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How did Lloyd Morrisett die? 'Sesame Street' co-creator, 93, remembered by fans who grew up with the show

'[Lloyd Morrisett] changed so many childhoods,' claimed a fan while another said, 'Without Lloyd, Sesame Street wouldn’t have existed'

SAN FRANSISCO, CALIFORNIA: Lloyd Morrisett, co-creator of the most iconic children’s television series 'Sesame Street,' has died at 93. Lloyd, along with Joan Ganz Cooney, created the renowned children's series in 1969. The creation of the series happened amidst the civil rights movement.

Sesame Workshop wrote on Twitter, "Sesame Workshop mourns the passing of our esteemed and beloved co-founder Lloyd N. Morrisett, PhD, who died at the age of 93." It further added, "A Lifetime Honorary Trustee, Lloyd leaves an outsized and indelible legacy among generations of children the world over, with Sesame Street only the most visible tribute to a lifetime of good work and lasting impact." Meanwhile, the details of his death are yet to be revealed. 

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They also stated, "A wise, thoughtful, and above all kind leader of the Workshop for decades, Lloyd was fascinated by the power of technology and constantly thinking about new ways it could be used to educate." Meanhwhile, Cooney claimed, "Joan Ganz Cooney, his co-founder and close friend, put it best. “Without Lloyd Morrisett, there would be no Sesame Street. It was he who first came up with the notion of using television to teach preschoolers basic skills, such as letters and numbers." Cooney also stated, "He was a trusted partner and loyal friend to me for over fifty years, and he will be sorely missed.”

Meanwhile, the President of Sesame Workshop, Sherrie Westin, wrote on Twitter, "at the loss of Lloyd Morrisett, the Co-Founder of CTW, now @SesameWorkshop & simply the dearest man. He believed deeply in the educational power of media & as his partner in crime, Joan Ganz Cooney always said, "without Lloyd there would be no @sesamestreet!"

According to Sesame Workshop.org, Morrisett served as President of the John and Mary R Markle Foundation. Here, he began the Foundation’s program in communications and information technology. He was also the Vice President of the Carnegie Corporation of New York and of the Carnegie Foundation for the Advancement of Teaching. Meanwhile, he was also a board member of the RAND Corporation for thirty years as well as Chairman of the Board from 1986 to 1995. He was a trustee for many years of Oberlin College and was Chairman of the Board from 1975 to 1981. He was also the Director of Tucows.

According to his LinkedIn, he describes himself as "an experimental psychologist with a career in education, communications, and philanthropy. I am one of the founders of the Children's Television Workshop (now known as Sesame Workshop), the organization famous for the creation of the children's television shows Sesame Street, The Electric Company, and many others." He completed his Bachelor's in Philosophy from Oberlin College and then became the holder of a postgraduate degree in psychology from the University of California. He also accomplished his PhD in experimental psychology from Yale University.

'He changed so many childhoods'

Fans quickly reacted to the death of Lloyd. A user said, "Lloyd Morrisett, who co-founded the Children's Television Workshop, Sesame Street and The Electric Company, has died at 93. On behalf of several generations who you taught us the right stuff - regardless of age, background, or ethnicity - thank you." "He changed so many childhoods," claimed another. A fan wrote, "Sad to hear. Grew up with all those shows. My condolences." A tweet read, "thats some legacy. Possibly the most iconic childrens tv show of all time." Another added, "One of the co creators of Sesame Street, Lloyd Morrisett, passed away at the age of 93. Without Lloyd, Sesame Street wouldn’t have existed. Thank you Lloyd for being a key player of conceiving one of my favorite shows of all time, same as Joan. Left an impact on the world! R.I.P."

Another explained, "Today's Muppet GIF of the Day is dedicated to the memory of Lloyd Morrisett, co-founder of the Children's Television Workshop (now known as Sesame Workshop) and one of the creators of Sesame Street. Our favorite street wouldn't have existed without his vision. RIP Dr. Morrisett." A user claimed, "Thank you Lloyd Morrisett for all the memories. In 1969, he created Sesame Street alongside Joan Ganz Cooney. Since 1974, this famous street has been represented in the Parade."

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