Bob McGrath, one of the first human characters on Sesame Street and a long-running member of the show, has passed away at the age of 90. In a moment that is truly bittersweet, fans are remembering when McGrath himself explained how it feels to lose someone you love and how we can take comfort in having known them.
Recommended VideosDuring McGrath’s run on the show one of the other characters, Mr. Hooper played by Will Lee, passed away in order to reflect the actor’s own passing. Sesame Street took this as an opportunity to teach children about death and how difficult it can be to come to terms with it. In the clip, Big Bird struggles to accept that his friend is truly gone and talks about how it won’t be the same without him. At this point, McGrath, playing the character of Bob Johnson, steps in to offer these words of comfort and wisdom,
You’re right, Big Bird. It’s… It’ll never be the same around here without him. But you know something? We can all be very happy that we had the chance to be with him, and to know him, and to love him a lot when he was here.
Fans are now taking the words to heart once more as they mourn the loss of a man who likely will have been a profound presence in their lives as they watched and were educated by the show growing up.
Many chose to simply honor McGrath by sharing the quote on Twitter.
"You're right, Big Bird. It'll never be the same without him. But you know something? We can all be very happy that we had a chance to be with him and to know him and to love him a lot, when he was here." pic.twitter.com/WvCwmStEAy
— Charles Bergquist (@cbquist) December 4, 2022Some have been reminded of just how special McGrath’s speech is.
This…this more than ever…greatest speech on any children's show…ever #RIPBOBMCGRATH https://t.co/OzPTHlzCnt
— The Starkman (@Starkman55) December 5, 2022The quote allows people to feel their grief and also find comfort.
Aaaaaaaand now I'm crying again. 😭💔 https://t.co/YPy3kV17LT
— Gnometato of House Gnome (she/her) (@shewhoisAna) December 5, 2022Many choose to honor McGrath by sharing just how big an impact he had on them.
Rest in Peace to our Bob McGrath.
He was so vital in not only our education, but our earliest cognitive memories.
Who are the people in your neighborhood?pic.twitter.com/mHtLqhi8MT
— Danny Deraney (@DannyDeraney) December 5, 2022Other quotes were also brought up to mark McGrath’s life and all that he stood for.
RIP to Sesame Street’s
Bob McGrath.
“To live a life of meaning and joy. To have given to so many with daily acts of selflessness. To be remembered for kindness and warmth. What more could a person want”
Thanks Bob. pic.twitter.com/6JVZlfYfwz
— 📿🏳️🌈Henry Amador-Batten (@AmadorBatten) December 5, 2022This user reminds us of the legacy that McGrath left behind.
Condolences to the friends, family, and the billions of us who grew up watching Bob McGrath on Sesame Street. What a wonderful legacy of kindness and caring he leaves behind. pic.twitter.com/TAQzDorItw
— Andrew Farago's Batman: Updated in stores 12/6 (@andrewfarago) December 4, 2022It’s surprisingly hard when someone who we looked up to in our childhood passes away, as we remember all that they taught us and the wisdom they imparted. In the case of Bob McGrath, he championed kindness and compassion for others in his near five-decade run on Sesame Street, from 1969 to 2016. He left an indelible mark on his fans and all those who tuned into the show.
Our thoughts and condolence are with his friends and family at this time.
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