Human characters may not get as much spotlight on Sesame Street, especially since the big move to HBO, but no less than three fan-favorites are officially leaving the neighborhood. Say goodbye to Luis the fix-it man, Bob the music teacher, and Gordon the science teacher, the actors for which have been cut from the series.

Per the New York Daily News (h/t Vulture), actors Emilio Delgado, Bob McGrath, and Roscoe Orman have reportedly been let go (or significantly reduced) from the series. McGrath joined Sesame Street with its first year in 1969, while Orman took over Gordon from Garrett Saunders in 1974, and Delgado joined as Luis in 1971.

Said McGrath at a Florida Supercon in early July:

They let all of the original cast members go, with the exception of Alan Muraoka — who is probably 20 years younger than the rest of us — and Chris Knowings, who is also young.

That said, Sesame Street issued a statement clarifying the decision, and absolving any blame from HBO:

That isn’t to say we won’t see Emilio Delgado, Bob McGrath, and Roscoe Orman making the odd appearances as their characters, but is Sesame Street worse off for reducing some of its most beloved favorites?

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