Skip Hinnant, Actor on ‘The Electric Company’ and Voice of Fritz the Cat, Dies at 86

Skip Hinnant, an original cast member of the children’s television series *The Electric Company* and the voice of Fritz in two animated films, has died aged 86. His family said he died on Sunday in Denver. His career linked educational television with stage work and adult animation, including a film that became the first animated feature to receive an X rating.

Hinnant played Fargo North, Decoder and other characters on *The Electric Company* from its 1971 debut until the programme ended in 1977. He voiced the title character in *Fritz the Cat* (1972) and its 1974 sequel, the first animated film to receive an R rating. His other work included the original off-Broadway cast of *You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown*, Broadway’s *Plaza Suite*, children’s specials and voice roles; he also served on SAG’s national board from 1980 to 2003. He is survived by four children, nine grandchildren and longtime partner Ruth Nerken; a private memorial is being planned in Chincoteague, Virginia.