There is an extremely broad age range of folks – like me – who grew up watching Sesame Street on PBS. Those who did most certainly have many memories of their group of TV friends, although those groups may vary depending on whether you started watching it when it first began in 1969 or just started watching this year. Except of course for the characters Bob Johnson (played by Bob McGrath) and Susan (Loretta Long), because they are the only two human actors who have been with the show for its incredible 45-year run.
You will not be shocked to learn that the real highlight of the Chiller Theatre show when Carolyn and I attended on April 26, 2014, was Bob McGrath. Cool as some of the others were, who else there actually felt like a friend all those years ago when you were young and still searching for credible adult role models.
When I first spotted him in his friendly-looking sweater, the memories rolled back into my head and I just wanted to give him a big hug. But instead I gave him $30 of my money to purchase a signed photo and a get a photo with him. It was a little bit like getting a shot glass of cold water in the face that he didn’t simply invite me into his house and feed me dinner, or better yet, let me tour Oscar’s garbage can with him (I have a vivid memory of him going down into the can, which was a lot roomier than it appeared on the outside, and getting doused with spaghetti.) But back to reality: I paid my money and got the goods.
His smile was infectious, although it wavered slightly when I requested that Carolyn get a free photo with him, but nice guy that he is, what choice did he have but to go along with it? My only real disappointment was that he only signed my photo “Bob” rather than adding his last name. If I ever do happen to meet him again, you can bet I’ll be requesting that he add his full signature. I just didn’t notice it until it was much too late.
Incidentally, my friend Dave Chasteen requested that I pick him up a signed photo of Bob McGrath (and for some reason he got the full signature), and was so happy to get one that he treated me to my autograph as well. So that magic – that generosity – that Bob and friends taught us all those years ago manifested itself anyway, even if it didn’t come directly from Bob himself.
Celebrities of the Spring 2014 Chiller Theatre Show will continue…
Thanks again for getting me Bob’s autograph. You both got great pictures with him during your photo ops.
We were lucky to fall into the first generation to grow up watching such a marvelous show. It sure was great to be a kid, spending so many ‘sunny days’ on America’s favorite Street!
Dave Chasteen
June 25th, 2014