CTV Ottawa legend Les Lye passes away
Updated: Thu Jul. 23 2009 16:47:36

ctvottawa.ca

Actor and broadcaster Les Lye passed away on Tuesday at the age of 84.


Born in Toronto, Lye came to Ottawa after graduating from Lorne Greene's Academy of Radio Arts in 1948.


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.


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.


Opportunity knocked 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.


Lye is survived by his wife Johnni, three children Brett, Daralyn and Emily.

Not Barth! I watched reruns of this show when I was a kid on Nickelodeon. Im so sad right now.

never heard of him.

never heard of him.