The stripy blue parrot Andrea and the green frog Kaj have for decades been among the most beloved and popular characters from Danish children’s TV.

In recent years, Mr. Beard has also become a firm kids’ favourite. As a tribute, Post Danmark is issuing two stamps featuring these stars of DR’s (Danish Broadcasting Corporation) children’s TV. The two stamps follow in the footsteps of the ones featuring Teddy and Bruno, which Post Danmark issued in 2011.

TV stars for over 40 years
Kaj and Andrea first appeared on screen in 1971, as a counterweight to the heavily pedagogic children’s programming that was dominant at the time. Both dolls were made by Hanne Willumsen, who has always provided the voice of Andrea. Kjeld Nørgaard is the voice of Kaj. In the beginning, Kaj and Andrea hung out with Kjeld Nørgaard and Povl Kjøller, who wrote songs for the two popular characters, including “Bakke snagvendt” (‘Balking Tackwards’). Later, Christine Skou and Ole Kibsgaard had the honour of keeping them company.
Andrea loves singing – more or less in tune – at the top of her very high-pitched voice. A precocious and self-aware parrot, she often rebukes Kaj in her own inimitable fashion. She has a crush both on the host, Ole Kibsgaard, and on Kaj’s fairly boring cousin Willy, who sometimes comes to visit.
Cheeky devil Kaj has long floppy arms and legs, which often get in the way of his chores. He is also very boastful, but when he finds it difficult to live up to his claims he becomes angry and purses his lips.
A cheeky male chauvinist he may be but Kaj has a heart of gold. He loves loud music and is very noisy, with a tongue that never stops flapping.
Despite their differences, Kaj and Andrea have a fantastic friendship. Together, the two figures have appeared in many different settings, including on a farm, in Greenland, in the swimming pool and they have even met dinosaurs.

Source:WOPA

published January 25th, 2013