Spider-Man actor and Sesame Street Big Bird star Danny Seagren dies aged 81 as family pay tribute

Danny Seagren was a Sesame Street puppeteer and the first actor to portray Spider-Man on television, after he landed the role b y pulling off a Spidey-stunt in his audition

Danny Seagren, the first actor to bring Spider-Man to life on screen and a former Sesame Street puppeteer who starred as the iconic Big Bird, has died aged 81.

Seagren made history as the first actor to portray the superhero on TV, after he landed the role by jumping from the top of a filing cabinet Spidey-style to impress casting bosses.

In addition to his roles as a writer, dancer, and producer, he was also a puppeteer and puppet creator for Muppets mastermind Jim Henson. Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seagren was working with The Muppets in 1974 when he discovered that children’s The Electric Company was seeking an actor to play Spider-Man. He later recounted the unconventional audition that secured him the role.

“I put the costume on and I thought I’ve got to knock his socks off, somehow,” he shared with Mark Elitz, author of How to Be a Superhero, during a 2017 interview.

“In the room, there was a filing cabinet and a desk. I climbed on top of the filing cabinet.

“When he came back into the room I jumped over his shoulder – but not quite over his head – and landed on the desk in the middle of the room.”

He remained in the role for three years, and his portrayal inspired a Marvel tie-in comic.

Seagren also took on the role of Big Bird in several episodes of Sesame Street.

“He was the famed bird for all live shows, events and parades, including repeated appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show,” read the family’s tribute, which did not reveal the cause of death.

Seagren subsequently developed and brought to life puppet characters for Who’s Afraid of Opera featuring Joan Sullivan and Miss Peach, earning him a Daytime Emmy for his work.

He ultimately settled into retirement in Little River, South Carolina.

His relatives confirmed that a celebration of life ceremony would be arranged at a future date.

“In his later years, he enjoyed appearing at Comic Cons, meeting the grown ‘kids’ who adored him,” the online tribute read.

“Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and those throughout the community he loved living in.”

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