Bob McGrath was an American actor who is best known for Sesame Street, Follow That Bird, and Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. He was known for his warm presence and musical talent, becoming a beloved figure in children’s entertainment.
Personal and Family Life
Bob McGrath was born on June 13, 1932, in Ottawa, Illinois, USA. He married Ann Logan Sperry on June 14, 1958, and they had five children together. He spent part of his life in Teaneck, New Jersey, where he continued to enjoy performing and sharing his love for music, including touring Japan to sing Irish folk music in Japanese.
Career Highlights
McGrath gained fame as a cast member on Sesame Street, where he played the character Bob Jackson. His work on the show began in 1969 and he remained a significant part of its legacy, sharing touching moments such as explaining Mr. Hooper’s death to Big Bird. He was also involved in various special productions and concerts related to Sesame Street, which showcased his singing and acting talents.
Death and Legacy
Bob McGrath passed away on December 4, 2022, in New Jersey due to a stroke. He left behind a rich legacy in children’s television and music, remembered fondly by fans for his contributions to Sesame Street. His two favorite moments from the show highlight the emotional connections he established with viewers, ensuring his impact would last for generations.
Filmography
| Title | Release Date | Character |
|---|---|---|
| Don’t Eat the Pictures: Sesame Street at the Metropolitan Museum of Art | 1983-11-16 | Bob |
| In Their Own Words: Jim Henson | 2015-09-15 | Self – Actor, Sesame Street |
| Sesame Street: Elmopalooza! | 1998-02-20 | Bob |
| I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story | 2015-05-06 | Self |
| The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland | 1999-10-01 | Bob |
| A Special Sesame Street Christmas | 1978-12-08 | Bob |
| Sing! Sesame Street Remembers Joe Raposo and His Music | 1990-05-16 | Self |
| Sesame Street: 50th Anniversary Celebration! | 2019-11-09 | Bob |
| Follow That Bird | 1985-08-02 | Bob |
| Sesame Street: Sing Yourself Sillier at the Movies | 1997-04-01 | Bob Johnson (archive footage) |
| Christmas Eve on Sesame Street | 1978-12-03 | Bob |
| Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street | 2021-04-23 | Self |
| A Walking Tour of Sesame Street | 1979-03-01 | Bob Johnson |
| Sesame Street Stays Up Late! | 1993-12-29 | Bob Johnson |
| Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas | 1996-12-24 | Bob |
| Sesame Street: Sing Along | 1987-01-01 | Bob |
| Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days | 2010-01-05 | Bob (uncredited) (archive footage) |
| Jim Henson Idea Man | 2024-05-18 | Bob (archive footage) |
| Sesame Street | 1969-11-10 | Bob Jackson |
| Sesame Unpaved | 1969-11-10 | |
| Kraft Music Hall | 1958-10-08 | Self |
| The Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson | 1962-10-01 | Self |