Ernest Arthur Coombs, CM (November 26, 1927 – September 18, 2001) was an American-Canadian children's entertainer who starred in the Canadian television series Mr. Dressup (1967–1996).

When Rogers decided to return to the United States, Coombs chose to stay in Canada on his employer's recommendation, developing the children's show Butternut Square, which later evolved into Mr. Dressup, which went on to become a long-running and iconic presence in Canadian media.

Rogers moved back to the United States three years later, but Coombs decided to stay in Canada upon his employer's recommendation to the network, joining a new TV series called Butternut Square.

During the run, Coombs appeared as the character in the Poor Alex Theatre in The Tickle Trunk, starring Mr. Dressup with Casey and Finnegan.

[1][2] After Butternut Square ended, Coombs developed Mr. Dressup, which became one of English Canada's longest-running and most beloved children's programs.

[5] After retirement, Coombs continued to work as an entertainer, playing roles in Ross Petty's Christmas pantomimes of Peter Pan, Cinderella, and Aladdin; narrated a 2002 Canadian revival of the British animated television series, Simon in the Land of Chalk Drawings; and acted as a spokesman for children's charities.

[6] Coombs also did a travelling stage show called Tales from the Tickle Trunk, in which he shared stories about the making of Mr. Dressup, as well as the origins, and fates, of some of the characters.