James Bondy

James Bondy (born c. 1974) is a Canadian entertainer, best known for his work as the human co-host of the children's show Ribert and Robert's Wonderworld, which airs on public television.[1][2]

Background

He had aspirations to become a hockey player or a dentist while in school, but a high school drama coach encouraged him to try out for a school play, and he was cast in the lead and starred in every school play through graduation. In 1993, Bondy was accepted into the musical theatre degree program at the University of Windsor. He is a graduate of the program.[3] Key roles on the college stage, in local repertory productions,[4] and the Windsor Light Opera Company followed, and Bondy eventually relocated to Toronto in 1997 to pursue a professional career.[5]

Early career

Bondy was chosen to help open the Disney's Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World by starring in a production of Disney's Journey into the Jungle Book. After over eight hundred performances,[6] Bondy returned to Windsor, where he performed in sold-out revues at the casinos in Windsor and across the river in Detroit, Michigan. Bondy performed on the Renaissance Cruise Lines, headlining musical revues until the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, forcing him to return to Toronto.

Bondy then gained experience in film, working as an extra and bit player, until he returned to performing aboard cruise ships in 2003, performing for another six months on the Norwegian Cruise Lines.

Ribert and Robert's Wonderworld

During this stint aboard a cruise line, Bondy was approached by the creator of a new children's show. He had seen Bondy perform and was convinced that he had found the human co-host he was looking for. When Bondy's contract with the cruise line expired, he began filming episodes of the live-action/animated series Ribert and Robert's Wonderworld.[7] The series was picked up by American Public Television and can now be seen on over a hundred public television stations in North America. Bondy filmed 78 episodes which can be seen daily in many major cities in and around the United States.[8]

Music career

In 2004, Bondy recorded an album of Broadway tunes and soft hits, Songs From the Heart.

He continues to perform in Central Florida as a guitar/vocalist solo artist.

Personal life

Bondy met his wife while she was working as a dancer aboard the cruise ship; they lived together in New York City.[9] Bondy is a fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs[10] and Toronto Blue Jays. Bondy enjoys golf for relaxation.

References
  1. (31 May 2005). "Ontario man lands PBS role opposite animated frog", Daily News, p. 17.
  2. (1 June 2005). "Gigging with a computer-generated frog likely big break for Windsor, Ont., singer", Times Colonist, p. D7.
  3. (12 September 2005). "Local connection kicks off new PBS children's show", Windsor Star, p. B3
  4. Gervais, Marty (9 November 1996). "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat: At 22, James Bondy's moxie, talent and desire to succeed all propel him into leading roles", Windsor Star, p. F1.
  5. Laycock, John (16 August 1997). "Playbill: Broadway bound", Windsor Star, p. B5.
  6. Gervais, Marty (21 June 2004). "Slugging it out for a shot at the big time", Windsor Star, p. A3.
  7. Shaw, Ted (30 May 2005). "Local singer host of kids show: James Bondy's cruise-ship gig led to big break", Windsor Star, p. B4.
  8. APT Press release - Ribert & Robert.doc .
  9. Gervais, Marty (16 September 2008). "Bondy still craves Big Apple fame", Windsor Star, p. A3.
  10. Gervais, Marty (15 February 1999). "Short actor walkin' tall", Windsor Star, p. A3.
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