Linn Sheldon
| Linn Sheldon | |
|---|---|
 |
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| Born |
Linn Richard Sheldon September 20, 1919 Norwalk, Ohio |
| Died | April 23, 2006 (aged 86) Lakewood, Ohio |
| Occupation | Local children's TV host |
Linn Sheldon (September 20, 1919 – April 23, 2006) was a Cleveland, Ohio-based American children's television host and actor, best known for his character "Barnaby", which was seen in Cleveland for over 30 years.
Born Linn Richard Sheldon in Norwalk, Ohio, Sheldon had spent the majority of his childhood either homeless or in foster care. He served in the U.S. Army during World War II, returning to his home town and working as a nightclub act, later starting on Cleveland, Ohio television in 1948. He became a well-known local radio and television personality in the Cleveland market, especially as the host of the children's show Barnaby.
The character "Barnaby" was originally an elf with pointy ears, with a straw hat who lived in the "Enchanted Forest" and showed cartoons (mostly "Popeye") to his audience of adults and children alike. He eventually became popular enough that his show was aired seven days a week (a supporting character on the show - "Woodrow the Woodsman" - became popular in his own right and was spun off into his own series).
"Barnaby" aired on Cleveland NBC affiliate KYW (now WKYC) channel 3 from 1957-1967. Sheldon would then reprise the character on then upstart independent Cleveland station WUAB channel 43 (which is now Cleveland's My Network TV affiliate).
"Barnaby" aired on channel 43 from 1968-1990. The character was modified a bit in this new incarnation. He went from being an elf to more of a kindly older gentleman, who wore his trademark straw hat, an ascot, a blue blazer, and kahki slacks. The program also switched from taking place in the "Enchanted Forest" to Barnaby's cottage (and towards the end "Barnaby Park", which resembled a typical suburban park complete with park benches).
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