'Sesame Street': A Tribute to Luis, Gordon, and Bob
We already knew that Sesame Street would go through some changes when first-run episodes traded their PBS zip code for one that puts them in HBO territory. And at first, the differences were mostly minor. But the neighborhood is about to look very different, very soon. That’s because three longtime Sesame Street residents — Bob (Bob McGrath), Luis (Emilio Delgado), and Gordon (Roscoe Orman) — are packing up and moving away. McGrath, who is one of the show’s founding cast members, broke the news earlier this month, but word of mouth finally got loud enough that Sesame Workshop felt the need to weigh in.
In a statement, the company said the trio remain a beloved part of the Sesame family and will continue to represent the show at public events. “To us, and for millions of people worldwide, they are a treasured part of Sesame Street. Since the show began, we are constantly evolving our content and curriculum, and hence, our characters, to meet the educational needs of 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.” Sesame Workshop also took ownership of casting change decisions, no doubt to avoid angry parents (and grandparents) who grew up on Sesame Street writing angry letters to HBO. “As we’ve stated previously, Sesame Workshop retains sole creative control over the show. HBO does not oversee the production.”
Related: The Top 20 ‘Sesame Street’ Muppets, Ranked
As sad as we are to see these three veteran citizens of children’s television depart the airwaves, we’re going to take the advice of one of Bob’s favorite tunes and sing of good things, not bad. So here’s a look back at some of the trio’s best Sesame Street moments. We hope that, wherever they go next, the air will still be sweet.
Sing Out, Bob
The Carpenters may have popularized the sweet little ditty “Sing,” but it counts as a Sesame Street original, one that was penned by celebrated Sesame songwriter Joe Raposo, who also wrote the vintage theme song and “C is for Cookie.” To this day, McGrath’s version — sung here with Luis — is the one that still rings in the ears of millions of children.
All in the Family
Orman is technically the fourth person to play Gordon, but his 32-year tenure basically means he owns the role. And over those three decades, the eternally patient science teacher has come to share a close bond with Big Bird in particular. Here he is allowing himself to be made over into “Grandpa Bird” in order to keep his pal happy.
Feeling Sheepish
Sesame Street’s trusted Mr. Fix-It has been making repairs — and strumming his guitar — since 1971. This animal-themed version of “La Bamba” is an example of why he was a purr-fect addition to the neighborhood.
Hair Today, Gone Tomorrow
Playing dress-up isn’t just for kids! Gordon gets to try on different hairstyles in this funny clip, which ends with him returning the favor by picturing his friends — plus perpetual curmudgeon Oscar the Grouch — sporting a cueball look.
The Sounds of Silence
Sesame Street has always excelled at depicting difficult subjects in ways that children will understand and relate to. With Bob’s help, Elmo uses his imagination to experience life as a deaf person, and realizes why a loss of hearing doesn’t have to be a limitation.
Somebody’s Getting Married!
First came love, then came marriage, and then came a baby in a baby carriage. That’s how the love story of Luis and Maria (Sonia Manzano) unfolded over decades on Sesame Street. (Manzano retired from the series last year.) Their wedding day, which served as the finale of Season 19 in 1988, was a particularly momentous event rivaled only by Kermit and Miss Piggy’s nuptials.
People Watching
Let’s close out with another McGrath standard, about all the different kinds of people in your neighborhood. Though this particular neighborhood is now missing three treasured residents.
New episodes of Sesame Street air Saturdays at 9 a.m. on HBO
