James Bondy
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James Bondy is a Canadian entertainer, best known for his work as the human co-host of the PBS children's show Ribert and Robert's Wonderworld.
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[edit] Background
Born and raised in Windsor, Ontario, Bondy attended Catholic Central High School with early aspirations to become a hockey player or a dentist. A high school drama coach noticed the popular, engaging young man and encouraged Bondy to try out for a school play. He was cast in the lead and starred in every school play through graduation. In 1993, Bondy was only one of a handful of men to be accepted into the musical theatre degree program at the University of Windsor. Key roles on the college stage, in local repertory productions, and the Windsor Light Opera Company followed, and Bondy eventually relocated to Toronto to pursue a professional career.
[edit] Early Career
Bondy was eventually chosen to help open the Animal Kingdom at Walt Disney World by starring in a production of Disney's Journey into the Jungle Book. After over eight hundred performances, Bondy returned to Windsor, where he would be seen performing in sold-out revues at the casinos in Windsor and across the river in Detroit, Michigan. Bondy would find himself performing on the Renaissance Cruise Lines, headlining high-octane 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.
[edit] 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 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. The series was picked up by American Public Television and can now be seen on over a hundred public television stations in North America.
[edit] Music Career
In 2004, Bondy recorded an album of Broadway tunes and soft hits, Songs From the Heart.
[edit] Personal
- In August 2006, Bondy married actress and dancer Jennifer Kaeppel. They currently make their home in New York City, not far from where Ribert and Robert's Wonderworld is produced.
- Bondy is a devoted fan of the Toronto Maple Leafs and Toronto Blue Jays.
- Bondy enjoys golf for relaxation.
