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"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.