Sesame Street Original Cast Bob McGrath Dies at 90

An original Sesame Street cast member, recording artist, and actor, Bob McGrath, passed away on Sunday. He was 90.

According to his daughter Cat McGrath, who spoke with NPR, her father passed away due to stroke complications.

His family announced the actor's death on Facebook: "He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family."

Bob McGrath, one of the first human cast members of Sesame Street, played the friendly neighbor Bob Johnson with Big Bird and other beloved Muppets in the show's pilot that aired in 1969.

McGrath appeared on the program continuously for more than 50 years.

In a post on social media, Sesame Workshop paid tribute to "a beloved member of the Sesame Street family for over 50 years."

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Bob McGrath's Career

Billboard reported that McGrath's career in show business began when he hosted a radio program while still in high school. In the following years, he sang Gregorian chants at funerals, accompanied Leonard Bernstein, and provided vocals for various commercials.

McGrath rose to fame in Japan due to his appearance on the early television show "Sing Along With Mitch."

McGrath said that they had four and five thousand teens at every concert.

"We were quite amazed - why are these teenagers listening to all these old songs? They watched the show because they were very anxious to learn English; we sang clearly, and the [lyrics were on the screen]."

He rose to fame by phonetically performing Japanese melodies in his exceptional Irish tenor, Vulture noted.

Mr. Hooper's death was the subject of one of the most memorable episodes he has ever written. McGrath had shared a dressing room with Will Lee, the actor who had portrayed Hooper.

"When we finished filming, Jon Stone wanted to redo one little section. We got about two minutes into the segment before Jon told us to forget it," McGrath explained.

"We could not take it anymore; we were all disintegrating. Therefore, what you see in the episode is the single take of the entire show."

The Muppet History account recorded a scene in which Bob and Mr. Hooper exchanged Christmas greetings following their respective religions.

The Music Industry Mourns Bob McGrath's Passing

After Bob McGrath passed away, several celebrities took to social media to offer their condolences and pay tribute to him.

Holly Robinson Peete reminisced with McGrath about his early days working on the set of Sesame Street, recalling stories about his late father, Matt Robinson, who was also an initial cast member.

She also tweeted, "Rest In Peace, Bob! ... Joining Will Lee (Mr. Hooper) & Daddy (Gordon) in Sesame Street Heaven where the air is sweet."

She said she met McGrath for the first time in 1969 when he and her father co-starred on Sesame Street. She also said he was the friendliest, kindest, and loveliest man.

Matt Knudsen, an actor, also offered a tribute on social media, stating, "Our childhood wouldn't have been the same without him."

Vanessa Williams added, "RIP ... Dear Teacher!"

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Written by: Bert Hoover

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