Legendary ‘Sesame Street’ puppeteer dies at 85
Caroll Spinney, a legendary puppeteer behind "Sesame Street" characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, died Sunday at age 85 at his home in Connecticut, according to a news release from Sesame Workshop.
Caroll Spinney, the legendary puppeteer behind beloved Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, died today, December 8th 2019, at age 85 at his home in Connecticut, after living with Dystonia for some time. https://t.co/q7FVDul5WT
— (@sesamestreet)Dec 08 2019
Spinney lived with Dystonia for some time, according to the release. Dystonia is a movement disorder in which a person’s muscles contract uncontrollably.
»RELATED: Click here to sign Caroll Spinney's guestbook
Spinney helped shape “Sesame Street” from its earliest days in 1969 through five decades.
Spinney’s career saw Big Bird visit China with Bob Hope, dance with the Rockettes, be celebrated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and a U.S. postage stamp, and named a “Living Legend” by the Library of Congress, according to Sesame Workshop.
»RELATED: Caroll Spinney, original Big Bird, retiring from 'Sesame Street'
"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," "Sesame Street" co-founder Joan Ganz Cooney said in a news release. "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."
Here are some other reactions from Twitter:
Generations of children learned kindness, compassion and friendship from Caroll Spinney — and his characters embodied the heart of our city. On behalf of 8.6 million New Yorkers, I offer our condolences to his family, friends and everyone who knew and loved him.
— (@NYCMayor)Dec 08 2019
Today we note the passing of legendary puppeteer and Sesame Street icon Caroll Spinney. https://t.co/Rt3hYy7WHA
— (@PBS)Dec 08 2019
carol spinney rip ❤️❤️❤️ what a kind loving man he was #BIGBIRD
— (@Rosie)Dec 08 2019
Every kid’s favorite teacher. Every kid’s friend. Could be a real Grouch at times. Thank you, Carroll Spinney. Rest In Peace.
— (@BrianLynch)Dec 08 2019
Whether as a Big Bird filled with wonder or a grouch named Oscar filled with complaints, Caroll Spinney filled all of our lives with joy, laughter and learning. Forever in our hearts.
— (@TheMuppets)Dec 08 2019
Tonight, at the Kennedy Center Honors, I will be wearing these famous bird’s legs and thinking about my friend and mentor, Caroll Spinney. Caroll taught me to keep an innocence and childlike quality alive—not only in Big Bird, but in myself. Thank you, Caroll. @sesamestreet
— (@welcomemattv)Dec 08 2019
Sad to learn that Carroll Spinney has passed. What a legacy he left behind! If you haven't seen the documentary about him, you really ought to... it's called "I Am Big Bird" https://t.co/wu99D6DdxU #RIPcarollspinney
— (@peeweeherman)Dec 08 2019
watched some kids set up a little memorial at Big Bird's Star on the Walk of Fame. Turned out they were relatives of Caroll Spinney. Very sweet gesture. #RIPBigBird
— (@MattOswaltVA)Dec 08 2019
Thank you for bringing these iconic characters to life, Carroll Spinney. Generations of children have had their lives made all the richer by your work. We shall miss you, as you go to rest now amongst the stars.
— (@GeorgeTakei)Dec 08 2019
Sad day. Caroll was the sweetest man. Always took time to talk to adults and children, so kind and patient. He made meeting big bird such a special experience for people.
— (@KerryButlerNyc)Dec 08 2019
