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Entertainment • Television

Bob McGrath

Bob McGrath was an American singer, actor, and children's author best known for playing Bob Johnson, the music teacher on *Sesame Street*.

By Ethan Anderson| Reviewed by Olivia Bennett, Standards & Fact-Checking Lead| Updated July 27, 2026|2 min read| Fact-checked

Bob McGrath was an American singer, actor, and children's author best known for playing Bob Johnson, the music teacher on *Sesame Street*. He was an original cast member of the program and appeared on it from 1969 to 2016. McGrath also had a notable Canadian connection through his long-running volunteer work with Telemiracle, a Saskatchewan children's charity telethon.

Early life

Bob McGrath was born Robert Emmett McGrath in Ottawa, Illinois, in 1932. He was an American entertainer whose career later centered on singing and children's media.

Sesame Street career

McGrath joined the original cast of *Sesame Street* in 1969 and portrayed Bob Johnson, the program's music teacher. He remained associated with the series for decades and became one of its best-known adult performers. His career included appearances in *Follow That Bird* and other *Sesame Street* productions.

Other work

Outside *Sesame Street*, McGrath worked as a singer and recording artist and also wrote children's books. He was involved in music education and performances in Canada and the United States. Notably, he had a long-running volunteer role with Telemiracle, a Saskatchewan children's charity telethon.

Death and legacy

McGrath died in 2022 in New Jersey at the age of 90. He is remembered as a long-serving figure in children's television and as a familiar performer to generations of *Sesame Street* viewers.

Key facts

  • McGrath was one of the original human cast members of *Sesame Street*.
  • He played Bob Johnson, the show's resident music teacher, from 1969 to 2016.
  • He was also a singer and children's author, with work beyond television.
  • He died on December 4, 2022, at the age of 90.
  • His career included appearances in *Follow That Bird* and other *Sesame Street* productions.
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Canadian context

McGrath had a notable Canadian connection through long-running volunteer work with Telemiracle, a Saskatchewan children’s charity telethon.

Frequently asked questions

Who was Bob McGrath?
Bob McGrath was an American singer, actor, and children's author best known for playing Bob Johnson on *Sesame Street*.
What role did Bob McGrath play on Sesame Street?
He played Bob Johnson, the show's resident music teacher.
When was Bob McGrath on Sesame Street?
He was part of the series from 1969 to 2016.
When did Bob McGrath die?
He died on December 4, 2022, at age 90.
Was Bob McGrath an original cast member?
Yes. He was one of the original human cast members of *Sesame Street*.

References

  1. Wikipediahttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bob_McGrath
    Supports: Birth name, dates, nationality, occupation, and *Sesame Street* role and years active.
  2. IMDbhttps://www.imdb.com/name/nm0569769/
    Supports: Birthplace, death date, spouse, and screen credits.
  3. Sesame Workshophttps://sesameworkshop.org/about-us/press-room/bob-mcgrath-bob/
    Supports: Original cast member status and role as resident music teacher.
  4. Government of Saskatchewanhttps://www.saskatchewan.ca/-/media/news-archive/2013/february/28/bob-mcgrath-recognized-for-distinguished-service-to-saskatchewan/sdsa-mcgrath-bio.pdf
    Supports: Canadian charitable involvement, music career, children's albums, and public service.
  5. Television Academyhttps://www.televisionacademy.com/interviews/bob-mcgrath
    Supports: Four-decade run on *Sesame Street* and career overview.