Bob McGrath, an actor and singer beloved by millions worldwide for his role on "Sesame Street" and by the people of Saskatchewan for his longtime dedication to the province's Telemiracle telethon, passed away on Sunday, as announced by his family on Facebook.
McGrath, a native of Ottawa, Illinois, was a fixture on Telemiracle from the very start in 1977, making his last regular appearance in 2015. His work with the charity has been celebrated by those within the Kinsmen Telemiracle Foundation and Kin Canada, as well as others in Saskatchewan, with McGrath receiving the Commemorative Medal for the Centennial of Saskatchewan in 2006 and the Saskatchewan Distinguished Service Award in 2013.
"I can't thank the province enough for all they've done for so many kids with special needs, and I hope I have been able to contribute a little bit... You give a lot when you're here, because everybody does, but you always take home a lot more than you can possibly ever give," McGrath said as he announced he was retiring at Telemiracle 39. "It's the most generous province. I felt very much at home the first time I came, because I grew up on a farm in Illinois, and there is that sort of sense of people helping people that I grew up with."
McGrath returned for a special appearance at Telemiracle 42 in 2018.
Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe is one of many who have offered tributes to McGrath after his passing.
My condolences to the family and friends of Bob McGrath who passed away earlier today.
— Scott Moe (@PremierScottMoe) December 4, 2022
Mr. McGrath helped raise millions for TeleMiracle as a host up until his retirement in 2015.
Thank you for your generosity to the people of Saskatchewan. pic.twitter.com/d1JBGZjiLR
Bob McGrath was 90 years of age.