Pioneering Spider-Man actor and Sesame Street star dies

EntertainmentMovie
28 Nov 2025 • 4:17 PM MYT
The Independent
The Independent

The world’s most free-thinking newspaper

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  • Actor and pioneering puppeteer Danny Seagren has passed away at the age of 81, his family announced.
  • Seagren made history as the first actor to portray Spider-Man in live-action on television, appearing in the children's educational programme The Electric Company for three years.
  • He was also a celebrated puppeteer for Sesame Street, performing as Big Bird in numerous live shows, events, and parades.
  • His diverse career included working as a writer, dancer, and producer, alongside significant contributions as a puppeteer and puppet maker for Muppets creator Jim Henson.
  • Seagren earned a Daytime Emmy for his puppet characters on Who's Afraid of Opera and Miss Peach, and enjoyed meeting fans at Comic Cons in his later years.

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