Sesame Street has paid tribute to Bob McGrath, who was a “beloved member” of the show for more than 50 years, after his death aged 90.
The actor, musician and children’s author, who was known as one of the first non-Muppet regular characters on the US children’s show, died peacefully at his home, his family confirmed. A statement shared on his official Facebook said: “The McGrath family has some sad news to share. Our father Bob McGrath, passed away today. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family.”
Bob was a founding cast member when Sesame Street premiered in 1969, playing Bob Johnson, a friendly neighbour to puppet characters including Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bert and Ernie, Cookie Monster, Grover, and Elmo. He made his final appearance in 2017, marking an almost five-decade-long career in the Sesame Street world.
