Cosmo Allegretti, Captain Kangaroo Performer
Allegretti voiced several memorable characters on the iconic children's program.
Cosmo Allegretti, who created and voiced several puppet characters on the beloved children’s television program Captain Kangaroo, died July 26, 2013, in Arizona. He was 86.
According to news reports, the cause was complications of emphysema.
In the early days of Captain Kangaroo, Allegretti worked as a set painter, but had previously been a puppeteer. On an occasion when the show was not happy with a puppet that had been created, he offered to make a replacement, which led to further creative contributions.
During his years with the show, 1976-81, he inhabited many characters, including Bunny Rabbit, Mister Moose, Rollo the Hippopotamus, Miss Worm, Cornelius the Walrus, Dennis the Apprentice, Grandfather Clock and Dancing Bear.
He previously worked on another children's program, Mr. Rogers' Neighborhood.
As an actor, Allegretti appeared in films including Prince of the City and Author, Author.