Bob McGrath

Performer

View Full Interview

The Academy of Television Arts & Sciences Foundation Presents

02:26

Tab

About

About this interview

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.

All views expressed by interviewees are theirs alone and not necessarily those of the Television Academy.

"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."

People Talking About ...

Highlights

Bob McGrath on how the death of Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") was handled on Sesame Street in the episode "Farewell Mr. Hooper"

01:39

Bob McGrath on working with "Big Bird," "Oscar the Grouch" and "Bert and Ernie" on Sesame Street

02:54

Bob McGrath on the cast's Sesame Street wardrobe over the years, including his sweaters

00:47

Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

00:40

Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street

07:05

Full Interview

Play 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

01:50

NBC Opera Theatre

Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the NBC Opera Theatre

00:05

Sesame Street

Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob

00:23

Bob McGrath on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper")

02:57

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

01:36

Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

00:40

Bob McGrath on how he got his start on Sesame Street

04:40

Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street

07:05

Bob McGrath on filming the emotional episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died

00:47

Bob McGrath on the evolution of the "street" set of Sesame Street

02:21

Bob McGrath on the cast's Sesame Street wardrobe over the years, including his sweaters

00:47

Bob McGrath on the reception of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper," which dealt with the death of "Mr. Hooper" following actor Will Lee's passing

00:52

Bob McGrath on the writing, scripts and production process for a typical week on Sesame Street

04:50

Bob McGrath on the format of Sesame Street

05:23

Bob McGrath on working with "Big Bird," "Oscar the Grouch" and "Bert and Ernie" on Sesame Street

02:54

Bob McGrath on the highlight of his career, working on Sesame Street

01:21

Bob McGrath on memories working with guest star Linda Bove on Sesame Street and the far-reaching impact of an episode about hearing impairment

01:31

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

07:15

Sesame Street: "Farewell, Mr. Hooper"

Bob McGrath ("Bob") on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper")

02:57

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

01:36

Bob McGrath ("Bob") on filming the emotional episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died

00:47

Bob McGrath ("Bob") on the reception of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper"

00:52

Sing Along with Mitch

Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller's conducting style

00:55

Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller and his musical preferences

02:01

To Tell the Truth

Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the game show, To Tell the Truth

00:38

Tonight Show Starring Johnny Carson, The

Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show

00:31

Topics

Characters & Catchphrases

Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street

07:05

Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Carroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street

02:54

Hollywood Blacklist

Bob McGrath on one of his first times seeing television - the McCarthy hearings

01:16

Industry Crossroads

Bob McGrath on one of his first times seeing television - the McCarthy hearings

01:16

Korean War

Bob McGrath on volunteering for the draft during the Korean War and serving in Germany

02:09

Memorable Moments on Television

Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street - the famous "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" episode

01:36

Bob McGrath on filming the emotional scene of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died

00:47

Bob McGrath on memories working with guest star Linda Bove on Sesame Street and the far-reaching impact of an episode about hearing impairment

01:31

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

01:31

Pop Culture

Bob McGrath on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") while working together on Sesame Street

02:57

Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street - the famous "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" episode

01:36

Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street

07:05

Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Carroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street

02:54

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

01:31

War

Bob McGrath on volunteering for the draft during the Korean War and serving in Germany

02:09

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

01:31

We Cried

Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street - the famous "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" episode

01:36

Bob McGrath on filming the emotional scene of episode "Farewell, Mr. Hooper" when "Big Bird" comes to understand that "Mr. Hooper" has died

00:47

Professions

Actor

View Profession

Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob

00:23

Bob McGrath on his association with Mitch Miller and working on the Mitch Miller Show

08:42

Bob McGrath on advice he would give to a performer wanting to work in children's television

02:03

Bob McGrath on the highlight of his career

01:21

Performers

View Profession

Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob

00:23

Bob McGrath on his association with Mitch Miller and working on the Mitch Miller Show

08:42

Genres

Children's Programming

Bob McGrath on how his character on Sesame Street came to have the name Bob

00:23

Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

00:40

Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street

01:36

Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Caroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street

02:54

Bob McGrath on what makes The Muppet characters unique on Sesame Street

10:48

Bob McGrath on advice he would give to a performer wanting to work in children's television

02:03

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

07:15

Game Shows

Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the game show, To Tell the Truth

00:38

Late Night

Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show

00:31

Music Shows & Variety Shows/Specials

Bob McGrath on his association with musician Mitch Miller and working on the Mitch Miller Show

08:42

Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the NBC Opera Theatre

00:05

Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller's musical preferences and conducting style on Sing Along With Mitch

02:56

TV Movies/Miniseries/Dramatic Specials

Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on the Hallmark Hall of Fame

01:50

People

Caroll Spinney

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on working with Carroll Spinney on Sesame Street

00:35

Bob McGrath on his fond memories of working with Carroll Spinney as "Big Bird" and "Oscar The Grouch" on Sesame Street

02:54

Danny DeVito

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on his impressions and memories of working with Danny Devito on Sesame Street

00:13

Diana Trask

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on working with Diana Trask on Sing Along With Mitch

00:23

Doc Severinsen

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show

00:31

Ed McMahon

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show

00:31

Emilio Delgado

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on working with Emilio Delgado on Sesame Street

01:10

Frank Oz

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on his impressions of Jim Henson's and Frank Oz's work

01:08

Bob McGrath on his happy memories of working with Frank Oz on Sesame Street

02:13

Bob McGrath on Frank Oz's and Jim Henson's directing talent and comedy with "Bert and Ernie" and "Grover" on Sesame Street

01:18

Gloria Lambert

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on working with Gloria Lambert on Sing Along With Mitch

00:26

Jeff Goldblum

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on his impressions and memories of working with Jeff Goldblum on Sesame Street

00:38

Jeff Moss

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on what the writers of Sesame Street, Jeff Moss and Joe Raposo devised for his character on the show

02:39

Bob McGrath on the music composed by Joe Raposo and Jeff Moss for Sesame Street

01:35

Jim Henson

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on first hearing of Jim Henson when he got a call about Sesame Street

03:21

Bob McGrath on his admiration for Jim Henson and his great memories of working with him on Sesame Street

05:19

Bob McGrath on Frank Oz's and Jim Henson's directing talent and comedy with "Bert and Ernie" and "Grover" on Sesame Street

01:18

Jimmy Carroll

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on how the songs were selected for The Mitch Miller Show

01:16

Joan Ganz Cooney

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on working with Joan Ganz Cooney on Sesame Street

01:27

Joe Raposo

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on what the writers of Sesame Street, Jeff Moss and Joe Raposo devised for his character on the show

02:39

Bob McGrath on the music composed by Joe Raposo and Jeff Moss for Sesame Street

01:35

Johnny Carson

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on singing "Danny Boy" in Japanese on The Tonight Show

00:31

Joseph McCarthy

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on one of his first times seeing television - the McCarthy hearings

01:16

Leslie Uggams

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on his memories of working with Leslie Uggams on The Mitch Miller Show

00:18

Bob McGrath on working with Leslie Uggams on Sing Along With Mitch

02:02

Loretta Long

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on working and touring with Loretta Long

00:50

Louise O'Brien

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on working with Louise O'Brien on Sing Along With Mitch

00:20

Matt Robinson

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on working with Matt Robinson and the "street" perspective he brought to Sesame Street

01:36

Mitch Miller

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on one of his first jobs in television, working on The Mitch Miller show singing with Mitch Miller

00:50

Bob McGrath on his association with musician Mitch Miller

08:42

Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller and his musical preferences

02:01

Bob McGrath on Mitch Miller's conducting style

00:55

Roscoe Orman

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on his high opinion of Roscoe Orman, working with him on Sesame Street

00:57

Sonia Manzano

View Interview Page

Bob McGrath on working with the talented Sonia Manzano on Sesame Street

00:56

Victor Borge

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on one of his favorite guest stars on Sesame Street, Victor Borge

01:05

Will Lee

View Person Page

Bob McGrath on getting acting advice from Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper" on Sesame Street)

02:57

Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

00:40

Bob McGrath on how Will Lee's passing was handled on Sesame Street

01:36