Lynn Dwyer

Inducted 2008

Loved by generations of Minnesota youngsters, Lynn Dwyer was that rare children’s TV personality who made it his mission not only to entertain kids but also to interest them in learning.

A former comedic star with Ice Capades, he was a gifted athlete and acrobat despite his small stature. Dwyer came to the Twin Cities in 1954 and became a floor manager at WTCN TV (now KARE TV) while pursuing additional degrees in English and Education at Macalester College. Asked to develop a comic character to team up with Roger Awsumb on the station’s Lunch With Casey program, Dwyer created the immortal “Roundhouse Rodney,” delighting children with his portrayal of many characters, including Oswald, Jimmy Durante, and Grandma Lumpit. Whether with Casey Jones or on his own television shows, he always served as a friendly link between childhood and the adult world, and sought to teach positive lessons and to stimulate children’s imaginations and interest in new things. His dedication to these goals continued even after the Casey and Roundhouse shows were cancelled in 1972, and Dwyer went on to create his own series at KTCA TV (now TPT) before his untimely passing at only 48 in 1976.