BIG farewell on Sesame Street

Sesame Street bids farewell to a beloved performer today. Caroll Spinney, the last remaining original Muppet performer regularly working on Sesame Street, spends his final day on the set of the program today. For 49 years, he has donned the yellow suit of Big Bird, and brought Oscar the Grouch to life. Spinney first appeared as the bird and the grouch on the premiere episode of the series, November 10, 1969.  Of the original cast members, only Loretta Long, who originated the role of Susan, remains as someone still seen on the program.

Both Big Bird and Oscar will continue their adventures on Sesame Street, in the hands of other performers.

You may enjoy Paul Larson’s interview with Caroll Spinney here.  It’s an archival segment from Art Express, which aired in 2004.

Art Express was made possible, in part, by the Glenn and Carol Pearsall Adirondack Foundation, dedicated to improving the quality of life for year-round residents of the Adirondack Park. www.pearsallfoundation.org.