Bitten by the Showbiz Bug

Ross’ love for the razzle-dazzle of the stage began remarkably early. He fondly remembers how the first addictive seeds of live performance took hold when he was just four years old:

Me and my parents were in the audience watching a variety show. Inexplicably, I got out of my seat, and wandered … finding myself centre stage. I had no idea how — perhaps divine intervention took me there. I walked into the middle of the stage, and the announcer asked me, 

‘What are you going to do young man?’

I replied, ‘I’m going to sing.’ I just knew I wanted to sing a song!

So, he gave me a microphone and put me up on a chair — and I sang! I have no idea how I knew to sing that song, but I brought the house down!”

Like an antipodean Shirley Temple — but without the ringlets — Ross captured the hearts of the surprised and mesmerised audience with his impromptu recital. Instead of On The Good Ship Lollipop, the adorably precocious toddler wowed the dumbfounded auditorium with his interpretation of the Angela Lansbury classic — and somewhat risqué — Goodbye Little Yellow Bird.

As Ross reached his dramatic climax, the astounded spectators went crazy. This overwhelming response planted a passion for everything showbiz for the rest of his life:

Getting off the stage, going home, all the rest, I don’t remember — I just have this vivid memory of being on the stage, and people commenting to my parents, ‘You’ve got a good one here.’ I was numb to the whole thing — I was totally oblivious to the amount of fuss that was being made. I was a little surprised about why they were making so much hullabaloo — I just knew I wanted to sing … it’s just what I do… and what I have done with all my life.

From Asthmatic to Maestro

Behind Ross’ infectious effervescence and flamboyance was a young kid battling bravely with lung disease. Suffering from chronic asthma since birth, at times it was debilitating for the little future superstar.

Growing up in Marrickville, the concerning levels of pollution in this busy part of Sydney certainly didn’t help Ross’ illness. So, in an effort to ease his incapacitating symptoms, his family moved to the less industrial and traffic-congested Westmead.

Now eight years old, while the move had proved somewhat beneficial, asthma was still presenting a problem. Until, that is, a visionary doctor provided an inadvertent stimulus that crystallised Ross’ soon-to-be glittering career.

The GP recommended that aerobic exercise — particularly dancing and gymnastics — may help to alleviate the disease. Not just by heightening lung capacity through exercise, but also through the deliberate and controlled breathing taught in these vocations.

Ever spirited and enthusiastic, the eager Ross jumped at the opportunity — he didn’t need to be asked twice to join the besequinned, bewitching, and leotarded ranks of physical entertainment.

Ross’ asthma rapidly eased — and he soon became a performance industry phenomenon.

Lions, Roosters & Bears, Oh My!

For over 50 years, the incredible TV show Here’s Humphrey has enthralled, fascinated, and delighted the nation’s pre-schoolers — with its hero Humphrey B. Bear becoming a national icon.

And that is, in large part, thanks to the perky panache of Ross Hutchison.

Ross brought a grand vivacity and pzazz to the cuddly funster when he became Humphrey’s personal director and choreographer. They became inseparable twins, and together they rampaged shopping centres, children’s hospitals and children’s institutions, bringing joy and hope to so many.

Not content with simply immersing himself in the life of Humphrey B. Bear, Ross supported a further 16 suited characters — including the cheeky Wing Ding the Rooster, waistcoated Paddlepop Lion, and lovable Rory the Lion.

Always bright-eyed and bushy-tailed, Ross helped Humphrey B. Bear become the youngster’s beloved favourite — with many grown-ups still carrying this incredible affection and fondness into their adult years.

Ross understood the joy, pleasure, and innocent happiness that Humphrey B. Bear brought to the country’s children. And naturally, his relentless zest meant that he knew the character’s reach didn’t have to finish at the end credits.

One night we were sitting having a chat, me and Humphrey. I understood what he wanted to do for the world, and so I called in a couple of my mates, to see how we could help Humphrey achieve his plans. And we were able to accomplish so much together with Humphrey — way beyond what was seen on TV. 

Ross’ career was already legendary — moving from childhood star to the most in-demand dancer and choreographer, and then working with the children’s TV favourite. But, it was to be this intention to develop and assist Humphrey B. Bear that became perhaps his greatest achievement — ultimately paving the way for the Ross Hutchison Foundation.