Public Media Arts Hub

Patrick McMullan Archives
(L-R) Rosita, Abby Cadabby, Bob McGrath, Elmo, Zoe and Grover attend Sesame Workshop's 7th Annual Benefit Gala at Cipriani 42nd Street on May 27, 2009 in New York. Photo by Zach Hyman/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images

Bob McGrath, actor and musician of 'Sesame Street' fame, dies at 90

Bob McGrath, an actor, musician and children's author widely known for his portrayal of one of the first regular characters on the children's show "Sesame Street" has died at the age of 90.

McGrath's passing was confirmed by his family who posted on his Facebook page on Sunday: "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."

READ MORE: Emilio Delgado, Luis on 'Sesame Street' for 45 years, dies

Sesame Workshop tweeted Sunday evening that it "mourns the passing of Bob McGrath, a beloved member of the Sesame Street family for over 50 years."

McGrath was a founding cast member of "Sesame Street" when the show premiered in 1969, playing a friendly neighbor Bob Johnson. He made his final appearance on the show in 2017, marking an almost five-decade-long figure in the "Sesame Street" world.

The actor grew up in Illinois and studied music at the University of Michigan and Manhattan School of Music. He also was a singer in the 60s series "Sing Along With Mitch" and launched a successful singing career overseas in Japan.

"A revered performer worldwide, Bob's rich tenor filled airwaves and concert halls from Las Vegas to Saskatchewan to Tokyo many times over," Sesame Workshop said. "We will be forever grateful for his many years of passionate creative contributions to Sesame Street and honored that he shared so much of his life with us."

He is survived by his wife, Ann Logan Sperry, and their five children.

Support Canvas

Sustain our coverage of culture, arts and literature.

Send Us Your Ideas
+
Let us know what you'd like to see on ArtsCanvas. Your thoughts and opinions matter.