Daniel Seagren

Seagren (right) assisting Jim Henson and Frank Oz with early versions of Ernie and Bert.

Seagren puppeteering with Henson and Oz on the "Hunt for Happiness" sketch.

Daniel Seagren is a puppeteer and trained dancer who worked for Jim Henson from 1968 into the early 1970s. Seagren performed background characters in The Frog Prince, The Great Santa Claus Switch (playing Cigar Box Frackle, the proto-Gonzo), and The Muppet Musicians of Bremen.

Seagren performed Big Bird on The Ed Sullivan Show, and filled in as the Bird for Sesame Street Episode 0083 when Caroll Spinney was sick. As Big Bird, he and the human cast toured around America, in promotion of the second season.

Seagren later performed the pantomime role of Spider-Man on the Children's Television Workshop series The Electric Company. He now owns a puppet building business in New York City.

Performer Credits

• Sesame Street Pitch Reel
• The Tonight Show (September 26, 1969)
• Sesame Street: Big Bird (Episode 0083), Harold Happy (puppetry only), assisting and minor roles in Season 1
• The Ed Sullivan Show: Big Bird
• The Muppets Make Puppets
• The Great Santa Claus Switch: Skippity, Gloat, Snarl
• The Frog Prince
• The Muppet Musicians of Bremen

Danny Seagren as Spider-Man on The Electric Company

Myrtle Beach Comic Con - Dan Seagren Interview

2015 interview at Myrtle Beach Comic Con