Sesame Workshop mourns the passing of its esteemed founder, Lloyd N. Morrisett, who died at the age of 93. The nonprofit organization confirmed the news on its social channels, reflecting on a life devoted to education, imagination, and broad access to learning for children around the world. Morrisett played a pivotal role in shaping a program that would become a cultural touchstone for generations, blending rigorous educational goals with engaging storytelling. His work continues to inspire teachers, parents, and creators who champion early childhood learning and literacy.
From the start, Morrisett helped fuse thoughtful pedagogy with innovative media. A philosophy graduate from Oberlin College in Ohio, he brought a rigorous, ideas‑driven mindset to a project envisioned to expand the boundaries of classroom learning into the home and community. He partnered with television pioneer Joan Ganz Cooney, and together they launched a venture that would redefine public television and children’s programming. Their collaboration produced a show that combined music, humor, and real-world learning, inviting children to think critically while they watched. The program’s design prioritized curiosity, kindness, and the joy of discovery, values that Morrisett championed throughout his career. (Sesame Workshop)
The first episode of Sesame Street aired in 1969, and the series has continued to grow and renew itself ever since. It became a global phenomenon that adapted to changing times while remaining faithful to its core mission: helping children develop social and cognitive skills through accessible, entertaining content. The show’s longevity is a testament to the enduring appeal of its approach and the effectiveness of its educational model. (Sesame Workshop)
Over more than five decades, Sesame Street earned widespread recognition, including a remarkable tally of Emmy Awards and Grammy Awards. The program’s record of 222 Emmy Awards and 11 Grammys stands as a benchmark within children’s television, underscoring its substantial impact on both the industry and the audiences it serves. These honors reflect the series’ ability to combine quality storytelling with meaningful learning outcomes, a hallmark of Morrisett’s vision and leadership. (Sesame Workshop)
Morrisett also served as a co‑founder and longtime leader of what became Sesame Workshop. He chaired the organization’s board for more than thirty years before becoming an honorary member and continuing to influence its mission and its people. The legacy of his work endures in the nonprofit organization that now steers Sesame Street, ensuring that new generations benefit from the same spirit of experimentation, inclusion, and educational excellence that Morrisett helped establish. (Sesame Workshop)