William `` Will '' Lee ( August 6 , 1908 -- December 7 , 1982 ) was an American actor and comedian , best known for playing Mr. Hooper , one of four original human characters on `` Sesame Street '' , from the show 's debut in 1969 until his death in 1982 .
William `` Will '' Lee ( August 4 1908 - December 7 1982 ) was an American actor and comedian . He was best known for playing Mr. Hooper on `` Sesame Street '' .