from
http://forestpirate.subtlehints.net/archives/2003/02/27.php
The first children show that I remember touching on the subject of death was Sesame Street.
Will Lee, the actor who played Mr. Hooper, passed away in 1982. Instead of writing the
character out of the show the producers incorporated his death into it. The culminating
scene
of the episode had the Sesame Street adults explaining to Big Bird why Mr. Hooper wouldn't
be
coming back. I believe I saw the episode and it was very touching. I know I was shocked
when I
heard about Mr. Hoopers death. At 6 years old I hadn't had any experiences with death
before
this one.
from
http://www.mnstate.edu./advocate/Archive/32-23/CurrentEdition/Web Pages 3-6/oped-jenel.
html
I was six, going on seven. "Sesame Street" dealt with this head-on.
While Big Bird was dealing with the reality of Mr. Hooper's death on the show, all of us
kids
watching were right there with him. We felt for him (and ourselves) as Maria, David, Luis
and
the rest of the gang explained that Mr. Hooper wasn't coming back. We started to understand
that people wouldn't be there forever. But we also understood that we'd always remember
them.
It may sound silly to some of us semi-grown-ups now, kids mourning the death of the
fictional
characters of these shows. But we related to Big Bird's adventures. He was designed to let
us
do so. He was a portrayal of us.
from
http://entertainment.lycos.com/television/guide/sesame_st.asp
Memorable Moments
• Big Bird comes to terms with Mr. Hooper's death.