Remembering Bob McGrath: The Man Who Introduced the People in the Neighborhood
Bob McGrath, one of Sesame Street’s original human cast members, died at the age of 90.
Bob McGrath, one of Sesame Street’s original human cast members and has been part of many children’s lives since the show’s beginning, died at the age of 90. His family confirmed his death on his social media pages.
“Hello Facebook friends, 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,” the statement read.
Sesame Workshop also mourned the death of Bob, who had been an integral part of the show.
“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 the music in their hearts,” the company announced.
“A revered performer worldwide, Bob’s rich tenor filled airwaves and concert halls from Las Vegas to Saskatchewan to Tokyo many times over. 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.”
A blissful career in showbiz
Born in Ottawa, Illinois, USA, Bob McGrath started his career in the entertainment industry as a singer with Mitch Miller’s PG-rated ensemble. In the 60s, Bob’s career was rising and in 1966 signed a recording deal in Japan, where he became popular.
In 1969, he joined the pioneer cast of Sesame Street created by Lloyd Morissett and Joan Ganz Cooney. The show would also introduce the Muppets by Jim Henson.
Bob became part of the show for a long time, most notably introducing songs such as “People in The Neighborhood” and “Sing” alongside the late Emilio Delgado.
Aside from Sesame Street, Bob appeared in some of the show’s specials and represented the show in several Macy’s Thanksgiving Parades. He departed the show in 2017 but still made occasional appearances.
Goodbye Bob
Alan Muraoka, who has been part of the show since 1997, paid tribute to Bob in an Instagram post.
“Words cannot begin to express what Bob meant to me: a role model, a mentor, a friend. His kindness and wicked sense of humor were such a joy, and I loved him so much. We all gathered in July to wish him a happy 90th birthday, and that was the last time Herb and I saw him. Rest well, my friend. You did good.”
Bob is survived by his wife Ann Logan Sperry, five children, and several grandchildren.
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