morning man “Jungle” Jay Nelson got his big start – and his nickname – hosting one of the shows.
All these people had two things in common – they would show cartoons, do comedy bits and remember birthdays. And they’re lovingly recalled by the now-grown-up kids who never missed an episode.
Bobby Ash was 82.
Photo credit: Steve Cichon/Staff Announcer.com
