Sesame Street: Bob, Luis and Gordon Dropped After 40+ Years

Sesame Street is saying goodbye to some of its oldest inhabitants. TVLine reports long-time castmembers Bob McGrath (above, right), Emilio Delgado (far left), and Roscoe Orman (front row, center) will be leaving the PBS/HBO series after more than 40 years.

McGrath has played Bob since the show’s first episode in 1969. In 1971, Delgado started playing Luis and, in 1974, Orman started playing Gordon.

The producers of the series, Sesame Workshop, explained the decision as “the result of the educational children’s series’ “evolving” curriculum.” In a statement, they clarified that HBO had no hand in the decision and the three castmembers will appear in upcoming productions:

What do you think? Did you watch Sesame Street as a kid? Are you sad the three castmembers are leaving?