This week, we celebrate the life of Bob McGrath, a beloved original cast member of Sesame Street. Having been born in 1965, I was part of the show’s intended audience when it debuted just four years later, in 1969. Bob McGrath portrayed Bob, the music teacher, and without a doubt, he was the show's standout vocalist, often shifting seamlessly from dialogue into song. Sesame Street was a joyful place, and Bob, in particular, radiated positivity and happiness. The only moment I remember him appearing a bit serious was during the poignant storyline involving Mr. Hooper's passing, where Bob offered comforting words during that difficult time.
Bob McGrath passed away on December 4 at the age of 90 due to a stroke. He leaves behind his wife Ann, with whom he shared 64 years of marriage, alongside five children and eight grandchildren. In memory of Bob, I present a fun trivia challenge based on Sesame Street.
1. What was Bert’s favorite letter?2. Which Muppet was intended to represent a fruit bat?3. What distinguishing marks were used to identify Bert and Ernie’s beds?4. What was the name of the toy that Ernie brought with him during bath time?5. According to popular myth, who were the names Bert and Ernie inspired by?6. What is Bert’s favorite food?7. What is the name of the teddy bear belonging to Big Bird?8. Which two human characters tied the knot on the show (though not in reality)?9. What type of pet did Bert have?10. Oscar was known to always stay in his trash can; when venturing out, what means did he use to leave?11. What was Gordon’s job?12. Who was the original proprietor of the Sesame Street store?13. Who hosted Monsterpiece Theater?14. Which superhero visited Sesame Street in 1982 to advocate for eating vegetables?15. Can you recite the first five lines of the Sesame Street theme song?16. Who was Big Bird’s imaginary friend that nobody else believed was real?17. Who hosted “News Flash”?18. In a presidential debate, which candidate expressed admiration for a specific Muppet while simultaneously advocating for budget cuts to the show?19. What was Grover’s superhero persona?20. What was the Count’s full name?21. Which Muppet is openly identified as having autism?22. Which Muppet exhibits traits associated with mild autism but was never formally diagnosed on the program?23. Which four First Ladies have made guest appearances on Sesame Street?24. Which U.S. president claimed to have watched Sesame Street as a child?25. In 1970, which state banned the airing of Sesame Street due to its racially integrated cast?Image source: The Wrap
Answers
1. W2. Rosita is her name, and her full title is Rosita, La Monstrua de las Cuevas (Rosita, the monster of the caves).3. Their bed frames were each marked with a letter: B for Bert and E for Ernie.4. His rubber ducky.5. I, too, once believed the notion that Bert and Ernie were named after characters from It’s a Wonderful Life – a cop and a postman. However, that seems to be merely accidental. (Source: Entertainment Legends Revealed )6. Oatmeal.7. Radar is the name of Big Bird’s teddy bear, and interestingly, the character Radar from the show M*A*S*H also had a teddy bear.8. Luis and Maria.9. Pigeons10. Oscar was transported by Bruno the trash man, who took both Oscar and his trash can wherever he needed to go.11. He was a science teacher.12. Mr. Hooper13. Cookie Monster14. Captain Vegetable15. Sunny Day
Sweepin' the clouds away
On my way to where the air is sweet
Can you tell me how to get?
How to get to Sesame Street16. Mr. Snuffleupagus17. Kermit18. Mitt Romney and Big Bird.19. Super Grover20. Count von Count21. Julia22. Bert23. Hilary Clinton, Laura Bush, Barbara Bush, and Michelle Obama.24.Barack Obama25. MississippiImage source: USC Dornsife
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