Danny Seagren, ‘Sesame Street’ Puppeteer Who Was Also First TV Spider-Man, Dies at 81
Danny Seagren, a “Sesame Street” puppeteer who also appeared as an early iteration of Spider-Man on “The Electric Company,” died on Nov. 10 at 81 years old. His cause of death was not listed. His family announced the news via an online obituary.
Seagren was born on Nov. 15, 1943 in Minneapolis.
Family described Seagren as a “dancer, writer and producer,” who also served as a puppeteer and puppet maker for Jim Henson. This led to Seagren’s appearances on “Sesame Street,” where he occasionally portrayed Big Bird — not only on the show, but also at live events and appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
Seagren also went on to create puppets for and perform puppet characters on “Captain Kangaroo”, “Who’s Afraid Of Opera” and “Miss Peach,” the last of which earned him a daytime Emmy.
He was also the first TV portrayal of Spider-Man when he appeared on “The Electric Company,” the popular kids’ show starring Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman.
In his later years, Seagren enjoyed connecting with now-adult fans of his work at various conventions.
Seagren worked in NYC and eventually retired to Little River, SC. He is survived by his longtime companion, Kate Vereau, brother Dr. Stephen L. Seagren, his wife Jill R. Seagren and their son, Sean G. Seagren.
“Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those throughout the community he loved living in,” the family wrote in the obituary.
Per the family, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are encouraged to be sent to the Entertainment Community Fund.
Watch Seagren perform as Big Bird in the clip below.
Seagren was born on Nov. 15, 1943 in Minneapolis.
Family described Seagren as a “dancer, writer and producer,” who also served as a puppeteer and puppet maker for Jim Henson. This led to Seagren’s appearances on “Sesame Street,” where he occasionally portrayed Big Bird — not only on the show, but also at live events and appearances on “The Ed Sullivan Show.”
Seagren also went on to create puppets for and perform puppet characters on “Captain Kangaroo”, “Who’s Afraid Of Opera” and “Miss Peach,” the last of which earned him a daytime Emmy.
He was also the first TV portrayal of Spider-Man when he appeared on “The Electric Company,” the popular kids’ show starring Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman.
In his later years, Seagren enjoyed connecting with now-adult fans of his work at various conventions.
Seagren worked in NYC and eventually retired to Little River, SC. He is survived by his longtime companion, Kate Vereau, brother Dr. Stephen L. Seagren, his wife Jill R. Seagren and their son, Sean G. Seagren.
“Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends and those throughout the community he loved living in,” the family wrote in the obituary.
Per the family, a celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial donations are encouraged to be sent to the Entertainment Community Fund.
Watch Seagren perform as Big Bird in the clip below.