David Langston Smyrl

David Langston Smyrl

Deceased · Born: Sep 13, 1935 · Died: Mar 22, 2016

Personal Details

BornSep 13, 1935 North Philadelphia, Philadelphia, PA

Biography

David Langston Smyrl, a multifaceted and talented individual, left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry, demonstrating his versatility and range as both a skilled actor and a gifted television writer.

Born with an innate and profound passion for the multifaceted and dynamic world of performing arts, Smyrl's most notable and enduring role was that of Mr. Handford, a fictional character of great depth and nuance, who brought warmth, wisdom, and a sense of timelessness to the iconic and beloved character of Hooper's Store on the renowned and iconic children's television program, Sesame Street.

For a period of nearly a decade, spanning from the dawn of the 1990s to the end of the millennium, in the years 1990 to 1998, Smyrl's unforgettable and iconic performance as the beloved character Mr. Handford left an indelible mark on the hearts of audiences worldwide, thereby securing his place as a cherished and unforgettable part of Sesame Street's illustrious and storied history.

As a renowned television personality, Smyrl's remarkable career trajectory was marked by an unwavering commitment to his craft, consistently showcasing his impressive range and depth as a performer, and ultimately earning him a reputation as a highly respected and accomplished figure within the industry and beyond.

He was a true master of his craft, with a versatility that allowed him to effortlessly transition between various roles and genres, always pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible and leaving a lasting impact on those who had the privilege of witnessing his work.

His dedication to his craft was unwavering, and his passion for storytelling and performance was evident in every aspect of his work, whether he was taking on a dramatic role, showcasing his comedic talents, or even lending his voice to a documentary or animated project.

As a result of his tireless efforts and unwavering commitment to excellence, Smyrl's legacy continues to be felt, with his influence extending far beyond the world of television and into the broader cultural landscape.

His impact on the world of entertainment is undeniable, and his contributions to the medium of television will be remembered for generations to come, serving as a testament to his remarkable talent, his dedication to his craft, and his unwavering passion for storytelling and performance.

As a true icon of the industry, Smyrl's legacy is one that will continue to inspire and influence future generations of performers, writers, and producers, cementing his place as one of the most talented and influential figures in the world of television and beyond.

Career

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2006
A Sesame Street Christmas Carol
A Sesame Street Christmas Carol as Mr. Hanford (archive footage)
{"id":184603,"title":"Sesame Street: Let's Eat! Funny Food Songs","year":"2003","character":"Mr. Handford (archive footage)","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/sesame-street-lets-eat-funny-food-songs-1999","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_184603.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_184603.jpg"},"released":1}
2003
Sesame Street: Let's Eat! Funny Food Songs
Sesame Street: Let's Eat! Funny Food Songs as Mr. Handford (archive footage)
{"id":93003,"title":"Elmopalooza!","year":"1998","character":"Mr. Handford","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/elmopalooza","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2hnfec7ooj50.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2hnfec7ooj50.jpg"},"released":1}
1998
Elmopalooza!
Elmopalooza! as Mr. Handford
{"id":56410,"title":"Elmo Saves Christmas","year":"1997","character":"Mr. Handford","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/elmo-saves-christmas","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_56410.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_56410.jpg"},"released":1}
1997
Elmo Saves Christmas
Elmo Saves Christmas as Mr. Handford
{"id":4556,"title":"The Preacher's Wife","year":"1996","character":"Hanley's Waiter","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/the-preachers-wife","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2jv30jcvucj0.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/images\/fanart\/movies\/poster\/2jv30jcvucj0.jpg"},"released":1}
1996
The Preacher's Wife
The Preacher's Wife as Hanley's Waiter
{"id":148321,"title":"Lady Day: The Many Faces of Billie Holiday","year":"1990","character":"Narrator","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/lady-day-the-many-faces-of-billie-holiday","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_148321.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_148321.jpg"},"released":1}
1990
{"id":32516,"title":"Long Gone","year":"1987","character":"Monroe Wright","permalink":"https:\/\/streambutter.com\/us\/movie\/long-gone","type":"movie","srcset":{"1x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/90x135\/thumbs\/movie_32516.jpg","2x":"https:\/\/img.streambutter.com\/img\/180x270\/thumbs\/movie_32516.jpg"},"released":1}
1987
Long Gone
Long Gone as Monroe Wright