Matthew Thomas Robinson Jr. was an American actor, writer and television producer. Robinson was the first actor to portray the character of Gordon Robinson on the PBS children's TV program Sesame Street. When Sesame Street began in 1969, not only did Robinson play Gordon, but he also provided the voice of the puppet Roosevelt Franklin and was one of the show's producers. He left the show in 1972. In later years, when producers needed a last name for the Gordon character, then played by Hal Miller and later Roscoe Orman, they used Matt's last name.
Robinson in 1970 during the taping of Sesame Street segment "Consider Yourself".
The Robinson family (Sesame Street)
The Robinson family is a fictional family in the children's television series Sesame Street. The family consists of high school science teacher Gordon and his wife, Susan, a nurse. Later, the family expands to include their adopted son, Miles, as well as Gordon's sister, Olivia, his father, Mr. Robinson, and a brother. As African Americans, the family was created as leads for the show, originally targeted to underprivileged inner city children. Even as human roles were slowly reduced over the years, their characters maintained a constant presence.
Miller as Gordon, with Long as Susan and Caroll Spinney as Oscar the Grouch. Undated publicity photo, likely from 1972.
Roscoe Orman played Gordon from 1974 to 2016. He is seen here at the 2007 Texas Book Festival in Austin, Texas.
Kevin Clash as Adult Miles on episode 2313.
Susan's parents' first appearance on the series.