Danny Seagren, Beloved ‘Sesame Street’ Star and First Live-Action Spider-Man, Passes Away at 81
Danny Seagren, renowned for his roles as Big Bird on Sesame Street and the first live-action Spider-Man on The Electric Company, passed away at the age of 81 on November 10, as confirmed by his family. The cause of death has not been disclosed.
Born on November 15, 1943, in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seagren made significant contributions as both a puppeteer and puppet maker for Jim Henson. He notably performed as the iconic Big Bird in multiple episodes of Sesame Street and during live exhibitions, including appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.
His craft extended beyond Big Bird; Seagren was instrumental in creating puppets for several beloved shows. His work included contributions to Miss Peach, which was adapted for the ABC preschool series Curiosity Shop, as well as Captain Kangaroo and PBS’s Who’s Afraid Of Opera, featuring renowned soprano Joan Sutherland.
Seagren also portrayed television’s original Spider-Man on The Electric Company, a landmark PBS series that included notable figures such as Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman, produced by what was then known as Children’s Television Workshop.
Additional credits in Seagren’s distinguished career include Tales from Muppetland, The Great Santa Claus Switch, and The Story of Babar, the Little Elephant.
“Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and those throughout the community he loved living in,” his family wrote online.
He is survived by his longtime companion, Kate Vereau, his brother Dr. Stephen L. Seagren, his wife Jill R. Seagren, and their son, his nephew Sean G. Seagren. A celebration of life is planned for a later date.
