‘Sesame Street’ star Bob McGrath passes away at 90

Bob McGrath, one of the original cast members of the Sesame Street family, has passed away. He was 90.

“The McGrath family has some sad news to share. Our father Bob McGrath, passed away today,” his family said in a statement posted on Facebook on Monday, Dec. 5, adding that he “died peacefully at home” surrounded by his loved ones. 

In a series of tweets, the Sesame Workshop expressed grief over his demise. “Sesame Workshop mourns the passing of Bob McGrath, a beloved member of the Sesame Street family for over 50 years,” they began. 

“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,” they added. 

Sesame Workshop also said they 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.” 

According to Variety, McGrath first appeared on the beloved children’s show in its pilot episode that aired in 1969. He was part of the Sesame Street family for five decades and 47 seasons. While his final appearance in the series was in 2017, he still made special appearances in different events under Sesame Street thereafter. 

Rest in peace, Bob McGrath.