Teaneck Native Bob McGrath Fired From 'Sesame Street' After 45 Seasons

TEANECK, N.J. — Bob McGrath, one of the only original cast members to still be on “Sesame Street,” has been let go from the program.

McGrath, 84, told the audience at Florida Supercon July that he, Roscoe Orman, who plays “Gordon,” and Emilio Delgado, otherwise known as “Luis,” have all been released from the show as part HBO’s re-tooling of the show.

The MuppetCast, a Muppet-centric podcast, broke the story.

McGrath, a Teaneck resident, gave a statement about the move at Supercon.

“As of this season, I have completed my 45th season this year. And the show has gone under a major turn around, going from an hour to a half-hour. HBO has gotten involved also. And they let all of the original cast members go, with the exception of Alan Muraoka — who is probably 20 years younger than the rest of us — and Chris Knowings, who is also young,” McGrath said.

McGrath said the changes were made in part because of HBO’s major re-tooling the show has gone under since it moved to that network in a deal last year. New episodes debut on HBO first. Sesame Workshop retains sole creative control over the show.

A post on the show's Twitter page stated that McGrath, Delgado, and Orman "remain a beloved part of the Sesame family" and would continue to represent the show at public events.

"To us, and for millions of people worldwide, they are a treasured part of Sesame Street," the post stated.

McGrath has had a long career in radio, music, and television.

He won his first singing competitions when he was 9 and was the first freshman soloist in the 90-year history of the University of Michigan's Men’s Glee Club.

At first, he did not want to be a part of a new television show in development called “Sesame Street,” but he went to a viewing with creator Jim Henson and was one of the five people cast on the show.

McGrath’s recording company, Bob’s Kids Music, has recorded eight albums. McGrath has authored eight books, including one about potty training, Uh Oh! Gotta Go!, and narrated the “Sesame Street” app Elmo’s Big Birthday Bash.

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com. Sign up for Patch N.J. email newsletters here.

Photo: Bob McGrath, by David Fore via Wikimedia Commons