WIS News 10 - Columbia, South Carolina | Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan dies at 76

Bob "Captain Kangaroo" Keeshan dies at 76

(Quechee, Vermont-AP) Jan. 23, 2004 - Bob Keeshan, who entertained millions of baby-boomers and their children, has died after a long illness. He played Captain Kangaroo on TV and made his mark in the hearts and minds of children for more than 50 years.

Keeshan was a television pioneer, who became the host of the longest-running TV children's show of all time. He got into show business as an intern, getting tipped $5 a show to dress like a clown on the "Howdy Doody Show."

Though he never spoke on the program, Keeshan still captivated kids as the first "Clara Bell."

In 1955 CBS hired Keeshan to star in a new children's show. He played Captain Kangaroo, a grandfatherly-type, who carried all kinds of interesting things in his pouch-like pockets.

The captain stayed on the air for 30 years teaching and entertaining before saying goodbye in 1985. Once the captain ended his TV run he continued to speak out for children's programming, "Television is a wonderful tool. It can teach, it can educate, it can be a great cultural influence on our young people."

Keeshan suffered from heart trouble later in life and spent his last years away from the TV camera with his own children and grandchildren. Bob Keeshan also the author of several children's books. He was 76-years-old.

posted 1:11pm by Chris Rees