First Live-Action Spider-Man Danny Seagren Dies at 81

The original live-action Spider-Man, Danny Seagren, has passed away at 81 years of age.

As per The Hollywood Reporter, Seagren passed away at 81 years of age, as confirmed by his family in an obituary reading, "He was born and raised in Minneapolis, MN, until his entertainment career brought him to NYC. There he remained, until the sun and golf beckoned him to the Grand Strand to enjoy his retirement years."

Guy Gilchrist also confirmed the news on Instagram, with a lengthy post which read, "The MUPPET FAMILY has lost one of our own. Danny Seagren (born November 15, 1943)."

Seagren was a professional performer with a wide range of talents, including dancing, writing, acting, producing, and puppeteering. Seagren made a name for himself on The Electric Company, on which he starred from 1974 until the series came to a close in 1977. During his time with The Electric Company, Seagren portrayed a silent version of the titular Marvel Comics hero in the series' recurring segment — "Spidey Super Stories."

These segments saw Seagren in full costume, acting out various scenarios from within a comic book frame and going up against villains such as Dracula and the not-so-menacing Spoiler, who likes to ruin other people's attempts to have a good time.

Seagren also found a home for himself on Sesame Street, where he filled in for the legendary Caroll Spinney as Big Bird on multiple occasions. Seagren's career as Big Bird went on to include several major events where he appeared in full costume, such as parades and appearances on The Ed Sullivan Show.

Seagren went on to develop a whole host of puppet characters for other children's programming, with his works showing up everywhere from Captain Kangaroo to Miss Peach of the Kelly School. In fact, it was this love of puppets where Seagren's superhero started, as he was working under Jim Henson with The Muppets prior to taking on the role of Spider-Man for The Electric Company.

Seagren previously recalled his interview and audition for the role with producer Andrew Ferguson, noting his desperation to impress the producer and land the role. "I've got to knock his socks off, somehow," Seagren said of his mindset at the time.

"I jumped over his shoulder — but not quite over his head — and landed on the desk in the middle of the room. I don't remember if he screamed but he said, 'Oh, my God.' I did a few more moves and he said, 'You got the job.'"

Regarding his specific brand of Spider-Man who appeared on The Electric Company, Seagren remained adamant that his was just as meaningful as any other version of the character, especially for the time. "I never felt silly," Seagren said. "I was focused on trying to be a superhero. I think before they cast me they saw some musclemen, but they couldn't move. I had to be a little bit campy for the whole thing. I really enjoyed doing it. I always looked forward to the shooting days."

As noted in Seagren's obituary, a celebration of life for the late star is to be held at a later date. Details regarding the celebration or any specific ceremonies have not been announced at this time.