[1] Ended: Jan 30, 2021. Robinson was the first actor to portray the character of Gordon Robinson on the PBS children's TV program Sesame Street. See his full interview at http://www.emmytvlegends.org/interviews/people/roscoe-orman Garrett Saunders (full name Garrett Hobart Saunders, 1929-1984) was a New York stage actor who played the role of Gordon in the original test pilots of Sesame Street (screened for a week on a single Philadelphia station), and can be seen in the first test show included on the Sesame Street: Old School Volume 2 DVD set. Lyrics By – Matt Robinson; Notes Published By Pickled Pig Feet Music, Inc. Matt Robinson's Gordon of Sesame Street Story Book Vintage 1972 Random House: Condition: Good. In 1983, he joined Bill Cosby as a staff writer and producer for the NBC family comedy ''The Cosby Show.'' Matt Robinson was working as a writer and producer for Opportunity in Philadelphia, a local show that advertised job opportunities for African-Americans. 1937-2002. ‘Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street’ Review: A Dream Team Teaches Kids Math, the Alphabet and Integration Marilyn Agrelo’s sweeping look at … “Sesame Street” launched in 1969 and included a colorful array of puppets created by Jim Henson. Robinson also created the character of Roosevelt Franklin, and performed Roosevelt's voice. Matt Robinson (January 1, 1937 - August 5, 2002) was a writer, producer, and actor who originated the role of Gordon on Sesame Street, playing the part from 1969 to 1972. Matt Robinson, a writer for the 1980s sitcom "The Cosby Show" and the first actor to play kindly neighbor Gordon on the children's show "Sesame Street," has died. In fact, the character was later given the last name "Robinson" in honor of the actor who originally played him. Take a look back at the TV series that took home Golden Globe Awards for Best Television Series in the categories of Drama and Comedy. They're looking for him! From an AP article on Yahoo News. But where Sesame Street's cast and crew pride themselves in not talking down to their audience or shying away from ... Actor Matt Robinson Jr.'s reveal that the decline of … Garrett Saunders, the long lost Gordon. In addition to Ms. Peete, he is survived by a son, Matt Robinson III, and five grandchildren. He was 65. He was married to Dolores Robinson. He died on August 5, 2002 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Caroll Spinney AKA "Big Bird", Best Creator That Television Has Ever Seen, Oscar writes a beautiful nature poem/Mr. Matthew Thomas Robinson Jr. (January 1, 1937 – August 5, 2002) was an American actor, writer and television producer. The director and producers of the new documentary discuss diving into 50 years of "Sesame Street" history ... played by Matthew Robinson. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. A Celebration of Life: A Tribute to Martin Luther King, Jr. A Special Program with Arthur Fiedler and Friends from Sesame Street, Sesame Street Presents: The Street We Live On. He died in his sleep Monday at his Los Angeles home after a 20-year struggle with Parkinson's disease (news - web sites), spokeswoman Patti Webster said Tuesday. Television writer, producer, performer. Hooper learns Spanish. Can you tell this man how to get to 'Sesame Street'? Ah, but if you were part of the original "Sesame Street" audience - as I was - you will remember Matt Robinson as the original Gordon. Matt Robinson dies. Matt Robinson was born on January 1, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA as Matthew Thomas Robinson Jr. It ultimately led to Robinson’s departure from the show and was a blow to the creators who had from the beginning intended for “Sesame Street” to be a … Mr. Robinson, who was also the father of the actress Holly Robinson Peete, began his show-business career in 1963 as a writer, producer and performer at the Philadelphia television station WCAU. Originally voiced by Matt Robinson, who portrayed the first Gordon on Sesame Street, Roosevelt was an African-American Muppet who had his own school (named Roosevelt Franklin Elementary School). Besides originating the Gordon character, Robinson worked as a writer and producer on the … Matt Robinson (January 1, 1937 - August 5, 2002) was a writer, producer, and actor who originated the role of Gordon on Sesame Street, playing the part from 1969 to 1972. Matthew “Matt” Robinson, Jr. (Lib 1958) debuted as Gordon on the first episode of Sesame Street on November 10, 1969. He was 65. Robinson also created the character of Roosevelt Franklin, and performed Roosevelt's voice. Newsletters. Menu. Matt Robinson. Though impaired muscle coordination from Parkinson's made it difficult for him to work at times, he remained with the show for seven seasons. Singing along to “can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street,” was a rite of childhood and watching the street’s residents with your favorite puppets was a highlight. He is known for his work on Sesame Street (1969), The Cosby Show (1984) and Amazing Grace (1974). He was 65. “Sesame Street” didn’t start with Big Bird, Bert and Ernie.It started with Joan, Jon and Jim. Through the years, various actors played “Gordon,” but the first one to assume the role was Matt Robinson, a member of Omega Phi Psi Fraternity, Inc. The family consists of husband Gordon, a high school science teacher, and his wife Susan, a nurse. The Robinson family is a fictional family in the children's television series Sesame Street. He is known for his work on, Gordon / Roosevelt Franklin / Gordon Robinson, Maverick, A New Type Of Social Network For Girls, Launches Today — Backed by $2.7 M In Funding, 'Sesame Street' launches search for missing original star. Born Matthew Thomas Robinson Jr. in 1937, he was raised in Philadelphia and attended Pennsylvania State University. Robinson was one of the original creators of the show and appeared on television for the first three seasons. The film discusses Matt Robinson, the original actor to play Gordon, who left because he wanted to further the depiction of realistic Black characters but Black parents complained. Matt Robinson, 65, TV Writer And a 'Sesame Street' Actor. Gordon of Sesame Street Story Book '', The major part of his career was as a writer for shows that included ''Sanford and Son'' and ''Eight is Enough.''. He was 65. He had suffered from Parkinson's disease for 20 years, a family spokeswoman said. He remained with the show until 1971. “Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street” premiered at the 2021 Sundance Film Festival in the Premieres section. He died on August 5, 2002 in Los Angeles, California, USA. Matthew Thomas “Matt” Robinson Jr., the actor beloved as the first to play kindly neighbor Gordon on children’s TV show “Sesame Street” and … In 1969, he took the role of Gordon on the PBS children's program ''Sesame Street'' and also provided the voice of the purple-faced puppet Roosevelt Franklin. Matt Robinson: The Writer Before Sesame Street began, back when they were figuring out what Sesame Street should be, diversity was an important topic to tackle. Details about Matt Robinson's Gordon of Sesame Street Story Book Vintage 1972 Random House See original listing. Reprinted without permission Matt Robinson, a writer for the 1980's sitcom The Cosby Show and the first actor to play kindly neighbor Gordon on the children's show Sesame Street died in his sleep on Monday after a 20-year struggle with Parkinson's disease. Later, the family expands to include their adopted son Miles, as well as Gordon's sister Olivia, and his father Mr. Robinson. August 6, 2002. Price: Discounted price US $23.63. Robinson also created the character of Roosevelt Franklin, and performed Roosevelt's voice. TimesMachine is an exclusive benefit for home delivery and digital subscribers. Matt Robinson was born on January 1, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA as Matthew Thomas Robinson Jr. It ultimately led to Robinson’s departure from the show and was a blow to the creators who had from the beginning intended for “Sesame Street” to be a … He is known for his work on Sesame Street (1969), The Cosby Show (1984) and Amazing Grace (1974). In later years, when producers … He left the show in 1972. Mr. Robinson went on to produce and write the films ''Save The Children'' (1973) and ''Amazing Grace'' (1974). He was married to Dolores Robinson. Matt Robinson, a writer for the 1980's ''Cosby Show'' and the first actor to play the endearing neighbor Gordon on ''Sesame Street,'' died on Monday at his home in Los Angeles. Matt Robinson, a writer for the 1980's ''Cosby Show'' and the first actor to play the endearing neighbor Gordon on ''Sesame Street,'' died on Monday at his home in Los Angeles. 'Sesame Street' hosts Matt Robinson , Will Lee Loretta Long and Bob McGrath stand with Big Bird in a promotional still on the set of the educational... Red muppet visits Oscar the Grouch, inside his garbage can, in a scene from the children's television program 'Sesame Street,' 1980s. Matt Robinson was born on January 1, 1937 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA as Matthew Thomas Robinson Jr. Gordon of Sesame Street Story Book [Matt Robinson, Edward Koren, Joseph Mathieu, John Trotta, Stan Mack] on Amazon.com. His marriage to Dolores Robinson ended in divorce. He … Get premium, high resolution news photos at Getty Images The "Sesame Street" doc, "Street Gang," corrals sums up in 100 minutes just how groundbreaking the show was. He also wrote several plays, including the off-Broadway production ''The Confessions of Stepin Fetchit. See the article in its original context from. I started watching Sesame Street around 1976, four years after Matt Robinson left the role of Gordon. Only two actors have followed Mr. Robinson as Gordon. A local television personality hosting Philadelphia on WFIL’s Black Book, Robinson created a short-lived character, Roosevelt Franklin, with the intent of celebrating diversity rather than homogenizing it. MATT ROBINSON Matt Robinson (Jan 1, 1937- August 5, 2002) was a writer, producer, and actor who originated the role of Gordon on Sesame Street, playing the part from 1969 to 1972. Myers-Briggs Personalities of Fictional Characters, Face-Off: R.I.P. When Sesame Street began in 1969, not only did Robinson play Gordon, but he also provided the voice of the puppet Roosevelt Franklinand also was one of the show's producers. ... Jon Stone and Matt Robinson, among others. 'Sesame Street' hosts Matt Robinson , Will Lee Loretta Long and Bob McGrath stand with Big Bird in a promotional still on the set of the educational public television series, circa 1969. Check out some of our favorite Hollywood couples who found romance together on screen and in real life. Even though he is best known as the first actor to play the amiable history teacher Gordon on the popular children's television series Sesame Street, Matt Robinson made many more contributions to the small screen.