Maggie
2004-01-23 17:30:44 UTC
Fri. Jan. 23 2004 12:22 PM ET
Bob Keeshan, 'Captain Kangaroo', dies at age 76
CTV.ca News Staff
Bob Keeshan, the friendly face of Captain Kangaroo, has died at the age of 76.
He died in Vermont, where he lived.
The man with the bushy mustache and big pockets was a hit with children for 30
years as Captain Kangaroo. He produced and acted in the show, which ran from
1955 to 1985.
Before portraying the Captain, Keeshan was a sidekick on the Howdy Doodie show
where he played Clarabell the Clown.
Upon his retirement, he became a lobbyist on behalf of children's issues and
favoured tighter controls on the tobacco industry.
Keeshan was born on Long Island, N.Y., on June 27, 1927. After serving in the
marines in World War II, he joined NBC as a job page.
He began his television career as Clarabell for NBC-TV's Howdy Doody Show,
which ran from 1947-52.
He also appeared as Corny the Clown from 1953 to 1955, and Tinker the Toymaker
from 1954 to 55 before starring in Captain Kangaroo.
He married in 1950 and had three children.
Maggie
"Here’s a quick note from the estate of the late Senator Strom Thurmond –
Happy Kwanzaa!" -- Jay Leno
Bob Keeshan, 'Captain Kangaroo', dies at age 76
CTV.ca News Staff
Bob Keeshan, the friendly face of Captain Kangaroo, has died at the age of 76.
He died in Vermont, where he lived.
The man with the bushy mustache and big pockets was a hit with children for 30
years as Captain Kangaroo. He produced and acted in the show, which ran from
1955 to 1985.
Before portraying the Captain, Keeshan was a sidekick on the Howdy Doodie show
where he played Clarabell the Clown.
Upon his retirement, he became a lobbyist on behalf of children's issues and
favoured tighter controls on the tobacco industry.
Keeshan was born on Long Island, N.Y., on June 27, 1927. After serving in the
marines in World War II, he joined NBC as a job page.
He began his television career as Clarabell for NBC-TV's Howdy Doody Show,
which ran from 1947-52.
He also appeared as Corny the Clown from 1953 to 1955, and Tinker the Toymaker
from 1954 to 55 before starring in Captain Kangaroo.
He married in 1950 and had three children.
Maggie
"Here’s a quick note from the estate of the late Senator Strom Thurmond –
Happy Kwanzaa!" -- Jay Leno