Long before creating Big Bird for “Sesame Street" and his involvement in children's television, Kermit Love had collaborated with some of the greatest choreographers of the 20th century: George Balanchine, Agnes de Mille, Robert Joffrey, Jerome Robbins and Twyla Tharp. His design work on one of the most influential television shows in history made him a partner in the early education of generations of children.
After years of designing costumes for ballet and theater, Kermit Love found his way to “Sesame Street." Working with Jim Henson, Love helped create Big Bird, Mr. Snuffle- upagus and Oscar the Grouch. The funny-looking creatures became a magnet for preschoolers, pulling them in to watch “Sesame Street," helping them to learn.
Love, whose design work on one of the most influential television shows in history made him a partner in the early education of generations of children, died Saturday of pneumonia in Poughkeepsie, N.Y., said Arthur Novell, executive director of the Jim Henson Legacy, an organization dedicated to preserving and perpetuating Jim Henson's contributions.
Though most adults knew Love for designing characters, children who saw him on “Sesame Street" knew him as Willy the hot dog man. Love also created Snuggle Bear, the pitch man for Snuggle Fabric Softener.
