DURHAM, NORTH CAROLINA, Nov. 10, 2014 — America has lost beloved 1990s child star Jovian Zoboo Mafu at a young age of 20 in his birthplace of Durham, North Carolina. After a nasty and fatal battle with kidney failure, the treasured actor was known for being tremendously cuddly and teaching children extremely valuable lessons about forest wildlife. As a fruit and nature enthusiast, Zoboo Mafu spent the majority of his time swinging through the trees and foraging through bushes in his free time. He was particularly talented in the art of grooming and frequently practiced on fellow co-stars and family members.
Zoboo Mafu emerged from the womb on May 14th, 1994 in Durham, North Carolina, to two loving parents, Flavia and Nigel. Growing up, Jovian Zoboo Mafu was extremely charismatic, and those in his environment frequently encouraged his acting career. Jovan attended Duke University where he learned a variety of life skills and truly “grew into his own fur.” As a true method actor, Zoboo Mafu’s talents were quickly discovered for a career on the small screen.
Though Jovian Zoboo Mafu’s two fellow co-stars and acting agents, Martin and Chris Kratt, were the creators of his PBS program, they say that Jovian truly carried the program to success. After auditioning several groups of young potential icons for the show, the Kratt brothers chose Jovian for his good looks and docile demeanor. The second Jovian entered auditions, the Kratts knew he was “the one.” In the words of co-star Martin Kratt, “The ‘do spoke for itself.”
Aside from leaving behind two nostalgic co-stars, all of Generation Y, The Duke Lemur Center and a lost syndicated PBS television show, Jovian is survived by seven children and six grandchildren. Jovian Zoboo Mafu, better known as Zoboomafu, was an extremely talented lemur that will forever be frolicking in our hearts and swinging through our primate-loving souls.
Lizzy Rosenberg is a junior integrated marketing communications major who hopes to be reunited with her lemur friend in the great Animal Junction in the sky. Email her at [email protected].