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He also appeared on Benson and The Cosby Show
Actor David Smyrl, known for his role on Sesame Street as Mr. Handford, the retired firefighter who ran Hooper's Store, died this week at age 80. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Smyrl died at the Lankenau Medical Center outside Philadelphia of complications from lung cancer, which the actor was diagnosed with in January.
"He was funny," Cheryl Smyrl said. "I could say so many good things about him. He was loved by so many people. He was a mentor to a lot of children. He was a family man, loyal, true and faithful."
In addition to working on the famed children's show from 1990-1998, Smyrl also appeared in Benson in the 1970s - a role that earned him a People's Choice Award. He also worked as a writer and actor on The Cosby Show, playing contractor Sam Lucas.