TORONTO - Ernie Coombs, who played the much-loved television character Mr. Dressup, has died in Toronto after suffering from a stroke.

Along with TV pals Casey and talking dog Finnigan, the kindly Mr. Dressup was a staple of morning television, entertaining generations of Canadian children with simple crafts, sing-alongs and trips to the "tickle trunk" for costumes.

Coombs first started the character in 1964 after moving to Canada from his native United States along with fellow kids' show personality Fred Rogers.

He became a Canadian citizen in 1994, years after he was considered a Canadian cultural icon.

Coombs retired as Mr. Dressup in February 1996, but continued to keep up a hectic schedule of personal appearances in character.

In 1994 Ernie Coombs was awarded a Gemini for his lifetime contribution to Canadian television. Among countless other awards, the show won an ACTRA for best program.

The show still airs across Canada in reruns.

Ernie Coombs was 73.