Robinson, Matt(hew Thomas, Jr.) 1937-2002
ROBINSON, Matt(hew Thomas, Jr.) 1937-2002
OBITUARY NOTICE—See index for CA sketch: Born January 1, 1937, in Philadelphia, PA; died of complications from Parkinson's disease August 5, 2002, in Los Angeles, CA. Actor, producer, television writer, playwright, screenwriter, and author. To children in the United States and around the world, Robinson was known as Gordon and the voice of the Muppet Roosevelt Franklin on the public television series Sesame Street, roles he performed from 1969 to 1971. This role was only one facet of Robinson's career; he also produced the series for the Public Broadcasting Service. After leaving Sesame Street, Robinson wrote and produced films, including Amazing Grace, before returning to television as a writer for the comedy series Sanford and Son and Eight Is Enough. He worked as both writer and coproducer for comedian Bill Cosby's television series for several years in the 1980s. Robinson wrote a solo stage play, The Confessions of Stepin Fetchit, based on the career of one of the first African-American film stars, Lincoln Perry. He also wrote children's books, including The Six-Button Dragon and the Gordon of Sesame Street Story Book.
OBITUARIES AND OTHER SOURCES:
PERIODICALS
Chicago Tribune, August 9, 2002, section 2, p. 9.
Los Angeles Times, August 8, 2002, p. B13.
New York Times, August 8, 2002, p. C13.
Washington Post, August 10, 2002, p. B6.