As a kid, I thought I knew Captain Kangaroo personally. Every morning I would wake up and quietly slip downstairs to watch Captain Kangaroo while the rest of the house slept. (If I turned on the station too early, the prism of colors and...
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As a kid, I thought I knew Captain Kangaroo personally. Every morning I would wake up and quietly slip downstairs to watch Captain Kangaroo while the rest of the house slept. (If I turned on the station too early, the prism of colors and high-pitched beep indicated dead-air time, and how relieved I remember being when the familiar station identification was finally announced). Each morning, Bob Keeshan as Captain Kangaroo brought his own gentle humor and vignettes of wisdom to little kids across America. He did so with the help of a cast of characters, including Mr. Green Jeans, Dennis, Bunny Rabbit, and (my favorite) Mr. Moose. I remember being "read to" by Captain Kangaroo, and I recall learning about nutrition and exercise by Slim Goodbody, whose exo-circular system suit I always envied. Bob Keeshan as a man was an advocate of wholesome and quality television programming for children. He was a contemporary and friend of Fred Rogers, and encouraged responsible parenting. Although he passed away nearly three years ago, he will forever stand out in my mind as one of television's greatest, and a rare individual whom you could admire off-screen as well.