Baby Boomers and Saturday Morning Television

Many of us baby boomers will remember waking up on Saturdays, fixing a bowl of chocolate flavored puffed cereal and looking forward to watching Television in our pajamas all morning. We all had our favorite cartoon shows that we wouldn't miss, and we longed for Christmas to get here, as we watched all of the toy commercials. Aside from the cartoons and advertisements, there were also the children's dramas that kept us on the edge of our seat. Who didn't dream of being a Sky King, a Rusty, a Ken McLaughlin or Corky, the Circus Boy? These were just some of the characters from those old shows that were a staple in our Saturday mornings.

Some of you may have forgotten the real names of the actors that played in those shows and may have wondered what ever happened to them. I thought it would be fun to tell you what I found out after doing a little research.

Sky King's real name was Kirby Grant Hoon Jr. and he was born in Butte Montana, November 24, 1911. He really was a pilot and learned to fly airplanes in the 1920's by "Barnstormers". He was also an accomplished violinist and singer, as well. After doing 130 episodes of Sky King, he went on to tour with Carson and Barnes circus and retired in 1970. He was tragically killed in a road accident in 1985, on his way to watch a space shuttle launch at Cape Canaveral.

Rusty, from "Rin Tin Tin", was born Lee William Aaker in Inglewood, California, September 25, 1943. Who could forget that little orphan who was adopted by a Calvary Unit? After his success in that role, he dabbled in producing and finally gave up Hollywood altogether. He eventually became a carpenter.

Johnny Washbrook, who played Ken McLaughlin on the television show "My Friend Flicka", seems to have dropped out of show business altogether. After two episodes of Wagon Train in 1961, the post "Flicka" star has no more credentials in acting. Born October 16, 1944 in Canada, it appears that he is still alive. Johnny, we wish you the best!

As most of you know, Micky Dolenez, of "Monkee" fame, played Corky, the Circus Boy. His given name is George Michael Dolenz, Jr. and he was born in Los Angeles, California, March 8, 1945. Micky has had an illustrious career in show business and still seems to be going strong.

It is fun to look back on all of those television memories. To take a moment to remember those days can be a refreshing break. Here is to all of us baby boomers, which grew up with those happy TV moments of childhood.