BOB
KEESHAN. Born in New York City, New York, U.S.A., 27 June 1927. Attended
Fordham University, 1946-49. Served in United States Marine Corps Reserve,
1945-46. Married: Anne Jeanne Laurie, 1950; children: Michael Derek, Laurie
Margaret, and Maeve Jeanne. Began career as Clarabell for NBC-TV's Howdy
Doody Show, 1947-52; appeared as Corny the Clown (ABC-TV), 1953-55, and
Tinker the Toymaker (ABC-TV), 1954-55; starred as Captain Kangaroo (CBS-TV),
1955-85; president of Robert Keeshan Associates, from 1955; appeared as Mr.
Mayor and the Town Clown (CBS-TV), 1964-65; president, Suffolk County Hearing
and Speech Center, 1966-71; director of Marvin Josephson Associates, Inc, New
York., 1969-77; director of Bank of Babylon, New York, 1973-79; chair, board
of trustees, College of New Rochelle, New York, 1974-80; director of Anchor
Savings Bank, 1976-91; chair, Council of Governing Boards, 1979-80;
commentator, CBS-Radio, 1980-82; television commentator, 1981-82. Member:
Board of Education, West Islip, New York, 1953-58; board of directors, Good
Samaritan Hospital, West Islip, New York, 1969-78. Honorary Degrees: D. of
Pedagogy, Rhode Island College, 1969; D.H.L. Alfred University, 1969; D.F.A.,
Fordham University, 1975; Litt.D., Indiana State University, 1978; L.L.D.,
Elmira (New York) University, 1980; D.L., Marquette University, 1983; D.P.S.,
Central Michigan University, 1984; D.H.L., St. Joseph College, 1987. Honorary
Fellow: American Academy of Pediatrics. Recipient: Sylvania Award, 1956;
Peabody Award, 1958, 1972, 1979; American Education Award, Education
Industries Association, 1978; Distinguished Achievement Award, Georgia Radio
and TV Institute-Pi Gamma Kappa, 1978; Emmy Awards,1978, 1981, 1982, 1983,
1984; TV Father of the Year, 1980; James E. Allen Memorial Award, 1981;
Distinguished Service to Children Award, 1981; National Education Award, 1982;
American Heart Association National Public Affairs Recognition Award, 1987;
Frances Holleman Breathitt Award for Excellence, Kennedy Center for the
Performing Arts, 1987; Clown Hall of Fame, 1990; AMA Distinguished Service
Award, 1991.
