Cosmo Allegretti

Cosmo Allegretti was an actor, puppeteer, dancer, and artist who was perhaps best known for doing the original Captain Kangaroo. On that show, he created and performed Mister Moose and Bunny Rabbit as well as the Dancing Bear, Grandfather Clock, and other characters. Cosmo even got to be an artist for a magic drawing board segment of some kind. Allegretti got to work with several Muppet performers on that show including Kevin Clash, Jim Martin, Alice Tweedie, and Daniel Seagren. It would appear that Captain Kangaroo was probably the only show in which he got to display his other skills besides acting of course. Most of his other credits involved acting in films and on Broadway. Cosmo Allegretti acted on Sorcerer, Prince of the City, Author! Author!, and Street Hunter, though not one production involving puppetry, at least not to my knowledge. He should be proud to have accomplished so much on one show for years with his acting, puppetry, dancing, and artistic skills, up until cancellation in 1984. When the show was revived as The All-New Captain Kangaroo, his two creations were given to Paul Pistore and Scott Swenson respectively. I guess Cosmo wasn't interested in performing in the reboot in 1997 since the format was almost completely different. Sadly, Allegretti died in 2013 of an emphysema, long after the Captain Kangaroo franchise ended completely. But even though he's gone, he will always be known for being one of the original people on Captain Kangaroo since he did so much. And technically, he did meet some Muppet performers, just on something else. Cosmo Allegretti, you did wonderful as Mister Moose, Bunny Rabbit, and others on the original Captain Kangaroo. Even though you are not with us anymore, you'll never be forgotten by those who've seen your work over the years. Keep watching from above and feel the love from those who remember you. Rest in peace Cosmo. Farewell Allegretti!