Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of an Actor

by Roscoe Orman

With his instantly recognizable face, Roscoe Orman has become the personification of the perfect male friend and father figure while performing the roll of Gordon Robinson on Sesame Street for more than thirty-two years. He is an experienced performing artist who provides an exemplary model in his television role, its influence evident by the recognition and love he sees on the faces of all who recognize him (even when hes not with Big Bird or Oscar).At the same time, he has also made significant contributions to Black Theater in America and continues to practice his craft in live theater performances, most recently in The Confessions of Steppin Fetchit. Sesame Street Evolution of an Actor traces a lifetime of performances, punctuated by the events and movements that define the decades in between.While cast in these roles, Orman has come into contact with many celebrities with whom he has established friendships. Sesame Street Dad pictures a number of these artists, either in their appearances on Sesame Street or on other occasions. He is quick to credit Sesame Street Workshop, a confluence of amazingly dedicated and talented television writers, producers, actors, puppeteers and behind-the-scenes people who have contributed to the long-lived popularity of this amazing program.Roscoe Orman has lived a most enviable life, achieving success both personally and professionally. This book leaves a legacy of his work and constitutes a tribute to all of those who worked with him in the early years and who continue to influence his work.

Genres: Nonfiction, Biography

210 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2006

Reviews

[Veronica Hudson · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to give up on this book. Like a few other reviews had mentioned, I felt that the name dropping was a little distracting. The way he structured his writing was also a little difficult for me as I really couldn't get into the flow. I was about 1/3 of the way in and I still felt like I was waiting for the book to start. :-/ I skimmed through other parts of the book and felt more of the same.

I grew up watching Gordon and I absolutely love his character so I did sort of have certain Sesame Street expectations. I was very excited when I found this book at the library and I guess I am a little disappointed that it wasn't what I thought it'd be.
I take interest in reading the poetry at the beginning of each chapter, but I couldn't get into it enough to devote time reading it all the way. I chalked it up to a writing style that I didn't find enjoyable, and these days I'm reading for just pleasure.

[Rich · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was a bit of surprise to me, but then again based on the title I suppose it shouldn't be. I saw the title "Sesame Street Dad" and assumed the majority of the book would focus on the evolution of Roscoe Orman as a father and his journey through the iconic world of Sesame Street. While this does happen, the book spends equal time (if not more) on Orman's evolution as an actor.

It is interesting to think of Orman as an actor outside of Sesame Street - most memorably a violent pimp-like character on a daytime soap opera. His stage works is impressive, as is his web of friends he created throughout his stage and screen experiences.

I couldn't help but feel like Orman is a bit bitter that he has not had more critical/commercial success outside of Sesame Street - though that may just be my imagination.

I enjoyed this book quite a bit, though it makes me want to read more about Sesame Street.

[Anne · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations of this book when I first heard about it since I was an avid fan of Sesame Street growing up and still feel a lot of affection for the show and its characters. This book, however, wasn't what I thought it was or what the title led me to believe. There wasn't enough about Sesame Street *or* about being a dad. Rather, this memoir was a list of other productions that he was involved in, with a heavy amount of name listing in the process. It came across to me almost as if he was trying to prove the value of his career beyond Sesame Street. I did appreciate understanding the influence that working in black theatre had on him, but it lacked the same in depth discussion about being Gordon on Sesame Street. Maybe if the title were different, the reader would adjust their expectations of what's inside.

[Jessica Stein · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gordon speaks! Totally fantastic. He's a big ol' baby boomer lefty, traveled with the Free Southern Theater (the drama arm of SNCC) for two years in the early sixties, has decades of experience in black theater working with everyone from Morgan Freeman to Phylicia Rashad, and deftly analyzes the underlying politics and inequities still affecting the career of the black actor. Who knew he could also sing, dance, draw and write poetry? The sentences are artfully crafted, a pleasure to read. And all this is besides the inside scoop on Sesame Street. Highly recommended.

[Gerry · Rating 3 out of 5]

I skimmed this more than reading it. It was overdue at the library so I hurried through. I've enjoyed reading about Big Bird and Elmo so this was my 3rd Sesame Street book.

This one is about Gordon who is a human on the show as opposed to a puppet. I didn't know that the little boy who played his adopted son on the show is his real life son too.

Having one aspiring actor in the family and 2 other artistics kids, it's good to read about successful actors/artists.

[Jenni · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just can't finish this book. He has done so many amazing things, but I find myself skipping a lot of pages (mostly all the name dropping and there was a LOT of name dropping), so I am just giving up on it. *sigh*

[E.C. · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was kind of an assigned book because the author will be speaking to my department at our staff retreat, but I found it an interesting read--and of course, I grew up watching Gordon on Sesame Street.

[Evy Breit · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rosita, Elmo, Abby, Grover, and Cookie Monster are appeared on the show on September 21, 2011 to ask question about Latino themed episode, smart game, and the Sesame Street cast performing "Sing". Roscoe Orman and Rosita interview on the 123 Sesame Street.