From 1967 to 1996, children from across the country sat in front of their televisions with their crayons, paper, and costumes, ready to have fun with Ernie Coombs, otherwise known as Mr. Dressup, a former Pickering resident.

In 2001, several years after retiring from his show, Coombs addressed Trent University’s graduating class as an honorary degree recipient. In his speech, he reminded students to “Keep an open mind, and an open heart. Don’t take life too seriously, because it doesn’t last forever, you know. And keep your crayons sharp. Don’t get your sticky tape tangled, and always put the caps on your markers.”

I had the opportunity to be interviewed for the new documentary, “Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe.” The film examines the career and cultural influence of the beloved Canadian children’s television entertainer. I was asked to share insights on Coombs’ impact and legacy, and when I watched the film for the first time, I was reminded of the power of wonder and imagination.

Today, young people on social media platforms like TikTok are exploring their “inner child.” They’re getting back in touch with things they loved growing up, or experiencing things they never had the opportunity to throughout their childhood. This film allows Millennials and those from generation X to find our own inner child as we revisit the memories we made with our favourite TV pal, Mr. Dressup.

As I reflect on my participation in the film, I know it was a genuine joy to be part of this project. Mr. Dressup was an important part of my own childhood, and an inspiration for myself and generations of Canadians in terms of finding our own creative spark.

It was clear that everyone involved in the project — including numerous renowned Canadian actors and celebrities like Michael J. Fox, Graham Greene, Andrew Phung, members of the Barenaked Ladies, who are featured in the documentary — shared these positive feelings for Coombs and his legacy. The characteristics that led to his honorary degree from Trent were abundant in the film.

And now I have the chance to say I appeared in a film with Michael J. Fox.

If you share my fondness for nostalgia, and this one-of-a-kind Canadian icon, I encourage you to revisit your love of Mr. Dressup by watching “Mr. Dressup: The Magic of Make Believe,” available now on Prime Video.

This article, penned by Scott Henderson, dean and head of Trent University Durham GTA, originally appeared in Durham Metroland.