Keeshan, Bob (1927-2004), an American actor, created and starred in “Captain Kangaroo,” one of the most popular children’s programs in television history. The program was telecast from 1955 to 1985. At one time, it was the longest running daily show on network television. The program consisted of music, informal conversation, humor, and educational features.
“Captain Kangaroo” won praise for its wholesome and intelligent approach to entertaining and educating its youthful audience. Keeshan played the grandfatherly Captain Kangaroo, owner of the Treasure House. The program included a family of continuing characters, such as Mr. Green Jeans and the puppets Mr. Moose and Bunny Rabbit. Keeshan won the Emmy Award as the outstanding performer in children’s programming in 1982, 1983, and 1984. “Captain Kangaroo” won the Emmy for outstanding children’s entertainment series in 1978, 1981, and 1982.
Robert James Keeshan was born on June 27, 1927, in New York City. He was a page for the National Broadcasting Company from 1943 to 1945 and a receptionist from 1945 to 1947. He became a stagehand for the “Howdy Doody” children’s TV show in 1947 and played Clarabelle the Clown on the program from 1947 to 1952. Keeshan was inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 1990. He died on Jan. 23, 2004.
