New York Times:
The friendly, bearded face of Caroll Spinney may not be one you recognize immediately. But if you have watched TV at any point in the past 50 years or so, you are almost certainly familiar with his work. Since 1969, he has played the parts of the gentle, inquisitive Big Bird and the lovably disgruntled Oscar the Grouch on “Sesame Street,” the long-running children’s program.
This Thursday, as he so often has, Spinney, 84, plans to travel to the studios in Astoria, Queens, where “Sesame Street” is produced, and record some voices for his colorful alter egos.
Then he will retire from the program: His roles will be passed on to new performers and his remarkable half-century run, in which he has embodied two of the most beloved characters on television, will come to an end.
Few people can lay claim to providing more joy to children than Mr Spinney. Even as an adult, the image of Big Bird makes me smile and brings back wonderful memories of watching Sesame Street with my siblings.
I worked as a local stage hand for a Sesame Street Live (not sure if that was its official name) roadshow in 1980 or so. Having worked security for many rock shows dealing with their rowdy/drunk fans and the little old ladies with stardust in their eyes for a Lawrence Welk performance, I was blown away by the unparalleled focus of the hundred 5 year olds who rushed the stage when Big Bird (this was not Mr Spinney, but it was still Big Bird!) walked out for the first time. I stood in their way, but they did not even notice me as they rushed by and around me. Big Bird was the only thing they cared about in that moment!
They did 5 or so shows over the next several days and every time Big Bird came out it was the same reaction.
I was 10 when Sesame Street started. I watched it almost every day and was also a Big Bird fan! ::grin::
I’m sorry but if you’re *not* a Big Bird fan, get off my planet. We don’t want you here. 🙂
What a remarkable person. I envy anyone who ever got to work with him.