Information about Seagren’s death was announced by his family. The cause of his death was not revealed. “Danny will be mourned by his family, friends and the community he loved to live in,” read a statement from his loved ones.
Born on November 15, 1943, Seagren was a puppeteer who worked with Jim Henson in the production of “Sesame Street”, a popular educational program that has been broadcast since 1969 on NET (first season) and PBS. He performed a number of jobs on set. Among other things, he operated as the right hand of the always tired Ernie. He also played Big Bird, replacing Caroll Spinney, the character’s regular performer.
Seagren was also the first person to portray Spider-Man. From 1974 to 1977, he played the masked hero in the children’s program “Spidey Super Stories” as part of “The Electric Company” (1971-77). It was also the first live-action adaptation of a Marvel Comics superhero since the 1944 film series “Captain America.”
On the show, Spider-Man stopped petty crimes and taught young viewers about good behavior. The superhero never spoke his lines. All messages appeared in the form of comic book “clouds”, which were intended to encourage viewers to learn to read.