Danny Seagren, the puppeteer who famously performed Spider-Man on the original live-action version of PBS’s The Electric Company, has died at 81.
His family announced that Seagren, a resident of Little River, South Carolina, died on November 10.
Caroll Spinney’s apprentice, Seagren, occasionally filled in as the performer for Big Bird in episodes of Sesame Street, as well as during live shows and parades.
He built and performed puppets for several children’s TV shows, like Captain Kangaroo and Miss Peach of the Kelly School, earning a Daytime Emmy Award in 1980 for his work on the latter. He also collaborated with Joan Sutherland on the show Who’s Afraid of Opera.
Seagren, a professional dancer, began working with Jim Henson in 1974. She later tried out for the part of Spider-Man on the children’s television show, The Electric Company.
On the show, Seagren acted in silent sketches called “Spidey Super Stories.” These segments featured Spider-Man playfully pausing his crime-fighting adventures – sometimes even wearing a Mets baseball cap over his costume – to enjoy a ballgame. According to Elitz, these sketches were a lighthearted way to introduce the superhero to children, with Seagren’s Spider-Man expressing himself through cartoon thought bubbles rather than speaking.
For almost 400 episodes of Spider-Man, actor Seagren played a role in around three dozen segments, working with well-known stars like Rita Moreno and Morgan Freeman. He said he never felt embarrassed during filming. “I was completely focused on portraying a superhero, and I truly enjoyed it,” Seagren explained. “I always looked forward to going to set.”
He is survived by his partner, Kate Vereau, his brother Stephen, sister-in-law Jill, and nephew Sean. The family is planning a memorial, and those who wish can donate to the Entertainment Community Fund in his name.
Seagren had a significant impact on children’s TV and the beginnings of superhero shows. He combined his talents in dance, puppets, and acting to create characters that were both fun and unforgettable.
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2025-11-28 13:44