American actor, musician and children’s author, Bob McGrath who is best known for his role as Bob Johnson on “Sesame Street” has died, aged 90.
McGrath’s passing was confirmed by his family who posted on his Facebook page on Sunday: “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.”
He was a founding cast member on Sesame Street when the show premiered in 1969, in his role as a friendly neighbour.
His final appearance on the show was in 2017, marking an almost five-decade-long stint as part of the much-loved children’s show.
Sesame Workshop — the non-profit organization behind the TV show — paid tribute to McGrath on Twitter.
Sesame Workshop tweeted on Sunday evening that it “mourns the passing of Bob McGrath, a beloved member of the Sesame Street family for over 50 years.”
The actor grew up in Illinois and studied music at the University of Michigan and Manhattan School of Music. He also was a singer in the 60s series “Sing Along With Mitch” and launched a successful singing career overseas in Japan.
“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,” Sesame Workshop said.
“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.”
He is survived by his wife, Ann Logan Sperry, and their five children.
AFP/ABC