Original Sesame Street cast member Bob McGrath dies at 90

Founding cast member of Sesame Street, Bob McGrath, died on Sunday at the age of 90, his family confirms.

In a social media post, his family posted that he “died peacefully at home, surrounding by his family.”

The Sesame Workshop honoured him in a Facebook post, calling him a “beloved member” of the Sesame Street family for over fifty years.

“A founding cast member, Bob embodied the melodies of Sesame Street like no one else, and his performances brought joy and wonder to generations of children around the world, whether teaching them the ABCs, the people in their neighborhood, or the simple joy of feeling music in their hearts,” the post reads.

“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.”

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

Many took to social media to mourn his passing and remember how he helped shape their childhoods.

i grew up watching Sesame Street. I remember feeling like everyone there was a friend. I am saddened to hear that Bob McGrath has passed away.

— Just A Girl (@JennWithACamera) December 5, 2022

Very saddened to hear that Bob McGrath has passed. ‘Sesame Street’ was huge for me growing up and Bob, being the resident musician on the street, was someone I identified with deeply.

— Robert Gilbert (@listensessions1) December 5, 2022

R.I.P. Bob McGrath. Man this one hurts, he was always one of my favorite human characters on Sesame Street. He entertained generations of kids and their families and that legacy will live on forever. #RIPBOBMCGRATH

— Ferrell Lamothe (@Ferrell_Cat) December 5, 2022

RIP Bob McGrath of Sesame Street. That man was like a surrogate grandfather to so many of us growing up. The notion of being able to positively impact that many kids, across that many generations, is nothing short of astonishing.

— Palmer Report (@PalmerReport) December 5, 2022

So sad to hear about the passing of Bob McGrath at age 90. Such a huge part of my childhood on Sesame Street. He was a tireless worker for children’s charities and causes, including as a longtime host of #TeleMiracle. He shared so much love. pic.twitter.com/Ep6Mirf7Dm

— Andrew Dawson (@DawsonNewsNet) December 5, 2022