RIP Barth

Les Lye, founder and creator of the Canadian teen comedy sketch, You Can't Do That On Television, passed away Tuesday (07/21) in Ottawa. He was 84.

I must give props to Mr. Lye. I loved You Can't Do That On Television and watched it loyally throughout the first half of the 1980s (Thank you, Nickelodean). His role as chef Barth Bagge, who's burgers at the local hamburger diner were made of anything besides beef, and his character, Blip, the cheapskate owner of the local video arcade, were some of my favorites. Also, El Capitano was equally hilarious. Who can forget the show's trademark green slime? Popular players like Alasdair, Christine aka "Moose," Vanessa and Lisa never seemed to learn. Don't say "I Don't Know" or else.

In addition to his time with You Can't Do That On Television, Lye's years in radio, tv and acting spanned over half a century. His other credits include "Willy & Floyd," a popular comedy show that ran for 22 years throughout Canada. In 2003, the Alliance of Canadia Cinema, Television and Radio Artists (ACTRA) honored Lye and show co-creator Bill Luxton for their comical prowess on Willy & Floyd. RIP.

Here's an episode about "Smells:"