Captain Kangaroo, dies at 76

Bob Keeshan, who played Captain Kangroo on the series of the same name, died Friday of a long-time illness. Keeshan, 76, died in his hometown of Hartford, VT.

"Our father, grandfather and friend was as passionate for his family as he was for America's children," according to a statement issued by his family, including his son and two daughters. "He was largely a private man living an often public life as an advocate for all that our nation's children deserve."

"Captain Kangaroo," which premiered in October 1955, endeared Keeshan to many as the grandfather-type who sported a trademark bushy mustache, bowl-styled haircut, captain's hat and jacket with kangroo-like pockets. CBS aired the long-time running children's show for 30 years before it moved to public television for another six. Over the span of more than 9,000 episodes, Keeshan's "Kangaroo" garnered six Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards.

Noted mostly for its colorful menagerie of characters, "Captain Kangaroo" offered parents a worry-free form of entertainment for their children. Accompanying characters like Mr. Green Jeans to Bunny Rabbit and Mr. Moose, the television show became a classic, appealing to several generations of young television viewers.

Psychologist, Dr. Joyce Brothers, who spent three seasons on the show, called it "a wonderful service for children and parents."

"Parents could turn on the TV with complete security that what was shown wouldn't be harmful in any way," Brothers said.

Keeshan, a native of Long Island town, Lynbrook, NY, became a part of the television industry in its infancy. A page at NBC, while attending high school, Keeshan made his first appearance on television in 1948, playing the mute, horn-honking Clarabell the Clown on the "Howdy Doody Show." The performer created Clarabell played her for five years. He was even inducted into the Clown Hall of Fame in 1990.

In the years following "Captain Kangaroo," Keeshan continued to serve as an activist for children. In addition to writing books and lecturing, Keeshan worked with former Vermont governor and Democratic presidential nominee-hopeful, Howard Dean, in 1998 to lobby for the creation of the children's checkoff on the Vermont income tax form. Funds from the checkoff would go to various children's programs.

Critical of contemporary children's television for its violence and blandness (in the case of one he didn't necessarily hate, "Barney and Friends"), Keeshan was disappointed by the road that his industry had taken. He took on the cause by encouraging strong and conscious parenting.

"Parents are the ultimate role models for children," he said. "Every word, movement and action has an effect. No other person or outside force has a greater influence on a child than the parent."

Many will remember the performer for both his entertainment and his advocacy.

"Bob Keeshan was a true pioneer in children's television who's legacy goes unmatched," CBS chairman, Leslie Moonves, said. "He was a great entertainer, showman and innovator and he will always hold a special place in the history of CBS and the hearts of television viewers."