Captain Kangaroo

TV's Captain Kangaroo.

other

June 27, 1927

Cancer

January 23, 2004

76

New York, New York

Captain Kangaroo was an American television personality and children’s show host. He was known for his role as the friendly and gentle Captain on the TV show “Captain Kangaroo,” which aired from 1955 to 1984. The show was a favorite among children and featured various segments, such as “The Magic Drawing Board,” “Picture Pages,” and “The Treasure House.” In addition to his work on “Captain Kangaroo,” he was also involved in several other TV shows, including “The Berenstain Bears,” “The Great Space Coaster,” and “The Cartoon Factory.” Overall, Captain Kangaroo left a lasting impact on children’s television and is remembered as a beloved figure who brought joy and laughter to millions of viewers.

Captain Kangaroo, whose real name was Robert James Keeshan, was given his unique stage name by his first boss. When he started working at a local radio station, his manager told him that he needed to change his name for the show, which was sponsored by a local business called the “Kangaroo Korner.” Bob, as he was known at the time, chose the title “Captain” to give his name a bit more flare and ended up being called “Captain Kangaroo” for the rest of his career.

One lesser-known fact about Captain Kangaroo was that he was a decorated veteran of World War II. He served in the United States Marine Corps and fought in the Pacific Theater, earning three Purple Hearts and a Bronze Star for his service. His experience in the military had a profound impact on him and influenced many of the messages he shared with children on his show, such as the importance of perseverance, teamwork, and respect for authority.