Actor, Television Entertainer. He hosted a long-running children's television show as "Captain Kangaroo," which was named after his character's trademark red coat, which had large pockets (like a Kangaroo's) containing many interesting objects that he would display on the show. The "Captain Kangaroo Show" won six Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards. He was also elected to the Clown Hall of Fame. Born in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York, he served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. (A long-standing urban legend has it he was cited for valor at Iwo Jima in the Pacific Theater of War and left the USMC at the end of the war). He began his career on television playing the non-speaking role of 'Clarabell the Clown' for NBC's "Howdy Doody Show" in 1951. From 1953 to 1955, he emceed the show "Time For Fun" and "The Johnny Jellybean Show," which helped him develop later characters for his "Captain Kangaroo Show," which ran from October 1955 to 1993. The show originated on CBS, but ended its last six years on PBS. He also helped produce "Tinker's Workshop" on ABC TV during the mid-1950s. Keeshan used the 'Captain Kangaroo' persona to provide a good male role model for children to learn good manners and good behavior. He also encouraged reading and a love for animals. In 1996, he authored a book "Good Morning, Captain: 50 Wonderful Years with Bob Keeshan, TV's Captain Kangaroo."
Actor, Television Entertainer. He hosted a long-running children's television show as "Captain Kangaroo," which was named after his character's trademark red coat, which had large pockets (like a Kangaroo's) containing many interesting objects that he would display on the show. The "Captain Kangaroo Show" won six Emmy Awards and three Peabody Awards. He was also elected to the Clown Hall of Fame. Born in Lynbrook, Long Island, New York, he served in the United States Marine Corps during World War II. (A long-standing urban legend has it he was cited for valor at Iwo Jima in the Pacific Theater of War and left the USMC at the end of the war). He began his career on television playing the non-speaking role of 'Clarabell the Clown' for NBC's "Howdy Doody Show" in 1951. From 1953 to 1955, he emceed the show "Time For Fun" and "The Johnny Jellybean Show," which helped him develop later characters for his "Captain Kangaroo Show," which ran from October 1955 to 1993. The show originated on CBS, but ended its last six years on PBS. He also helped produce "Tinker's Workshop" on ABC TV during the mid-1950s. Keeshan used the 'Captain Kangaroo' persona to provide a good male role model for children to learn good manners and good behavior. He also encouraged reading and a love for animals. In 1996, he authored a book "Good Morning, Captain: 50 Wonderful Years with Bob Keeshan, TV's Captain Kangaroo."
Bio by: Kit and Morgan Benson
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