According to Variety, Sesame Street’s beloved puppeteer, Danny Seagren (Spidey Super Stories, Tales From Muppetland: The Muppet Musicians of Breman), died on November 10, 2025, at the age of 81. Seagren also appeared on The Electric Company as one of the very first live-action Spider-Mans. The Electric Company also starred Rita Moreno (Princess Power, Family Switch) and Morgan Freeman (Lioness, Gunner). Seagren’s family announced his death in the news in his obituary. Kate Vereau, his long-time companion, his brother Dr. Stephen L. Seagren and his wife, Jill R Seagren, and their son Sean G. Seagren, were the surviving kin. The cause of death was not mentioned in his obituary.
Variety mentioned that Seagren was born on November 15, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minnesota. He was a dancer, writer, and producer, as described by his surviving family members. Seagren was hired by Jim Henson (Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock, Muppets Haunted Mansion) as a puppet maker and puppeteer for Sesame Street. His most recognizable role was that of Big Bird, on the television screen and at live events, including The Ed Sullivan Show. Below is a video of Segren as Big Bird on Sesame Street.
Seagren not only created puppets for Henson but also for Captain Kangaroo, Who’s Afraid of Opera, and Miss Peach. His performance on the Miss Peach earned him a Daytime Emmy award.
Seagren’s early career started in New York City, and he retired in Little River, SC. In his retirement years, he enjoyed talking with his adult fans at various conventions around the country.
Variety also noted that his family wrote in his obituary, “Danny will be greatly missed by his family and friends and those throughout the community he loved living in.” The family also stated that Seagren’s celebration of life will be held at a later date, and any donations to his memorial are asked to be sent to the Entertainment Community Fund.