To add to the examples of other actors and comedians who have taken prominent roles in children’s television without being disqualified from the child-oriented roles because of their previous roles:
Probably the most notable one I can think of is George Carlin, who narrated Thomas the Tank Engine and Friends from '91 to '98. This show is still airing on PBS Kids Sprout. I’m sure there are adults out there who haven’t the faintest idea what kinds of comedy routines George Carlin has done and is still doing to this day, but I’m guessing they number among the minority.
I still want to take a baseball bat to that obnoxious little Star, but I think firing Martinez was a bit of a knee-jerk decision on Comcast / PBS / Sesame Workshop / HIT Entertainment’s part (or wherever in the partnership the decision-makers may be).
The producers of a PBS show, that isn’t the sacred cow like Sesame Street, have a responsiblity to congress, (much of which is up for re-election right now) to not piss them off.
I watched the clips, and they’re not unlike something you’d see on Comedy Central. It’s not like she was strapped down and subjected to Boohbah Bukkake or anything.
UM… why should PBS Kids / Sprout care that Noggin has lost a loyal viewer? I grant you Moose A. Moose and Zee may be upset, but they had nothing to do with firing Melanie.
I always assumed that he appeared as Mr Conductor as community service for either DUI or drug possession.
“What now, your honor?”
“I sentence you to be taken to a shining time station, where dreams can come true, and your own imagination is waiting there for you.”
“Bitchin!”