Bob McGrath, a longtime cast member of Sesame Street, died peacefully in his home at age 90. His family confirmed the news today on Facebook.
McGrath was one of the original stars of the beloved kid’s show Sesame Street. He appeared in the first episode in 1969, playing a music teacher named Bob Johnson, and continued his role for 47 seasons. McGrath retired in 2017 with an episode dedicated to him called “Having a Ball.”
McGrath is also responsible for several Sesame Street songs, including the theme song, such as “People in Your Neighborhood,” “Sing a Song,” and “If You’re Happy And You Know It.”
Despite his departure from the show, McGrath still worked with Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit organization that contributes to the production of various educational programs for children (including Sesame Street) and attended many public events. He was an advocate for early childhood education.
McGrath also appeared in several Sesame Street standalone movies, holiday specials, singalongs, and games, such as Sesame Street’s 50th Anniversary Celebration; Little Children, Big Challenges; and Sesame Street Jam: A Musical Celebration, among others.
Following his death, many Hollywood stars like Vanessa Williams (Melrose Place, Soul Food), Yvette Nicole Brown (Community, Repo Men), and Holly Robinson Peete (21 Jump Street, For Your Love) have come forward with tributes to his memory.
Peete’s late father, Matt Robinson (Amazing Grace, The Cosby Show), appeared in Sesame Street alongside McGrath. Both were original cast members of the show. Peete shared a video on Instagram from the 47th episode of Sesame Street of her and her brother next to McGrath.
McGrath leaves a wife and children. No plans for his memorial have been announced.