Denis Simpson

Denis Simpson (born Dennis Anthony Leopold Simpson; 4 November 1950 – 22 October 2010) was a Canadian actor and singer best known as a host of the TV series Polka Dot Door.

He was also an original member of the singing group The Nylons.

Born in St. Ann's Bay, Jamaica, Simpson arrived in Canada at the age of eight and moved with his family to the Toronto suburb of Scarborough at age 10.

He attended Guildwood Public School and was remembered as an exceptional student and a friendly and gentle young man.

His half-sister, born 1964, is actress Gloria Reuben.

At York University, where he studied for one year, Simpson focused on music, theatre, and dance.

The original bass vocalist for The Nylons in 1978–79, he left the band to appear in the Broadway musical Indigo before they became commercially successful.

Simpson was also a longtime host of the children's television series Polka Dot Door from 1978 until the mid-1980s.

He appeared in such television series as Seeing Things, Mr. Dressup, Sharon, Lois & Bram's Elephant Show, Night Visions, These Arms of Mine, Robson Arms, and MacGyver and on the Canadian game shows Acting Crazy and Talk About.

He also hosted a cooking show on Channel M called Café m and was the "Live Eye Guy" for Citytv Vancouver's Breakfast Television.

He was nominated for several Jessie Awards for his theatre work, winning one for his one-man show Denis Anyone? He was also involved in charitable work with AIDS organizations and hosting local events.

He died on 22 October 2010 of a sudden brain hemorrhage at age 59.