The character of the Friendly Giant debuted on radio in Madison, Wisconsin, in 1953.
In 1958, the Friendly Giant (Robert Homme) – along with Rusty the Rooster and Jerome the Giraffe (hand puppets operated and voiced by Rod Coneybeare) – moved to Canada and became a staple of CBC television programming.
The initial aim of the show – which was broadcast on weeknights – was to provide an easy “get ready for bed” atmosphere for preschool children. The series eventually moved to 9.00 am, six days a week.
With a very small budget, Homme’s denim costume was made by his wife, and his wide belt was made from two women’s belts stapled together!
The original farmyard, castle, and sandbox sets were found in a dime store, and the background was a piece of corrugated cardboard.
Taping of the show officially ended on 10 December 1984, after 26 years and more than 3,000 episodes on CBC-TV.
The theme tune – an arrangement of the old English folk song Early One Morning – is familiar to every Canadian born in the 50s, 60s and 70s
Bob Homme passed away on 2 May 2000 from prostate cancer. He was 81.
Rod Coneybeare died in 2019, aged 89.
The Friendly Giant
Robert Homme Rusty the Rooster/Jerome the Giraffe
Rod Coneybeare
Video
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In 1958, the Friendly Giant (Robert Homme) – along with Rusty the Rooster and Jerome the Giraffe (hand puppets operated and voiced by Rod Coneybeare) – moved to Canada and became a staple of CBC television programming.
The original farmyard, castle, and sandbox sets were found in a dime store, and the background was a piece of corrugated cardboard.
