Hooper's Store - David and Gina

David and Gina

David, a young African-American who moved to Sesame Street in the early 1970s was soon hired by Mr. Hooper as an assistant. David was originally conceived as a hip, upbeat individual fresh out of high school who was fond of eccentric hats and singing. Although he appeared in Season 3, he began working at the store in Season 4 while studying law at college.

Mr. Hooper left David the store in his will. During seasons 16 and 17, a teenaged boy named Petey (played by Eddie Castrodad) worked at the store. Following this, David hired a new resident of the area, Gina (played by Alison Bartlett-O'Reilly) in 1987. This young teenage girl helped David as he himself had helped Mr. Hooper.

Bert was hired to help David in one Sesame Street book. During his employment he broke a teapot given to David by Mr. Hooper, but was forgiven for the mistake.

David ran the establishment from 1983 until 1989 (when Northern Calloway, the actor that played David, left the show). It was said that he moved to live with his grandmother in 1989. Actually, Northern Calloway was forced to leave the show for health reasons, and died in 1990.

David's final appearance was the season finale of Season 20 (the birth of Maria and Luis' daughter). Gina continued to work at the store for a couple of years after was bought out by Mr. Handford. Partway through the 1990s, she got a new job at the local daycare, until she finished college and remained on the show as a veterinarian.