.

"When (Casey and Finnegan) retired, they were in better shape than me," Coombs says.

Replacing the famous duo on this tour will be Tutti-Fruiti, a talking watermelon with banana hair and citrus features.

This kind of wholesome silliness has been the essence of Mr. Dressup. And while other childhood semi-heroes have shown their dark side -- remember the embarrassing Pee-Wee Herman incident? -- Coombs doesn't seem to have skeletons in his closet or his Tickle Trunk.

"I had good parents ... a good family life," says Coombs. "I really had no urge to stray."

Playing a character with a golden heart has had an effect on the entertainer. "Mr. Dressup has certainly made me a better person. You can't play a character like him without having some of his values rub off on you."

PHOTO: Ernie Coombs, A.K.A. Mr. Dressup, is closing the lid on a 30-year career in child's play.