Bob McGrath
Performer
About This Interview
In his two-hour Archive interview, performer Bob McGrath details his 4-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 City.
Related To This Video
Featured Content
Video clip: Bob McGrath performs "Sing" on "Sesame Street":
Video clip: Bob McGrath on a 1966 telecast of To Tell the Truth (regarding his celebrity in Japan)
YouTube video player - HTML5 compatible.
Highlights
Bob McGrath on how the death of Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") was handled on Sesame Street in the episode "Farewell Mr. Hooper"
Clip begins at: 00:00, Duration: 01m 39s- Bob McGrath on working with "Big Bird," "Oscar the Grouch" and "Bert and Ernie" on Sesame Street
Clip begins at: 21:36, Duration: 02m 54s - Bob McGrath on the cast's Sesame Street wardrobe over the years, including his sweaters
Clip begins at: 08:50, Duration: 00m 47s 
Bob McGrath on a favorite scene with actor Will Lee ("Mr. Hooper") in the special Christmas Eve on Sesame Street
Clip begins at: 26:20, Duration: 00m 40s- Bob McGrath on his character of "Bob" on Sesame Street
Clip begins at: 18:06, Duration: 07m 05s
Interview
- Part 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
Clip begins at: 0:13 - 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
Clip begins at: 17:05 - Part 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
Clip begins at: 0:0 - 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
Clip begins at: 13:26 - Part 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
Clip begins at: 0:0 - 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
Clip begins at: 09:37 - 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
Clip begins at: 21:36 - Part 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
Clip begins at: 0:0 - 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
Clip begins at: 09:23
Shows
People
Topics
Genres
Professions
I love ths interview. He seems as nice as ever?
I met Bob in Newark INT Airport about 15 years ago waiting for a flight. Very nice person :-)
Bob was also on "I've got a Secret." Both that and the To tell the Truth clips can be found here on YouTube.
Oh, don't we all wish that Bob was "a person in our neighborhood"? I'm not talking seeing him on the show. I mean in person, next door to everybody.
May Jesus's blessings be with you Mr. McGrath. Even on an island as far away in the Caribbean as Trinidad, you and your colleagues have impacted our lives in such an enormous way. I remember looking at you on Sesame Street during the late 1970's and 80's every weekday and admired your poise and decorum. Sesame Street just isn't the same today as we near the second coming of Christ. Sure hope you are on board! Thank you for all the memories Mr. McGrath.
I love how his face lights up when talking about his childhood years...I have great respect for you Bob God bless ....
When i was a kid(im 43 now) my friend Matts Aunt Judy lived a few doors next to.Bob. I remember the pet rabbits he had. Bob was so gracious and just a humble and decent person,glad to say he was the first celebrity I ever met. He's still a superhero to me today.
I love you Bob McGrath <3
Mr. Rogers, and Bob McGrath, along with myself are echo's. children and adults have hearts, nobody tries to get to know people anymore like that, i do, and Bob, and Fred Rogers ( may he rest in piece with the lord) good on ya
Post new comment