Electric Company Star Skip Hinnant Dies at 86

Actor Skip Hinnant, recognized for his work on "The Electric Company" and as the voice of Fritz the Cat, passed away at the age of 86. His death was announced by his family on Sunday in Denver.

Hinnant was an original cast member of the PBS educational program "The Electric Company," which aired from 1971 to 1977. He brought to life characters such as Fargo North, a detective who deciphered word puzzles, and also appeared in skits like "Love of Chair" and as Frankenstein.

Beyond children's television, Hinnant voiced the titular character in the animated film "Fritz the Cat" (1972), notable for being the first animated feature to receive an X rating. He reprised the role in the sequel, "The Nine Lives of Fritz the Cat" (1974), which was the first animated film to earn an R rating.

His earlier career included a recurring role as Ted, Cathy's boyfriend, on "The Patty Duke Show" (1963-1965) and playing Schroeder in the original off-Broadway production of "You're a Good Man, Charlie Brown." Hinnant, born September 12, 1940, on Chincoteague Island, Virginia, also performed at the White House for President Kennedy.

Later, he voiced the Easter Bunny in a 1977 ABC special and contributed voices to "I Go Pogo," "Spidey Super Stories," and "My Little Pony." He also had a long tenure on the national board of SAG from 1980 to 2003.