Los Angeles, California
The Associated Press
LOS ANGELES (AP) — John Rovick, the beloved host of a children's cartoon show in Los Angeles throughout the 1950s and 60s, has died.
Rovick died Saturday in Boise, Idaho after a brief illness, his former station, KTTV-TV, told The Associated Press. He was 93.
For nearly two decades, Rovick appeared on the daily "Cartoon Time" show that earned him an Emmy award for outstanding children's program. It was so popular with young viewers that KTTV said (http://bit.ly/UtnnSL) it added another show to its midday schedule, "Sheriff John's Lunch Brigade," that stayed on the air until 1970.
Staples of the show included Rovick reciting the Pledge of Allegiance, singing "The Birthday Cake Polka" and leading viewers on a prayer before having lunch along with them. He opened the show with the song "Laugh and Be Happy."
Rovick created the sheriff persona because of his interest in law enforcement. He served in World War II as a radio gunner for the Army Air Forces.
The Dayton, Ohio native was survived by his wife and two daughters.
Running into this page 13 years after his death, sigh, but at least I can publicly thank him for what he did when he rang my name off for my birthday and having toys into my door at age 6. It was the last full year I had my hearing....and this being 55 years ago. Thanks, Sheriff John!
BILL GROPP
May 03, 2025 | Ogden, UT | Acquaintance
Sheriff John read my name when it was my birthday. I started screaming when I heard it. Years later I found his address. I wrote him a letter. He surprised me when he called me. I called him later. It is something I will never forget.
Diane Sandison
June 22, 2024 | Longview, TX | Friend
Oh Sheriff John! What an amazing part you played in my childhood. I lived close enough to my elementary school to walk home for lunch which I shared Monday through Friday with Sheriff John’s Lunch Brigade. I am 78 now and still cherish those memories. On my 60th birthday my brother called me up and sang the full Birthday Song on my voicemail! That’s how special you were to us. Please accept this belated expression of my gratitude for the time you spent here, and my ongoing love is sent...
Diana Lee
July 23, 2022 | Friend
I was lucky enough to speak to John Rovick while he was living in Idaho back in 2001 from Alaska via the telephone. Yes, he is the same wonderful man I came to respect while growing up watching his T.V. show in the 1960s. I felt just like a kid again. He actually took the time to talk to me for what seemed like an hour or so. I still send some of my old friends a video of Sheriff John singing the "Birthday Cake Song" on their birthdays to this day. I still love you and miss you Sheriff...
Don Skiles
January 14, 2018 | Friend
