Lew Anderson, who captivated young baby boomers as the Howdy Doody Show's final Clarabell the Clown, has died at the age of 84.

The musician and actor died Sunday in Hawthorne of complications of prostate cancer, said his son, Christopher Anderson.

Long mute as Clarabell, Anderson broke the clown's silence in the show's final episode in 1960. With trembling lips and a visible tear in his eye, he spoke the show's final words: "Goodbye, kids."

Though Anderson was not the only man to play "Buffalo Bob" Smith's mute sidekick, he was the best, Smith said in his memoir.

…

Anderson, who lived in South Salem, is survived by his wife, Peggy, two sons and five grandchildren.

Rest In Peace, Lew.

1. [...] From Slobokan's S [...] From Slobokan's Site o' Schtuff, quoting an AP story: Lew Anderson, who captivated young baby boomers as the Howdy Doody Show’s final Clarabell the Clown, has died at the age of 84. [...]

   Comment by The Right Track » Goodbye to a TV Icon on Dec 3rd, 2006 @ 02:07

   
   

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