Ed the Sock is a true rag-to-riches story.

Debuting in 1987 on a local cable-access show in Toronto, Ed has steadily ascended from novelty character to become Canada's most-loved and most successful pop culture hero and celebrated wit.

He's also Canada's busiest personality. Besides his weekly TV series Ed's Night Party!, which is in its 11th season and continues to told the top ratings spot opposite Leno and Letterman for 4 years running, Ed is a leading personality on MuchMusic, Canada's music TV channel, where his work as a VJ and host of top-rated series and specials is legendary.

And celebrities love him too. Avril Lavigne has engaged him with X-rated passion, Destiny's Child harmonized with him, Hilary Duff gave him fashion advice, Nickelback wants to go drinking with him, Black Eyed Peas got rough with him, Coldplay got stupid, and Christina Aguilera had him host her Canadian press conference. Ed's unique ability to relate to artists makes them come back again and again.

Not just fans and famous people, but critics love Ed too. Whether it was his live on-the-scene anchoring of Woodstock 99 riots, his handling of 9/11 and its aftermath, his hosting of election night programming, his weekly EDitorials or the stinging media criticism in his annual Fromage specials, Ed has earned plaudits from everyone from TV critics, political writers and even Spin magazine. And his newest series which tackles social and political issues with his trademark wit and insight, Smartass: The Ed the Sock Report, has been an instant hit.

One reason for Ed's longevity? He's never succumbed to the potential danger of one-note 'ethnic' humour. Don't expect to see any material about brothers lost in the dryer, cling-free sheet traumas or any other low-end schtick. Ed doesn't shuck and jive that way. "Yes, I'm a sock," Ed says, "that's my ethnicity, but i'm not defined by it."

Another reason Ed has stayed so popular? Because while his merchandise may sell out, Ed hasn't. Among viewers, Ed the Sock has maintained a credibility that is unmatched. Ed's ability to tell it like it is without resorting to shock-jock tactics, his skill at 'keeping it real' with the biggest names in show business and his rare talent at mixing edgy humour with stinging commentary has earned him the respect and love of a nation of TV viewers. Not a bad accomplishment for a TV personality, an incredible accomplishment for a sock puppet.

No wonder the Globe and Mail newspaper listed Ed as one of the 40 most Influential People in Canadian media. And that influence is sure to keep growing with work continuing on his TV series and specials, expanded range of merchandise, sales of ring tones and mobile content, development of a satellite radio show and completion of the script for his first movie adventure.

One thing is clear - no matter what his ethnic origins, Ed the Sock is no-one's puppet.