Bob Keeshan died today, in Vermont, after a long illness. A pioneer in children's programming, his Emmy award winning program, was the longest running such show in TV history. Complete details and photos are here. (http://story.news.yahoo.com/news?tmpl=story2&u=/eo/20040123/en_celeb_eo/13338&e=2)

Captain Kangaroo and Mr. Rogers both gone, with no one gentle enough to take their places (that I know).

I remember watching Capt. Kangaroo as a little kid and wondering, "Who cuts his hair?" Those bangs...

And Mr. Green Jeans. I guess because I lived the actual rural life I found that whole thing pretty hokey, but lest anyone think I'm being critical--it makes me feel sad for young folks who need a soft-spoken, kind and peaceful adult in their lives like either Capt. K. or Mr. Rogers. Maybe I'm old, but I tuned in to Saturday morning cartoons last week and nearly gagged. What happened to the animation and actual humor we loved with Bugs, Sylvester, and all that gang?

But, I digress...Captain Kangaroo's three decades on television was an amazing achievement.

Thanks for the link, Jeff. Interesting read.

This is truly sad, for I had already thought he had passed years ago. I too remember watching the Capt, Mr. Greenjeans, moose, and the rest of them. A few years back, the tried to redo the show- The New Capt Kangaroo... It died quickly I believe.

At least I got to share Mr Rogers with my boys.

How about a little background music for this thread.....

http://www.magoomedia.com/media/CaptainKangaroo.mp3

The passing of Mr. Keeshan marks the passing of a chapter in TV history. Mr. Keeshan's television career goes back even farther than Captain Kangaroo. Bob also played the mischievous, mute clown, Clarabell, on the Howdy Doody TV show in the days of very early television (when it was all live).

(I won't comment on the trash that is on TV now. Parents permit it, kids watch it.)

Good bye Bob, and thank you for all the enjoyable hours.

Other than some cowboy shows on Saturday AM, Capt. K. and Howdy Doody were my favorites. I wish MY kids had had a chance to see them.
Farwell Cap'n say "Hi" to Mr. Greenjeans for us and maybe a little "hello" to Ray Rayner also. A Chicago entertainer for 40 years or so who also passed this last week. (who loved the kids as much as the Capt.)
Don