Paul Tripp

As the creator of such beloved children's programs as Mr. I. Magination, On the Carousel, and The Birthday House, Emmy and Peabody award-winning writer/performer Paul Tripp endeared himself to a generation of children with his creative and inspired method of education through music. Born in New York City in February 1911, Tripp entered City College of the City University of New York at the remarkable age of 14 before dropping out to pursue law studies at Brooklyn Law School. Though he would prematurely abandon his tenure at Brooklyn Law School as well, Tripp made his Broadway debut at the age of 25 in a performance of Cyrano de Bergerac. After performing in the George Kleinsinger opera Victory Against Heaven a few short years later, he would form a collaboration with that effort's composer to develop his concept of "Tubby the Tuba." Though that effort was momentarily halted due to Tripp's being drafted into World War II in 1942, he would continue to perform while serving in the Army and, upon his return stateside, revive Tubby to great success. Recorded in 1945, Tubby was nominated for a Grammy while a later animated adaptation was nominated for an Oscar. Beginning production of the children's program Mr. I. Magination for CBS in 1949, the program had a successful three-year run during which it took home a Peabody award. Frequently collaborating with wife Ruth Enders, Tripp's children's programming also served as a springboard for such burgeoning actors as Walter Matthau and Richard Boone. Tripp would gain additional exposure on such popular programs as Kraft Television Theater, Studio One, and The Twilight Zone in addition to producing and starring in On the Carousel and The Birthday House. Outside of the realm of television, Tripp's recording and publishing of around 600 songs on 30 albums, in addition to his writing of four children's books, found his love for music and education expanding to numerous other avenues. The film adaptation of Tripp's book The Christmas That Almost Wasn't would go on to become a holiday tradition among numerous fans. Three years after the death of his wife in 1999, Paul Tripp died of natural causes in his native Manhattan. He was 91.

~ Jason Buchanan, All Movie Guide