This book, which I hope conveys the spiritual tenor of my times as well as the philosophical and educational enrichment I have received within them, is a distinctly personal account and interpretation of my life experiences that may also serve as a lasting record of the events described, many of which have historical significance beyond my own personal story. The four decades that my career has thus far spanned encompass a period of change that is unprecedented in the history of American society. Certainly, my three decades as Gordon on Sesame Street have provided one of the most enriching and edifying stories of my life. If I could boast of no other major career accomplishment, having played a central role as I have in the development and continuation of this landmark series would alone have made my life sufficiently meaningful. The historical significance of Sesame Street and its surprising longevity have made my association with the show, in many regards, my life's crowning achievement. Reviewing the entirety of my career, however, has given me an opportunity to examine the political, moral, social, cultural, and artistic connections and influences that have defined all its aspects. Within the realm of theater, for instance, it is clear that my early affiliations with The Free Southern Theater of New Orleans and The New Lafayette Theatre of Harlem between the mid-1960s and the early 1970s have been, arguably, even more influential in defining the content of my personal character and my life's work than have my many years as Gordon. Given that each new age must follow a course suited to its own current demands, I offer my story in a spirit of generosity, joy, hope, and compassion as a voice from the recent past and present to the open ears of the future.
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Book Description
Editorial Reviews
From the Publisher
The face is instantly recognizable to millions of Sesame Street viewers who have grown up with Gordon, the on air personality who has offered comfort and friendly guidance to two generations of children. Roscoe Orman, who has portrayed this beloved character for thirty-two years, is now the author of Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of an Actor.
As important as his presence on this classic children’s television program are Mr. Orman’s ongoing contributions to theater during his forty-year professional career. His acting credentials are impressive and he, along with Ossie Davis, Morgan Freeman and untold numbers of other black actors helped define Black Theater as we now know it.
A strong element of Sesame Street Dad is Orman’s belief in honing the onstage and film personification of the black male, reestablishing the concepts of honor and integrity. His appearance on Sesame Street as a trustworthy friend to children places him at the forefront of this "movement," his image being emblematic for trust, honesty and friendship for millions of Americans.
The actor continues to appear on Sesame Street and because of its favorable filming schedule is able to continue his acting career at the same time. He remains very involved with the Black Theater scene and is currently appearing in a one-man play, The Confessions of Stepin Fetchit. He has appeared in countless other plays, films, and Sesame Street outreach programs all over the United States and has just completed a short feature film entitled, Twilight’s Last Gleaming.
Sesame Street Dad features a number of photographs that profile some of the highlights from Orman’s career, many from his early years on the stage. There are also photos with a wide variety of guests from Sesame Street that include Hillary Rodham Clinton, Denzel Washington, Gregory Hines, Lily Tomlin, B.B. King, Julianne Moore, Yolanda King, Gordon Parks — the list goes on.
About the Author
A multi-faceted performer with over forty years of experience as an actor and entertainer in theater, film and television, Roscoe Orman’s career, particularly as the beloved "Gordon Robinson" on TV’s most highly acclaimed children’s program Sesame Street, has touched literally millions of people the world over. Orman studied acting at Circle In The Square Theatre School and singing at the Manhattan School of Music. An early member of the Free Southern Theater in the mid-1960s, he toured throughout the South for two years and was also a founding member of Harlem, New York’s famed New Lafayette Theatre from 1967 to 1972. As an award-winning theater actor, he has performed in over 50 productions on the stages of Broadway, off-Broadway, regional, and repertory theaters across the country.
Orman made his film debut in the title role of Universal Pictures’ Willie Dynamite in 1973 and has also appeared in Follow That Bird, FX, Striking Distance, New Jersey Drive, Full Court Press, The Adventures of Elmo Grouchland, in and Twilight’s Last Gleaming, his most recent film project. In addition to the multiple Emmy Award-winning Sesame Street, television audiences have seen him on such programs as Sanford and Son, Kojak, All My Children, Hard Time on Planet Earth, A Man Called Hawk, Law and Order, Cosby, and Sex and the City. A busy voice-over artist, Orman has narrated and/or hosted such documentaries as Langston Hughes: The Dreamkeeper for PBS, Heritage of the Black West for National Geographic, Lifeline for the Discovery Channel, and Images in Black and White for ESPN.
Mr. Orman has toured extensively throughout the United States, Canada, and the Caribbean with his Gordon of Sesame Street concerts and with Matt Robinson’s one-character play, The Confessions of Stepin Fetchit. He is a board member at Luna Stage where he also teaches acting.
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Most Helpful Customer Reviews
5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Beyond Sesame Street,
By Elevate Difference "Elevate Difference" (worldwide) - See all my reviews
This review is from: Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of an Actor (Paperback)
Ever since I can remember, I have loved Sesame Street. The muppet characters entertained and educated me as a young child, and the human characters became trustworthy friends and role models. Growing up in a small Midwestern town, the only non-white people I regularly encountered were on television, and fortunately for myself and others of my generation, the residents of Sesame Street were strong, positive, gentle, and ethnically diverse.
One of these residents, Gordon Robinson, has been expertly played by Roscoe Orman for over thirty years. As Susan's husband and Miles's adoptive father, Gordon is a model of a caring, confident family man. Before reading Sesame Street Dad, I knew that I loved Gordon. What I didn't know was the incredible breadth and depth of the career of Roscoe Orman beyond Sesame Street. Orman starts his memoirs at the beginning of his life, explaining significant events and people who led him to discover an interest in acting. This interest grew into a passion, and this passion grew into a long, varied, celebrated career. Orman's career has included an amazing array of theater, film and television performances. Beyond his contributions to the overall world of acting, his triumphs and talents have opened doors for black Americans and have contributed to equal treatment and respect for performers of all races. Readers will enjoy getting to know Roscoe Orman intimately, and having an up-close look at the realities of being a black actor starting out in the 1960s. Candid accounts of auditions and life and work as part of a performance company opens up a world unknown to most people. Orman honestly shares his feelings, thoughts, struggles and motivation throughout the shifting and growth of his career. Plenty of photos accompany the text, allowing us to see Roscoe Orman in babyhood, childhood and all stages of his career. I am truly amazed by Roscoe Orman's robust and diverse performance career. My eyes have been opened to his life beyond Sesame Street, leading me to question the limits I put on others based on the capacities in which I see them, as well as the limits I put on myself. Orman's success, achieved by following passions and developing talents, will inspire readers to reach for their own stars and become more than they imagined they could.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:
4.0 out of 5 stars
More than just Gordon,
By
This review is from: Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of an Actor (Paperback)
Roscoe Orman's memoirs is a detailed account of an accomplished actor. While he is best known to most as Gordon on Sesame Street, he is an accomplished actor. It was interesting to see the "man behind Gordon". Growing up watching him on Sesame Street and now with my son, you forget that the actor's are so much more than their Sesame Street characters. It was amazing to see how many other roles he has accomplished.
0 of 5 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Sesame Street Dad,
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This review is from: Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of an Actor (Paperback)
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