About
"Not only is it a great job working with great people, but knowing the impact that Sesame Street has had on millions of kids all over the world has to be the most gratifying thing that anyone could possibly hope for. Having the opportunity of doing this has been phenomenal."
In his two-hour interview, performer Bob McGrath (1932-2022) details his four-decade run as "Bob" on the classic children's series Sesame Street. He describes getting cast on the show, what a typical production week looks like, and the response he has gotten from viewers throughout the years. He talks about important moments on the program, including the episodes that dealt with the death of "Mr. Hooper," the marriage of "Maria" and "Luis," and the adoption of "Miles," "Gordon's" son. He discusses key creative talent from the series: Joan Ganz Cooney (creator of Sesame Street), Jim Henson, writer Jeff Moss, and performers Sonia Manzano, Loretta Long, Matt Robinson, Will Lee, and Carroll Spinney. McGrath also recalls his early career, including his appearance as a featured singer on Mitch Miller's series Sing Along with Mitch. Karen Herman conducted the interview on July 15, 2004 in New York, NY.
Highlights
Bob McGrath on how the death of Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") was handled on Sesame Street in the episode "Farewell Mr. Hooper"
Bob McGrath on working with "Big Bird," "Oscar the Grouch" and "Bert and Ernie" on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on the cast's Sesame Street wardrobe over the years, including his sweaters
Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street
Full Interview
Chapter 1
On how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob; on his childhood and early influences; on his interest in music; on the radio show he hosted in his school days; on being a voice major at the University of Michigan; on serving in Germany during the Korean War; on meeting his wife; on his early impressions of television
On his early appearances on television: on Hallmark Hall of Fame and NBC Opera Theatre; on his association with musician Mitch Miller; on working on The Mitch Miller Show
Chapter 2
On working with Mitch Miller on Sing Along with Mitch; on why Sing Along with Mitch ended; on touring with the show to Japan; on his return to Japan as a solo artist and opening for the top clubs in Tokyo; on the success of his TV career in Japan; on singing for the Prime Minister of Japan
On how he got his start on Sesame Street; on his memories of seeing Jim Henson's puppetry for Sesame Street; on his audition for Sesame Street; on his character "Bob"; on advice he received from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") on Sesame Street; on how Will Lee's death was handled on Sesame Street - the famous "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" episode
Chapter 3
On how the death of Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") was handled on Sesame Street in the episode "Farewell Mr. Hooper;" on the impact of the episode and how it was received by the public; on the writing, scripts and production process for a typical week on Sesame Street; on the format of the show; on what the set and costumes are like for Sesame Street
On his impressions and experiences working with the other cast members of Sesame Street; on the phenomenon of the Muppets used on Sesame Street; on what makes The Muppets unique; on working with the puppet characters
On working with "Big Bird" and other notable characters on Sesame Street; on working with many celebrities on Sesame Street over the years; on the music composed for Sesame Street
Chapter 4
On the evolution of the music of Sesame Street over the years; on his favorite moments on the show; on celebrating the 35th anniversary of Sesame Street and the show's success; on thoughts about retiring and other projects he's doing; on his thoughts on fame
On criticisms and people's reactions to Sesame Street; on his views of public broadcasting; on advice he would give to a performer wanting to work in public television; on the highlight of his career
Shows
Hallmark Hall of Fame
Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the Hallmark Hall of Fame
NBC Opera Theatre
Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the NBC Opera Theatre
Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob
Bob McGrath on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper")
Bob McGrath on the research/script done for the episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper," which dealt with the death of character "Mr. Hooper" following actor Will Lee's death
Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on how he got his start on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on filming the emotional episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died
Bob McGrath on the evolution of the "street" set of Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on the cast's Sesame Street wardrobe over the years, including his sweaters
Bob McGrath on the reception of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper," which dealt with the death of "Mr. Hooper" following actor Will Lee's passing
Bob McGrath on the writing, scripts and production process for a typical week on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on the format of Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on working with "Big Bird," "Oscar the Grouch" and "Bert and Ernie" on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on the highlight of his career, working on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on memories working with guest star Linda Bove on Sesame Street and the far-reaching impact of an episode about hearing impairment
Bob McGrath on the evolution of the music of Sesame Street over the years; on his favorite moments on the show; on celebrating the 35th anniversary of Sesame Street and the show's success
Sesame Street: "Farewell, Mr. Hooper"
Bob McGrath ("Bob") on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper")
Bob McGrath ("Bob") on the research/script done for the episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper," which dealt with the death of character "Mr. Hooper" following actor Will Lee's death
Bob McGrath ("Bob") on filming the emotional episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died
Bob McGrath ("Bob") on the reception of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper"
Sing Along with Mitch
Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller's conducting style
Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller and his musical preferences
To Tell the Truth
Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the game show, To Tell the Truth
Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The
Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show
Topics
Characters & Catchphrases
Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Carroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street
Hollywood Blacklist
Bob McGrath on one of his first times seeing television - the McCarthy hearings
Industry Crossroads
Bob McGrath on one of his first times seeing television - the McCarthy hearings
Korean War
Bob McGrath on volunteering for the draft during the Korean War and serving in Germany
Memorable Moments on Television
Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street - the famous "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" episode
Bob McGrath on filming the emotional scene of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died
Bob McGrath on memories working with guest star Linda Bove on Sesame Street and the far-reaching impact of an episode about hearing impairment
People with Disabilities
Bob McGrath on memories working with guest star Linda Bove on Sesame Street and the far-reaching impact of an episode about hearing impairment
Pop Culture
Bob McGrath on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") while working together on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street - the famous "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" episode
Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Carroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street
Representation on Television
Bob McGrath on memories working with guest star Linda Bove on Sesame Street and the far-reaching impact of an episode about hearing impairment
War
Bob McGrath on volunteering for the draft during the Korean War and serving in Germany
We Considered
Bob McGrath on memories working with guest star Linda Bove on Sesame Street and the far-reaching impact of an episode about hearing impairment
We Cried
Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street - the famous "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" episode
Bob McGrath on filming the emotional scene of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died
Professions
Actor
Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob
Bob McGrath on his association with Mitch Miller and working on the Mitch Miller Show
Bob McGrath on advice he would give to a performer wanting to work in children's television
Bob McGrath on the highlight of his career
Performers
Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob
Bob McGrath on his association with Mitch Miller and working on the Mitch Miller Show
Genres
Children's Programming
Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob
Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Caroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on what makes The Muppet characters unique on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on advice he would give to a performer wanting to work in children's television
Bob McGrath on the evolution of the music of Sesame Street over the years, on his favorite moments on the show, and on celebrating the 35th anniversary of Sesame Street and the show's success
Game Shows
Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the game show, To Tell the Truth
Late Night
Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show
Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials
Bob McGrath on his association with musician Mitch Miller and working on the Mitch Miller Show
Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the NBC Opera Theatre
Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller's musical preferences and conducting style on Sing Along With Mitch
TV Movies/Miniseries/Dramatic Specials
Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the Hallmark Hall of Fame
People
Victor Borge
Bob McGrath on one of his favorite guest stars on Sesame Street, Victor Borge
Jimmy Carroll
Bob McGrath on how the songs were selected for The Mitch Miller Show
Johnny Carson
Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show
Joan Ganz Cooney
Bob McGrath on working with Joan Ganz Cooney on Sesame Street
Emilio Delgado
Bob McGrath on working with Emilio Delgado on Sesame Street
Danny DeVito
Bob McGrath on his impressions and memories of working with Danny Devito on Sesame Street
Jeff Goldblum
Bob McGrath on his impressions and memories of working with Jeff Goldblum on Sesame Street
Jim Henson
Bob McGrath on first hearing of Jim Henson when he got a call about Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on his admiration for Jim Henson and his great memories of working with him on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on Frank Oz's and Jim Henson's directing talent and comedy with "Bert and Ernie" and "Grover" on Sesame Street
Gloria Lambert
Bob McGrath on working with Gloria Lambert on Sing Along With Mitch
Will Lee
Bob McGrath on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper" on Sesame Street)
Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street
Loretta Long
Bob McGrath on working and touring with Loretta Long
Sonia Manzano
Bob McGrath on working with the talented Sonia Manzano on Sesame Street
Joseph McCarthy
Bob McGrath on one of his first times seeing television - the McCarthy hearings
Ed McMahon
Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show
Mitch Miller
Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on The Mitch Miller show singing with Mitch Miller
Bob McGrath on his association with musician Mitch Miller
Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller and his musical preferences
Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller's conducting style
Jeff Moss
Bob McGrath on what the writers of Sesame Street, Jeff Moss and Joe Raposo devised for his character on the show
Bob McGrath on the music composed by Joe Raposo and Jeff Moss for Sesame Street
Louise O'Brien
Bob McGrath on working with Louise O'Brien on Sing Along With Mitch
Roscoe Orman
Bob McGrath on his high opinion of Roscoe Orman, working with him on Sesame Street
Frank Oz
Bob McGrath on his impressions of Jim Henson's and Frank Oz's work
Bob McGrath on his happy memories of working with Frank Oz on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on Frank Oz's and Jim Henson's directing talent and comedy with "Bert and Ernie" and "Grover" on Sesame Street
Joe Raposo
Bob McGrath on what the writers of Sesame Street, Jeff Moss and Joe Raposo devised for his character on the show
Bob McGrath on the music composed by Joe Raposo and Jeff Moss for Sesame Street
Matt Robinson
Bob McGrath on working with Matt Robinson and the "street" perspective he brought to Sesame Street
Doc Severinsen
Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show
Caroll Spinney
Bob McGrath on working with Carroll Spinney on Sesame Street
Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Carroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street
Diana Trask
Bob McGrath on working with Diana Trask on Sing Along With Mitch
Leslie Uggams
Bob McGrath on his memories of working with Leslie Uggams on The Mitch Miller Show
Bob McGrath on working with Leslie Uggams on Sing Along With Mitch