View Full Version : "You Can't Do That On Television" Star Les Lye Dies At 84


JamesG
07-24-2009, 06:45 PM
You Can't Do That on Television Star Dies
PopEater

Canadian actor Les Lye, known to millions of North Americans in their 20's and 30's as the omnipresent adult on You Can't Do That on Television, has died at 84. According to his CTV obituary, the veteran comic passed away on Tuesday. The cause is unknown.



The Ottawa native was enjoying a successful career in radio when in 1979 he joined the then-local kid's variety show, where he played an assortment of adult roles opposite a cast of kids (including Alanis Morissette).

One of his most repeated characters was Barth, the gross proprietor of Barth's Burgery.

When 'YCDTOTV' moved over to Nickelodeon in the early 1980's, Lye became a household name. That is, if your home included children.

Lye appeared in every episode of every season he was in the cast, up until leaving the show in 1990. The show may be best known for it's signature sliming whenever someone said "I Don't Know."

Besides Barth, other memorable characters created by Lye were:
-- Ross Ewich, a studio director whose name rhymes with "raw sewage."
-- El Capitano, a firing squad captain hired to shoot the kids, but instead ends up getting shot.
-- Snake Eyes, a horrible bus driver.
-- Senator Lance Prevert, a drunken politician.



With fellow comic Bill Luxton, Lye co-created the comedy duo Uncle Will and Floyd, which appeared on Canadian TV for more than 20 years.

Lye is survived by his wife Johnni and three children.

http://www.popeater.com/television/article/les-lye-dead-at-84/587101?icid=main|hp-laptop|dl2|link6|http%3A%2F%2Fwww.popeater.com%2Ftelevision%2Farticle%2Fles-lye-dead-at-84%2F587101

PZelda
07-24-2009, 06:52 PM
Man, I loved YCDTOTV. I was born early enough that I remember seeing new episodes (but only from 1988 until it ended in 1990), and then the four years it was on in reruns on Nickelodeon (Last time YCDTOTV was on in regular reruns was over 15 years ago). People in their mid-30s will definitely remember better than I do, though.

But I do know for a fact that YCDTOTV is what made Nickelodeon, Nickelodeon. Good times. :) Les Lye lived a long and full life... So, good for him!

ZeldaGilroy
07-24-2009, 06:53 PM
I saw this earlier on AOL. I loved him on You Can't Do That on Television. He will be missed. :(

catlover79
07-24-2009, 06:55 PM
:rip:

catlover79
07-24-2009, 06:55 PM
:rip:

Marvo301
07-24-2009, 08:51 PM
Les Lye was brilliant on YCDTOTV! He played so many characters and was able to make each one unique and very funny. :rip: Les Lye

Skywalker
07-24-2009, 09:16 PM
:( R.I.P. Les.

DLevine2
07-24-2009, 09:46 PM
R.I.P.- Les :( :rip:

MonarC
07-24-2009, 11:08 PM
That show was so funny to me when I was a kid. May he rest in peace.

gidgetgrape
07-25-2009, 12:18 AM
This is awful! I was a big YCDTOTV Fan too.

Chocoholic
07-25-2009, 12:21 AM
I loved that show too. May he :rip:

Doodyville10019
07-25-2009, 05:24 AM
My husband was a big fan of You Can't Do That On Television when it was on Nickelodeon. He was also a big fan of Les' characters (especially Barth). He was shocked to hear of his passing. :rip:

comedyfreak
07-25-2009, 08:19 AM
Awww how sad, didn't know he was that old. RIP :( I also enjoyed the show and wish it would be brought to dvd.

robyrob
07-25-2009, 09:18 AM
:rip:

AKA
07-25-2009, 11:51 AM
What do you think's in the burgers?

Seriously, R.I.P. He provided me countless hours of entertainment.

Chocoholic
07-25-2009, 12:01 PM
What do you think's in the burgers?


I don't know.

D'OH!!! <green slime pours on my head>

MrCleveland
07-25-2009, 03:59 PM
He was a great actor. He reminds me of anyone from "Laugh-in". (Maybe that's why I like Laugh-in now because it's predecessor was "You can't do that on Television")!

Jack Gomez
07-25-2009, 11:36 PM
One of my favorite shows as a kid. I used to love watching it after school on Nickelodeon. Les Lye was really great at all those different characters he used to play, my favorites being Lance Prevert and Barth. :rip: :(