Keeshan as “Clarabell the Clown” with marionette Howdy Doody and Buffalo
Bob Smith
Robert James "Bob" Keeshan (June 27, 1927 – January 23, 2004)
Keeshan was a television producer and actor, most notable as the title
character of the children’s CBS television program Captain Kangaroo,
which became an icon for millions of people during its 30-year run from
1955 to 1984. He first played “Clarabell the Clown” on NBC’s Howdy
Doody program until 1952 when he was fired after a salary dispute.
J. Cool, staff reporter here and I was there in the office the day good old Clarabell got the ax. I can’t say Clarabell had the last word as we all remember Clarabell never spoke, but he did empty his entire “seltzer” bottle on the boss before being escorted out of the building!
Brings back many wonderful childhood memories!