Lloyd Morrisett

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Lloyd N. Morrisett Jr. (November 2, 1929 – January 15, 2023) was an American experimental psychologist, educator, and philanthropist who helped create Sesame Street. He co-founded the organization that became Sesame Workshop and worked to use television to educate young children.

Early life and education
Morrisett was born in Oklahoma City and grew up moving around the country. He studied philosophy at Oberlin College, deciding to pursue experimental psychology after an influential course. He earned a PhD in experimental psychology from Yale University in 1956, where he worked with leading thinkers in the field. He later did graduate work at UCLA and wrote a notable early psychology dissertation on learning and practice.

Career before Sesame Street
He taught at the University of California, Berkeley, and then worked for the Social Science Research Council, where he met influential researchers in cognitive psychology. He joined the Carnegie Corporation in New York, where he focused on early education and how to study learning. His work there helped shape later educational programs and research methods.

Sesame Street and CTW
Morrisett’s daughter Sarah inspired a new idea: could television teach children as effectively as advertising captures attention? In 1966, after a discussion with Joan Ganz Cooney, they began planning what would become Sesame Street. With support from foundations and government funding, the team created the Children’s Television Workshop (now Sesame Workshop). Sesame Street premiered on November 10, 1969, with Morrisett serving as a key organizer and leader. The show became famous for its mix of entertaining content and educational goals.

Markle Foundation and later work
In 1969 Morrisett also became president of the Markle Foundation, shifting its focus toward communications and information technology to benefit society. He encouraged using research and new media to improve education. He also served on the RAND Corporation board for thirty years, helping guide public policy research.

Personal life and legacy
Morrisett was married to Mary Pierre Morrisett, and they had two daughters. He died of natural causes at his home in San Diego at the age of 93. His work helped Sesame Street become a global force in children’s education, teaching reading, math, and social skills to millions of kids around the world.