Bobby Ash facts for kids

Robert William "Bobby" Ash (born November 5, 1925 – died May 20, 2007) was an English-born Canadian actor. He became famous to children in the Toronto area as Uncle Bobby. He hosted The Uncle Bobby Show on the local TV station CFTO-TV.

Early Life and Entertainment Beginnings

Robert Ash was born in Walsall, England. He grew up in a family of actors and spent his early years around circuses in Britain. Bobby Ash started his acting career as a child. One of his first roles was in a show called No Mother to Guide Her.

During World War II, Bobby Ash performed for the British Forces. He was part of a show called Stars in Battledress. He also worked as a funny performer and a circus clown, making people laugh.

Moving to Canada and TV Career

After moving to Canada, Bobby Ash saw an advertisement for a TV role. In 1959, he became a clown on a CFTO program called The Professor's Hideaway. CFTO-TV started broadcasting in 1961, and Bobby Ash was there.

Later, he left his first show and went back to Britain for a short time. But he soon returned to Canada to create a new show for CFTO. This show, The Uncle Bobby Show, ran from 1962 to 1979. To help with his television work, Bobby Ash took early education courses at Seneca College.

Later Years and Passing

Even after he retired from television, Bobby Ash continued to live in Toronto (in an area called Guildwood). He spent some of his time working on children's books.

Later, Bobby Ash moved north from Toronto to Elliot Lake. He passed away there on May 20, 2007, from a heart attack.