Mr. Hooper

Mr. Harold Hooper is a character on the television series Sesame Street portrayed by Will Lee. He was one of the series's first four human characters. Created by producer and writer Jon Stone, Mr. Hooper is the original proprietor of Hooper's Store, the neighborhood variety store and diner that serves as a place for Muppets and humans to meet and interact. He ranked first among the show's human characters in recognition by young viewers. Mr. Hooper, who has been described as "slightly cranky but good-hearted" and "curmudgeonly", bridges the gap between the older generation and its young audience. Hooper's Store, "an idealized social institution", is an extension of his personality. He had a close relationship with the Muppet Big Bird. After Lee died in 1982, the writers and producers of Sesame Street made the landmark decision to have Mr. Hooper die as well. Aided by child development experts, they created an episode in which Big Bird learns about Mr. Hooper's death and is helped through his grief by his friends. The episode, which aired on Thanksgiving Day in 1983, set the standard for dealing with difficult topics on children's television and remains a pivotal moment in the show's history.