Beloved Puppeteer & First Live-Action Spider-Man, Danny Seagren, Dies at 81

Danny Seagren, the pioneering actor and puppeteer who brought Spider-Man to life in live-action for the first time on The Electric Company (through the skit Spidey Super Stories) and contributed to children’s classics like Sesame Street, has died at age 81. His family confirmed that he passed away on November 10; no cause of death was given. In addition to his groundbreaking role as Spider-Man in the 1970s, Seagren was a talented dancer and puppeteer trained by Jim Henson, and he lent his skills to many beloved children’s programs throughout his career — leaving a fond legacy for generations who grew up watching his work.