Bob McGrath Started On Sesame Street Thanks To A Michigan Fraternity

Bob McGrath, best known for his five-decade-long career on Sesame Street, passed away on Sunday at the age of 90.

The McGrath family shared the news of his death on his official Facebook page saying,

"Our father Bob McGrath passed away today. He died peacefully at home, surrounded by his family."

McGrath is best known for playing Bob Johnson, who is one of the few human characters on Sesame Street.

He also played his character in the movie, Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird and in the 1999 film, The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland.

With the news of his passing, Sesame Workshop also shared a statement as well.

"Bob embodied the melodies of Sesame Street like no one else, and his performances brought joy and wonder to generations of children around the world, whether teaching them the ABCs, the people in their neighborhood, or the simple joy of feeling music in their hearts."

He was a consistent character on Sesame Street until 2017. When Sesame Street had its 50th-anniversary celebration, Bob returned for his final appearance as his character.

Did you know that Bob McGrath was an alumnus of the University of Michigan?

He studied music at the University of Michigan before he later went to the Manhattan School of Music.

In 2010, the University of Michigan awarded Bob with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

Without the University of Michigan, Bob McGrath would have never known about Sesame Street.

According to the University of Michigan's Alumni Association,

"A chance reunion with U-M fraternity brother and former "Captain Kangaroo" producer Dave Connell, '55, MA'56, brought the premise of a new children's educational show - "Sesame Street" - to McGrath's attention."

Even though McGrath turned down auditioning for the show, McGrath later became excited about the potential of the show

"after watching [a] video of the distinctive work of Jim Henson and his Muppets."

Bob McGrath brought joy and laughter throughout his entire life.