History of Bob McGrath in Timeline

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By Popular Timelines Editorial Team  · Updated:
Bob McGrath

Robert Emmett McGrath was a prominent American actor, singer, and children's author, most famous for his role as Bob Johnson, the music teacher, on the long-running children's program Sesame Street. He portrayed Bob from the show's inception in 1969 until 2016, becoming a beloved figure for generations of children. McGrath's gentle demeanor and musical talents were integral to the show's educational mission, teaching countless children about music, kindness, and cooperation through songs and skits. His long tenure on Sesame Street made him an iconic presence in children's television history.

June 13, 1932: Bob McGrath's Birth

Bob McGrath was born on June 13, 1932.

1954: Graduation from University of Michigan

Bob McGrath graduated from the University of Michigan in 1954.

1958: Marriage to Ann

Bob McGrath married Ann in 1958.

1959: Master of Music Degree

Bob McGrath earned a Master of Music degree in voice from the Manhattan School of Music in 1959.

1960: Sing Along with Mitch

Bob McGrath started working with Mitch Miller on the show "Sing Along with Mitch" in 1960.

1964: End of "Sing Along with Mitch"

Bob McGrath's time on "Sing Along with Mitch" ended in 1964.

1966: Appearance on To Tell the Truth

Bob McGrath appeared on the game show "To Tell the Truth" in 1966.

1967: Appearance on I've Got a Secret

Bob McGrath appeared on the game show "I've Got a Secret" in 1967.

1969: Start of Sesame Street role

Bob McGrath's role as Bob Johnson on Sesame Street began in 1969.

1969: Sesame Street Debut

In 1969, Bob McGrath began his role as Bob Johnson on Sesame Street.

1978: Christmas Eve on Sesame Street

"Christmas Eve on Sesame Street," a special featuring Bob McGrath, aired in 1978.

1983: Mr. Hooper tribute

In 1983, a Sesame Street sequence addressed the death of Mr. Hooper, a moment Bob McGrath considered one of his favorites.

1995: Foundation for Contemporary Arts Grant

Bob McGrath received a grant from the Foundation for Contemporary Arts in 1995.

1996: Uh Oh! Gotta Go!

Bob McGrath published the children's book "Uh Oh! Gotta Go!" in 1996.

1998: OOPS! Excuse Me Please!

Bob McGrath published the children's book "OOPS! Excuse Me Please!" in 1998.

March 3, 2006: Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan

Bob McGrath was awarded the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan on March 3, 2006.

April 10, 2010: University of Michigan Men's Glee Club Lifetime Achievement Award

Bob McGrath received the University of Michigan Men's Glee Club Lifetime Achievement Award on April 10, 2010.

2013: Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award

Bob McGrath received the Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award in 2013.

2015: Final Regular Telemiracle Appearance

Bob McGrath made his final regular appearance at Telemiracle in 2015.

July 2016: Sesame Workshop Announcement

In July 2016, Sesame Workshop announced changes to Sesame Street, including Bob McGrath not returning as a regular cast member for Season 47.

2016: Departure from Sesame Street

Bob McGrath's regular role on Sesame Street ended in 2016.

2017: Move to Norwood, New Jersey

Bob and Ann McGrath moved to Norwood, New Jersey in 2017.

2018: Special Telemiracle Appearance

Bob McGrath made a special appearance at Telemiracle in 2018.

2019: Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration

Bob McGrath returned for Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration in 2019.

December 4, 2022: Bob McGrath's Death

Bob McGrath passed away on December 4, 2022.