American actor, musician and author, Robert Emmett McGrath or Bob McGrath as he’s widely known has passed aged 90.
McGrath was best known worldwide for his portrayal of Bob Johnson, one of the first regular characters on the long running children’s show, Sesame Street.
His passing was confirmed by his family via his Facebook page on Sunday. The post read, “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.”
McGrath played the friendly neighbor, Bob Johnson on the show from 1969 to 2016. He was one of the two longest lasting human characters on the show alongside series matriarch Susan Robinson, played by Loretta Long.
Sesame Workshop tweeted Sunday evening that it “mourns the passing of Bob McGrath, a beloved member of the Sesame Street family for over 50 years.”
“A revered performer worldwide, Bob’s rich tenor filled airwaves and concert halls from Las Vegas to Saskatchewan to Tokyo many times over,” Sesame Workshop said. “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.”
Back in March 2006, he was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan by the Lieutenant Governor of Saskatchewan, Lynda Haverstock. He was also given the Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award in 2013 by the Premier of Saskatchewan, Brad Wall.
He is survived by his wife, Ann Logan Sperry, their five children, five granddaughters, and three grandsons.
