Robert James "Bob" Keeshan (June 27, 1927 – January 23, 2004) was an American television producer and actor. He is most notable as the title character of the children's television program Captain Kangaroo, which became an icon for millions of people during its 30-year run from 1955 to 1984.Keeshan also played the original "Clarabell the Clown" on the Howdy Doody television program.