Sesame Street puppeteer Caroll Spinney passed away today, December 8th, 2019, at 85 years-old. Spinney had been with Sesame Street from the start in 1969, bringing the cheery Big Bird and cranky-yet-lovable Oscar the Grouch to life for five decades. Spinney was welcomed onto Sesame Street by creator Jim Henson, who took Spinney under his wing and soon what started as a mentorship between the two men developed into a life-long friendship. Henson credited Spinney as one of the people who shaped and defined Sesame Street. His legacy and influence on the show will forever be eternal.
He not only brightened millions of children's days as Big Bird via the small screen, but he also joined Big Bird in dancing with the Rockettes, being honored with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and being named a "Living Legend" by the United States Library of Congress. Spinney claimed one of his favorite moments with Big Bird was conducting and performing with a symphony orchestra touring the United States, Australia, and China, and connecting with families all over the world.
Sesame Workshop broke the news of Caroll Spinney's passing earlier today. Spinney passed away in his home Connecticut after fighting a long battle with Dystonia. He left behind his loving wife Debra, children, and grandchildren. While Spinney had retired from Sesame Street in October 2018, Big Bird and Oscar have and will continue to honor their original creator's legacy on Sesame Street. The official Sesame Street Twitter account also honored Spinney in a tweet.
Fans paid their respects by commenting nostalgic messages of love underneath the official announcement, making sure to return the love Spinney has given them for decades. Sesame Street co-founder Joan Ganz Cooney, also mourned the loss of her dear friend with a loving message on Sesame Workshop, stating, “Caroll Spinney’s contributions to Sesame Street are countless. He not only gave us Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, he gave so much of himself as well. We at Sesame Workshop mourn his passing and feel an immense gratitude for all he has given to Sesame Street and to children around the world.”
Spinney was a multi-talented, artistic genius who played a big part in Sesame Street's success as one of the longest running children shows. Not only was he a skilled puppeteer, but he created and gave life to two of the show's most memorable characters. He played an enthusiastic and larger-than-life Big Bird. His Big Bird had a heart of gold and always knew how to help out his friends. Within the same show, he was able to create a character who is almost the polar opposite. Oscar the Grouch represented the importance of anger and being able to express every emotion— even the negative ones. Yet like anyone who resorts to anger, Oscar had a real vulnerability and desire to connect with his home on Sesame Street. Over his impressive 50 year career, Spinney managed to keep the same youth and energy in his characters that he had from the start. His career bridged the gap between generations and brought loved ones closer together. Rest in peace to this legendary Sesame Street artist.
Source: Sesame Workshop/Twitter