You remember that green awning and those wooden shelves. For decades, Hooper’s Store has been the unofficial heart of the most famous neighborhood in the world. But back in the late 1980s, the store—and the show—was in a bit of a crisis. After the legendary Mr. Hooper passed away, and his successor David left under tragic real-life circumstances, Sesame Street needed a new anchor. They found it in Sesame Street Mr. Handford.
Most people think of Alan Muraoka when they think of the "modern" store owner, or maybe they’re old school and only acknowledge Will Lee. But for a massive chunk of the 90s, the man behind the counter was a retired firefighter with a booming laugh. Mr. Handford wasn't just a placeholder. He was a critical bridge between the show’s gritty urban roots and the brighter, Muppet-heavy era that followed.
The Two Faces of Mr. Handford
It’s a trivia fact that catches even die-hard fans off guard: Mr. Handford was actually played by two different men. Honestly, the shift between them changed the entire vibe of the character.
When the character first appeared in 1989 (Season 21), he was played by Leonard Jackson. This version of Mr. Handford was, well, kinda grumpy. He was a retired firefighter who bought the store to stay busy, but he didn't exactly have a "customer is always right" attitude. He was short-tempered and easily flustered by the chaos of 123 Sesame Street. He only lasted one season.
Then came David L. Smyrl.
Smyrl took over in 1990 and stayed until 1998. He did a total 180 on the personality. His Mr. Handford was joyful. He sang. He danced with Gloria Estefan. He had this infectious, grandfatherly energy that made the store feel safe again. If you grew up watching the show in the 90s, this is the man you remember. He won eight Emmys for his work on the show, which is absolutely wild when you realize he was essentially a supporting human character in a world of monsters.
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Why Sesame Street Mr. Handford Was So Important
The transition from David (played by Northern Calloway) to Mr. Handford was actually a really heavy moment for the production. David had been a staple since the early 70s. When Calloway had to leave the show due to deteriorating mental health, the writers had to find a way to explain his absence without the same "death of a friend" trauma they used for Mr. Hooper.
They told the kids David moved to a farm to help his grandmother. Enter Mr. Handford.
He brought a different kind of representation to the screen. As an older African-American man who had already completed a full career as a firefighter, he modeled the idea of "active retirement." He wasn't just sitting on a porch; he was a vital part of the economy and social fabric of the street.
The Day the Store Fell Down
There is one specific storyline that basically defines the Mr. Handford era. In 1991, the store was literally falling apart. The bumbling construction duo Biff and Sully tried to hang a picture for Mr. Handford, and the whole place collapsed.
It was a total disaster. Mr. Handford was ready to call it quits. He was done.
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But the neighborhood rallied. The Muppets and the humans came together to rebuild the store, proving to Mr. Handford (and the kids at home) that he belonged there. This led to a major set redesign that lasted for years. It wasn't just about wood and nails; it was about confirming that Mr. Handford was the new patriarch of the street.
The Real Life Legacy of David L. Smyrl
Before he was Sesame Street Mr. Handford, David L. Smyrl was a powerhouse in the industry. He started as a poet in Greenwich Village. He wrote for Benson. He worked on The Cosby Show as both a gag writer and a recurring actor.
He didn't just play a nice guy; he was a mentor. His wife, Cheryl, often spoke about how much he genuinely loved children. When he passed away in 2016 from lung cancer at the age of 80, the outpouring of love from the Sesame community was immense. He had spent eight years being the guy who made sure Big Bird got his birdseed milkshake and Telly Monster didn't have a total meltdown.
What Most Fans Forget
A lot of the "adult" humor on Sesame Street in the 90s came through Mr. Handford’s interactions with the more eccentric characters. He was the "straight man." While the Count was busy counting boxes of detergent, Mr. Handford was the one trying to actually run a business.
He eventually left the show in 1998. There wasn't a big dramatic send-off. In the lore of the show, he simply retired (again!) and sold the store to Alan. But for those eight years, he was the glue.
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If you want to revisit this era, look for the episodes where Mr. Handford has to deal with the "Martians" (the Yip-Yips) in the store. His facial expressions—a mix of confusion, patience, and eventually, pure delight—show why he was so good at his job.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Collectors
If you're looking to dive deeper into this specific era of Sesame Street history, here is how to find the best Mr. Handford content:
- Search for Season 22-29 Archives: This is the "Goldilocks zone" for David L. Smyrl’s performance.
- The 25th Anniversary Special: Sesame Street: 25th Birthday: A Musical Celebration! features Mr. Handford prominently and showcases his singing ability.
- Check the Muppet Wiki: It is the most factually dense resource for tracking specific episode numbers (like Episode 3786, where he hands over the keys to Alan).
- Look for 90s Storybooks: Many "Look-and-Find" books from the mid-90s feature illustrated versions of Mr. Handford behind the counter.
Mr. Handford was more than just a shopkeeper. He was a steady hand during a decade of massive change for children's television. He proved that you don't need to be a Muppet to be a hero on Sesame Street.
Next Steps for You: You can explore the transition episodes between Mr. Handford and Alan Muraoka to see how the show handled the store's change in ownership, or look up the 1991 "rebuilding the store" arc to see the community spirit of the 90s cast in action.