Gordon

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Roscoe Orman as Gordon (1974-present).

Hal Miller as Gordon (1972-1974).

Matt Robinson as Gordon (1969-1972).

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. But like many of the Sesame Street adults, however, Gordon has transcended across the generations to appeal to children of all races, black or white. 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. More recently, Gordon has developed a recurring alter-ego, Trash Gordon, in bedtime stories told by Oscar to Slimey.

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."

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.

An unidentified actor played Gordon in the series' first test show.

Filmography

• Sesame Street
• Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
• Don't Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art
• 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