The entertainment world is mourning the loss of Danny Seagren, the trailblazing actor and puppeteer who made history as the first person to portray Spider-Man in a live-action television role. His family has announced that he passed away at the age of 81.
A Pioneer in Spandex
Born in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Seagren's most iconic role came in 1974 when he donned the red and blue suit for the children's educational programme, The Electric Company. He landed the part after an unforgettable audition. In a 2017 interview, he recounted how, upon seeing a filing cabinet and a desk in the room, he decided to make a dramatic entrance. "I put the costume on and I thought I've got to knock his socks off, somehow," he said. When the producer returned, Seagren leaped from the cabinet, "jumped over his shoulder – but not quite over his head – and landed on the desk." The bold move secured him the part.
He played the friendly neighbourhood web-slinger for three years, a role that became an "excellent source of income" and led to a Marvel tie-in comic. The character's popularity endured for decades. "I meet people who are in their late 40s who are big fans of the show," Seagren noted. "They really remember it and say that I was their favourite character... It's a very nice feeling." His tenure as Spider-Man even included a booking with Adam West and Burt Ward from the classic Batman series.
From Superhero to Big Bird
Seagren's talents extended far beyond climbing walls. He was an accomplished puppeteer and puppet maker who worked closely with Jim Henson, the creator of The Muppets. While collaborating with Henson, he learned of the Spider-Man opportunity.
His family highlighted his significant contribution to Sesame Street, where he was "the famed bird for all live shows, events and parades, including repeated appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show." For many years, Seagren was the performer inside the giant yellow costume of Big Bird, bringing joy to millions of children.
A Lasting Creative Legacy
Seagren's diverse career also saw him work as a writer, dancer, and producer. Later, he created and performed puppet characters for Who's Afraid of Opera and Miss Peach, earning a Daytime Emmy for the latter.
After a lifetime of entertaining, he retired to Little River, South Carolina. His family, who did not disclose the cause of death, stated that a celebration of his life will be held at a later date. Their tribute fondly recalled how "in his later years, he enjoyed appearing at Comic Cons, meeting the grown 'kids' who adored him." The statement concluded, "Danny will be greatly missed by his family, friends, and those throughout the community he loved living in."
