Last year, HBO made the surprising announcement that it will start airing episodes ofSesame Street, as part of a new five-year deal with theSesame Workshop, which produces the show. The announcement revealed that this deal will enable the beloved children’s series to produce twice as much content as they have before, with the network also developing a newMuppetsspinoff series. Today we have word that the show has let go of three longtime cast members,Bob McGrath,Emilio DelgadoandRoscoe Orman.
The Hollywood Reporterreveals thatBob McGrath, who has played the music teacher Bob for 45 seasons, announced he was let go at Supercon in Orlando earlier this month. During a Q&A session, the actor stated that all of the original cast members have been let go. Here’s what he had to say during the Supercon Q&A below.
“As of this season, I have completed my 45th season this year. And the show has gone under a major turnaround, going from an hour to a half-hour. HBO has gotten involved also. And they let all of the originalcast membersgo, with the exception ofAlan Muraoka- who is probably 20 years younger than the rest of us - andChris Knowings, who is also young.”
Alan Muraokaplays Alan, the owner of Hooper’s Store, whileChris Knowlingsplays Chris, one of the store’s employees.Bob McGrathalso said at the Q&A thatLoretta Long, who plays Gordon’s wife Susan, will still remain with the show. Thechildren’s showreleased an official statement on Twitter, clarifying that HBO had nothing to do with any changes in the production.
“Bob McGrath,Emilio Delgado(“Luis”) andRoscoe Orman(“Gordon”) remain a beloved part of the Sesame family and continue to represent us at public events. To us, and for millions of people worldwide, they are a treasured part ofSesame Street. Since the show began, we are constantly evolving our content and curriculum, and hence, our characters, to meet theeducational needsof children. As a result of this, our cast has changed over the years, though you can still expect to see many of them in upcoming productions. As we’ve stated previously, Sesame Workshop retains sole creative control over the show. HBO does not oversee the production.”
The news comes just a few months after longtime cast memberDavid Smyrl, who played the belovedMr. Handford, passed away at the age of 80. The 84-year oldMcGrathhas been with the show since it started in 1969.Emilio Delgado, 76, joined the show in 1971 whileRoscoe Orman, 72, took over the role of Gordon in 1974, becoming the third actor to play the character. Take a look atSesame Street’s statement below, and stay tuned for more onSesame Street.
