However, Smyrl was best known for his role on the long running PBS children's show, Sesame Street. In 1982, actor Will Lee, who played Mr. Hooper, the original owner of Sesame Street's fictional Hooper's Store, died during production. Mr. Hooper's death was included on the show in a 1983 episode. In 1990, Smyrl was hired by Sesame Street as Mr. Hanford, the owner of Hooper's Store. Smyrl replaced Leonard Jackson, who had played a grumpier version of Mr. Hanford during the preceding Season 21. By contrast, Smyrl played Mr. Hanford as a store owner who smiled and sang to the residents of Sesame Street. Smyrl remained on Sesame Street from 1990 until 1998.
