Captain Kangaroo's Mr. Baxter Passes

James Wall, a children's show television actor, who represented a bit of television history, passed away. He was Captain Kangaroo's neighbor "Mr. Baxter." The Associated Press reports that Mr. Wall died in New York City after a short illness. He was 92.

Mr. Wall was a former vaudevillian. In 1962, he joined the crew of Captain Kangaroo, the popular children's show, as a stage manager. Six years later, in 1968, the persuaded the show's producers to create its first African-American character. Until 1978 Mr. Wall played Mr. Baxter, a recurring character on the show.

James Wall made history for his role of Mr. Baxter. He was also a long time CBS stage manager, for broadcasts including "60 Minutes," "Face the Nation," and the US Open Tennis Championships. In 1994, Mr. Wall was honored by the Director's Guild of America with an achievement award.

Yes, I remember seeing him on Captain Kangaroo. I was no longer a kid, but I had, then young, relatives who were. And I liked the show. It was good to see a knowledgeable African-American character on an American kid's show.

James Wall, R.I.P.