He Did Do That On Television

Actor and broadcaster Les Lye passed away last week at the age of 84. Who?

The heart and soul of You Can't Do That On Television!

Born in Toronto, Lye came to Ottawa after graduating from Lorne Greene's Academy of Radio Arts in 1948. Who knew there was one? He joined CFRA Radio, where he served listeners for more than a decade. It was at CFRA, that he worked with Rich Little and they collaborated on a comedy album, 'My Fellow Canadians' - a spoof of the Diefenbaker years. Yep, that must have been a real side-splitter.

In 1961, he joined CJOH-TV as a freelance writer and performer. It was here, that he forged a long-lasting partnership with Bill Luxton. Together, they created the popular 'Willy & Floyd,' which ran for more than 20 years. Such personalities as Alanis Morissette, Klea Scott, Bruno Gerussi and Margaret Trudeau would drop by for surprise guest appearances.

But his legendary stint came when producers of You Can't Do That On Television were looking for a versatile actor to play the many adult "foils" for the kids. Lye answered the call and instantly became a household name around the world.