Rod Coneybeare as Rusty and Jerome! Such a funny and talented guy with an amazing career. When I was 12 or 13 I saw some Friendly Giant re-runs and was staggered when I noticed Rusty and Jerome were both controlled and voiced by Rod at the same time! Coneybeare really has had an amazing career in Canadian television. And of course, Bob Homme is a legend as Friendly. The show never had a script, so Rod and Bob would just chat about the events of the week or comment of funny things they had seen or heard, and then play a song and read to the little ones at home. It sounds mundane, and really it all was, but it was done with such sweetness and sincerity and charm that it was endlessly watchable. I'm a grown man now, but if Friendly Giant is ever released on DVD (or BluRay, or whatever is next), it's got a spot reserved in my collection.
I can remember when the music would play signaling the end of another episode of Friendly Giant, my little brother's eyes would well up with tears, and I'd have to reassure him that Rusty, Jerome and Friendly would be back soon. Promise.
I'll have to email him one of the great clips on Youtube. :)
I can remember when the music would play signaling the end of another episode of Friendly Giant, my little brother's eyes would well up with tears, and I'd have to reassure him that Rusty, Jerome and Friendly would be back soon. Promise.
I'll have to email him one of the great clips on Youtube. :)