 | |
| Roscoe Orman as Gordon in 2011 | |
| PERFORMER | Garrett Saunders (test pilots) |
| Matt Robinson Seasons 1-3 | |
| Hal Miller Seasons 4-5 | |
| Roscoe Orman Season 6- | |
| DEBUT | 1969 |
Rosoce Orman as Gordon in Season 8.
Hal Miller as Gordon.
Matt Robinson as Gordon.
(From left) Robinson, Miller, and Orman in their portrayals as Gordon.
Telly Monster visits Gordon's high school science class in a 1991 episode.
Gordon Robinson is one of the original residents of Sesame Street, having debuted in the first episode along with his wife Susan. Originally a history teacher (as mentioned in the book All About Sesame Street), Gordon later became a science teacher.
Gordon and Susan reside at 123 Sesame Street and, in 1985, the couple adopted a son, Miles. Gordon was conceived as a strong paternal character and a role model for African American children who lacked a positive father figure. Like many of the other Sesame Street adults, however, Gordon has transcended across the board to appeal to children of all races. Though friendly and kind, Gordon is the most likely of the Sesame Street adults to offer firm admonishment when the situation requires. Gordon has also appeared in both Sesame Street films, Follow That Bird (where he played a key role in rescuing Big Bird) and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland. In 2004, Gordon developed a recurring alter-ego, Trash Gordon, in bedtime stories told by Oscar to Slimey.
Although he still appears on the show, Gordon's presence on the show has gradually diminished since Season 43, appearing in only a few episodes per season. His nephew Chris has largely taken up the role of the father figure.
Casting history
Though the characterization of Gordon has remained consistent, the casting has not, with three different performers taking the role in the series proper. Roscoe Orman recalled the difficulties with passing on the role: "The kids who were on the show that first season would not accept me as Gordon. One day there's Hal [Miller] as Gordon and the next day there's this new guy who says he's Gordon... the kids, both on the show and at home... they just assume that we are that person we're playing."[1]
Around 1991, Gordon's surname was revealed in a storyline that involved Gordon teaching in the classroom, and the students couldn't address their teacher as "Gordon." Orman suggested "Mr. Robinson," in honor of the original Gordon, Matt Robinson. Gordon was named after photographer-filmmaker Gordon Parks.[2]
Actor Garrett Saunders played Gordon in the series' first test show. He was unidentified until a 2011 online campaign launched by Sesame Workshop, seeking to identify the performer.
Filmography
- Sesame Street
- Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
- Don't Eat the Pictures
- Follow That Bird
- Sesame Street, Special
- Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting
- Big Bird's Favorite Party Games
- Sesame Street Visits the Hospital
- Sesame Street Visits the Fire House
- Elmo Saves Christmas
- Elmopalooza
- The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
- Elmo's World: Happy Holidays
- The Street We Live On
- What's the Name of That Song?
Book appearances
- Big Bird's Blunder Book (1971)
- The Sesame Street Block Party Coloring Book (1977)
- Gordon of Sesame Street Storybook
- The Sesame Street Library Volume 11
- I'll Miss You, Mr. Hooper
- Susan and Gordon Adopt a Baby
- It's Not Fair!
- Grover's Bad Dream
Sources
- ↑ Lance, Steven. Written Out of Television: A TV Lover's Guide to Cast Changes, 1945-1994. Maryland: Madison Books, 1996.
- ↑ Street Gang, page 168.
