Matthew Robinson Jr., 65; Original Cast Member of ‘Sesame Street’

Matthew T. Robinson Jr., an original cast member on television’s “Sesame Street� and longtime writer for “The Cosby Show,� died at his Los Angeles home Monday after a 20-year battle with Parkinson’s disease. He was 65.

He entered show business as a writer and later producer and on-air talent at WCAU-TV in his native Philadelphia in the early 1960s.

He joined “Sesame Street� in 1969 as a producer. He later was cast as Gordon, the resident father image in the popular preschool program, to replace the professional actor originally hired for the part. He remained in that role until 1971.

He went on to write for two top-rated ‘70s sitcoms, “Sanford and Son� and “Eight Is Enough.� Then, for seven seasons beginning in 1983, he wrote for Bill Cosby’s show. He co-produced as well as wrote many episodes.

Robinson also wrote and produced films, including “Save the Children� and “Amazing Grace.�

A chance meeting with Lincoln Perry, better known as Stepin Fetchit, one of America’s first black movie stars, led him to write a well-received one-man play, “The Confessions of Stepin Fetchit,� which was produced off-Broadway in 1993.

Robinson was diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease in 1982. His struggle with the disorder inspired his daughter, actress Holly Robinson Peete, and her husband, NFL quarterback Rodney Peete, to start the HollyRod Foundation in 1997, which provides support to those afflicted with the disease.

Robinson is also survived by his wife, Dolores; a son, Matt Robinson III; and five grandchildren.

A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Friday at the Writers Guild of America Theater in Beverly Hills. Donations in lieu of flowers may be sent to HollyRod Foundation, which can be reached at (310) 385-1590 or at www.holly rod.com.