David Smyrl

Bio:
David Smyrl (born David Langston Smyrl on September 13, 1935) was an actor and writer, who played Mr. Handford, the owner of Hooper’s Store, on Sesame Street from 1990 to 1998. But that’s not all he did during his illustrious career. David actually started his career as a coffeehouse poet in the 1960s. He then appeared in the Broadway musical Working in 1978. After moving to California, he became a staff writer on Benson, and later worked on The Cosby Show as a gag writer. He even appeared in five episodes as contractor Sam Lucas. David also starred in the movie The Preacher’s Wife, and on two episodes of Law & Order.

Best Known For:
David Smyrl is best known for playing Mr. Handford on Sesame Street.

Personal Life:
David Smyrl is survived by his wife, Cheryl Smyrl. After his death on March 22, 2016, she told the Associated Press, “He was funny. I could say so many things about him. He was loved by so many people. He was a mentor to a lot of children.”