SACRAMENTO —
If you grew up in the Sacramento area in the ’70s, they you will likely recognize the face of Mitch Agruss.
More commonly known as “Cap’n Mitch,” he was an afternoon staple on FOX40 for 16 years — hosting his own children’s program.
He passed away over the weekend at the age of 92.
Agruss once told the Sacramento Bee the concept for “Cap’n Mitch” was his own. He didn’t want a high energy, noisy show. He preferred a small set and to keep things personal for his audience.
“Cap’n Mitch” aired long before cable — back when TVs only had four or five channels, and FOX40, known as “TV 40” was on UHF.
Two years ago, Agruss was honored by the Sacramento Chapter of “Valley Broadcast Legends.”
He spoke about how much the show meant to his and to kids all over Northern California.
Cap’n Mitch Agruss died peacefully in Davis on Saturday with his family by his side. He was 92 years old.
Agruss’ first love was the theater. He performed in two major Broadway plays and spent five years working for the “American Shakespeare Festival Theatre” where he toured with iconic actress Katharine Hepburn for several years.
