Roscoe Orman facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Roscoe Orman
Orman at the 2007 Texas Book Festival
Born	Roscoe Hunter Orman (1944-06-11) 11 June 1944 (age 81) The Bronx, New York, U.S.
Other names	Roscoe H. Orman Roscoe H Orman
Education	High School of Art and Design
Occupation	Actor writer artist child advocate
Years active	1962–present
Notable work	Sesame Street
Spouse(s)	Kimberley LaMarque Orman ​ (m. 2012)​
Partner(s)	Sharon Orman (1970–2010)
Children	4

Roscoe Hunter Orman, born on June 11, 1944, is an American actor, writer, artist, and a champion for children. He is most famous for his role as Gordon Robinson on the popular TV show Sesame Street. Gordon was one of the main human characters on the show.

Roscoe Orman's Early Life and Acting Career

Starting Out in Theater

Roscoe Orman began his acting journey while studying at New York City's High School of Art and Design. His first play was a show called "If We Grow Up" in 1962. He later joined the Free Southern Theater in New Orleans. He was also a founding member of the New Lafayette Theatre in Harlem, New York. There, he acted in and directed many plays.

Broadway and Other Stage Roles

Orman has performed in many famous plays. These include "Julius Caesar" and "Coriolanus" at Joseph Papp's Public Theater. He also appeared in "Fences," a play that won a special award called the Pulitzer Prize. He has received two Audelco Theatre Awards for his amazing stage work.

Movies and TV Shows

Roscoe Orman's first movie role was in the 1973 drama Willie Dynamite. Since then, he has been in many films. Some of these include F/X, Striking Distance, and New Jersey Drive. He also appeared in Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.

On television, he has been in shows like All My Children, Kojak, and Sanford and Son. You might also have seen him in Cosby, Sex and the City, The Wire, and Law & Order. He also appeared in the HBO mini-series The Night Of.

Roscoe Orman and Sesame Street

Becoming Gordon Robinson

Roscoe Orman joined the Sesame Street cast in 1974. He became the third actor to play the character Gordon. The first Gordon was Matt Robinson, and the second was Hal Miller. Orman played Gordon for many years, becoming a beloved part of the show.

Writing Books

In 2006, Orman shared his life story in a book called Sesame Street Dad: Evolution of An Actor. He also wrote a children's book titled Ricky and Mobo, which came out in 2007.

Chief Storyteller for Kids

In 2008, Roscoe Orman became the Chief Storyteller for AudibleKids.com. This website helps kids, parents, and teachers find and listen to audiobooks. In this role, Orman narrates audiobooks. He also connects with children and families online and at events. The Mayor of New York City even named October 8, 2008, "AudibleKids Day" to celebrate his work.

Returning to Sesame Street

In 2016, Orman's regular contract with Sesame Street ended. However, he continued to represent the show at public events. He later returned to play Gordon in Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration. He also appeared in special videos and TV specials about important topics like racism. In 2023, he returned for an episode in Season 54. This made him the first original human cast member to rejoin Sesame Street since Season 46.

Roscoe Orman's Family Life

Roscoe Orman has five children with his former partner, Sharon Orman. He is also a grandfather to eight grandchildren. His son, Miles Orman, even played Gordon and Susan's adopted son, Miles Robinson, on Sesame Street for several years. Roscoe Orman and his wife, Kimberley LaMarque Orman, live in New Jersey.

Roscoe Orman's Film and TV Roles

Roscoe Orman's Stage Performances