James Wall | TV's 'Mr. Baxter,' 92

James Wall, 92, Captain Kangaroo's neighbor Mr. Baxter on the children's show and a longtime stage manager for CBS News, died Wednesday in New York City after a short illness.

The former vaudevillian joined the children's show in 1962 as a stage manager before persuading the producers to create its first black character in 1968. He played Baxter and another recurring role until 1978.

Mr. Wall was a stage manager for many broadcasts over the years, including 60 Minutes, Face the Nation, and the U.S. Open Tennis Championships.

In 1994, Mr. Wall was honored with an achievement award by the Directors Guild of America.

- AP