List of human Sesame Street characters

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Long-running cast member Bob McGrath, who played Bob on Sesame Street from its premiere in 1969 until 2016 Bob McGrath Sesame Place headshot.jpg
Long-running cast member Bob McGrath, who played Bob on Sesame Street from its premiere in 1969 until 2016

Since the premiere of the children's television program Sesame Street on November 10, 1969, it has included what writer Malcolm Gladwell has called "the essence of Sesame Street—the artful blend of fluffy monsters and earnest adults". [1] The original cast, chosen by original producer Jon Stone, consisted of four human actors—Matt Robinson, who played Gordon; Loretta Long, who played Gordon's wife, Susan; Will Lee, who played Mr. Hooper; and Bob McGrath, who played Bob. Unlike most children's television programs at the time, the producers of Sesame Street decided against using a single host and cast a group of ethnically diverse, primarily African American actors/presenters, [2] with, as Sesame Street researcher Gerald S. Lesser put it, "a variety of distinctive and reliable personalities". [3]

Contents

Stone did not audition actors until spring 1969, a few weeks before five shows, designed to test the show's appeal to children and to examine their comprehension of the material, were due to be filmed. Stone videotaped the auditions, and researcher Ed Palmer took them out into the field to test children's reactions. The actors who received the "most enthusiastic thumbs up" were cast. [4] For example, when the children saw Long's audition, they stood up and sang along with her rendition of "I'm a Little Teapot". [4] [5] As Stone said, casting was the only aspect of the show that was "just completely haphazard". [6] Most of the cast and crew found jobs on Sesame Street through personal relationships with Stone and the other producers. [6]

The results of the test shows, which were never intended for broadcast and shown to preschoolers in 60 homes throughout Philadelphia and in day care centers in New York City in July 1969, [6] were "generally very positive". [7] The researchers found that children learned from the shows, that the show's appeal was high, and that children's attention was sustained over the full hour. [6] However, they found that, although children's attention was high during the Muppet segments, their interest wavered when there were only humans on screen. The producers had followed the advice of child psychologists who were concerned that children would be confused, and had recommended that human actors and Muppets not be shown together. As a result of this decision, the appeal of the test episodes was lower than they would have liked, [7] [8] so the show's producers knew they needed to make significant changes, including defying the recommendations of their advisers and show the human and Muppet characters together. Lesser called this decision "a turning point in the history of Sesame Street". [1] Muppet creator Jim Henson and his coworkers created Muppets for Sesame Street that could interact with the human actors, and many segments were re-shot. [1]

The human cast currently consists of Alan, Chris, Nina, Charlie, Mia, Dave and Frank. Though no longer part of the show, longtime cast members Bob, Gordon, Susan, Luis, Maria and Gina have still made special appearances on occasion, in online videos, TV specials and at live appearances. In 2019, retired characters from the series such as Linda, Miles and Leela returned for the TV special Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration . [9] [10]

Characters

Buffy Sainte-Marie, shown here in 1970, who made appearances on Sesame Street from 1976 to 1981 Buffy Sainte-Marie 1970.JPG
Buffy Sainte-Marie, shown here in 1970, who made appearances on Sesame Street from 1976 to 1981
Lily Tomlin (2008), one of the many celebrities who have appeared on the show and portrayer of Edith Ann and Ernestine the Telephone Operator Lily Tomlin 2014.jpg
Lily Tomlin (2008), one of the many celebrities who have appeared on the show and portrayer of Edith Ann and Ernestine the Telephone Operator
Roscoe Orman, who played Gordon (shown here in 2007) Roscoe orman 2007.jpg
Roscoe Orman, who played Gordon (shown here in 2007)
Matt Robinson, who played Gordon on Sesame Street from 1969 to 1972. Matt Robinson 1970b.jpg
Matt Robinson, who played Gordon on Sesame Street from 1969 to 1972.
Luis, played by Emilio Delgado Emilio Delgado.jpg
Luis, played by Emilio Delgado
Sonia Manzano who played Maria Sonia Manzano - 2015 National Book Festival.jpg
Sonia Manzano who played Maria
Charlotte Rae (at the 40th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1988), who played Molly in the early 1970s Charlotte Rae at the 1988 Emmy Awards cropped.jpg
Charlotte Rae (at the 40th Primetime Emmy Awards in 1988), who played Molly in the early 1970s
Bill Irwin the original Mr. Noodle Bill Irwin by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Bill Irwin the original Mr. Noodle
Michael Jeter (shown here in 1992), who played Mr. Noodle's brother Mr. Noodle Michael Jeter at the 44th Emmy Awards cropped.jpg
Michael Jeter (shown here in 1992), who played Mr. Noodle's brother Mr. Noodle
Kristin Chenoweth (shown here in 2018), who played Mr. Noodle's Sister, Ms. Noodle from 2003 to 2006 Kristin Chenoweth by Gage Skidmore 2.jpg
Kristin Chenoweth (shown here in 2018), who played Mr. Noodle's Sister, Ms. Noodle from 2003 to 2006
Daveed Diggs (2016), who played one of Mr. Noodle's Brothers Daveed Diggs, White House, March 2016.png
Daveed Diggs (2016), who played one of Mr. Noodle's Brothers
Tina Fey played a pirate captain in episode 4135 in 2007 Tina Fey by Gage Skidmore.jpg
Tina Fey played a pirate captain in episode 4135 in 2007
Raul Julia (shown here in 1977), who played Rafael in 1971 Raul Julia - Dracula.jpg
Raúl Juliá (shown here in 1977), who played Rafael in 1971
Ruth Buzzi (shown here in 1996), who played Ruthie from 1993 to 2001 Ruth Buzzi 1996.jpg
Ruth Buzzi (shown here in 1996), who played Ruthie from 1993 to 2001
CharacterActorDescription
Alan
(1998–present)		 Alan Muraoka [11] A "warm and welcoming character", who's been the proprietor of Hooper's Store since its more contemporary redesign in 1998. [12]
Angela
(1993–1995)		Angel JemmottPart of the "Around-the-Corner" expansion of the 1990s, Angela was a day care worker. She was the wife of Jamal and mother of baby Kayla. [13]
Antonio
(1971–1972)		Panchito GómezThe son of Rafael.
Armando "Mando"
(2013–2015)		 Ismael Cruz Córdova An energetic Puerto Rican Latino writer and "techie [who] loves his gadgets". [14]
Billy Tuesday (2004)Taylor MatalonJane Tuesday's "wily and mischievous brother", who seems to always be at the scene of the crime. [15]
Bob Johnson
(1969–2016) [16] 		Bob McGrath An original cast member and Sesame Street's resident music teacher. [17]
Buddy and Jim
(1969–1970)		 Brandon Maggart and Jim Catusi [18] "Two bumblers" who appeared in the first season of Sesame Street. [18] [19]
Buffy
(1975–1981)		 Buffy Sainte-Marie Indigenous Canadian folk singer who appeared in an "understated" scene about breastfeeding with Big Bird and her infant son Cody. [20] [21] Buffy helped introduce Native American culture to Sesame Street's audience. [22]
Carlo
(1993–1998) [23] 		Carlo Alban A teenager who worked at Hooper's Store. [24]
Celina
(1993–1998)		 Annette Calud A regular for five years who was part of the "Around the Corner" expansion. She was a dance teacher. [25]
Charlie
(2020–present)		Violet Tinnirello8-year-old Charlotte, nicknamed "Charlie", who moved to Sesame Street after her parents retired from the military. Her mother is played by Muppet performer Jennifer Barnhart.
Chris Robinson
(2007–present)		 Chris Knowings A student who works part-time at Hooper's Store. He is the nephew of Gordon and Susan. [26] [27]
Christy Robinson (2008, 2011) Christy Knowings Chris' twin sister (also in real life); appeared in 3 episodes. [28]
Cody
(1977)		Dakota Starblanket WolfchildInfant son of Buffy Saint-Marie and Sheldon Wolfchild; was breast-fed by his mother on-air, and helped demonstrate sibling rivalry with Big Bird. [22]
David
(1971–1989) [29] [30] 		Northern Calloway [30] A hip and upbeat individual fond of eccentric hats who worked at Hooper's Store. He eventually took over management of the store after Mr. Hooper's death. [29]
Duane
(1991–1993)		 Donald Faison One of Jelani's group of friends, along with Tyrone and Lamar, who formed their own after-school company, "Jelani and Company".
Edith Ann Lily Tomlin A comic, childlike character who appeared in five segments. [31]
ErnestineLily TomlinA nasal-voiced telephone operator. [32]
Gabriela "Gabi" Rodriguez
(1989–2013)		Bryan Maitland (1989)
Brittany and Sarah Beaudry (1989)
Morgan DeSena (1989–93)
Gabriela Rose Reagan (1989–93)
Desiree Casado (1993–2013) [33] 		Daughter of Luis and Maria Rodriguez (born 1989), her character was created as part of the show's curriculum about love, marriage, and childbirth. [34] [33]
Dr. Gina Jefferson
(1986–2015)		Alison Bartlett-O'Reilly [35] Started on the show as a teenager who worked in Hooper's Store. She ran a daycare center, later became a veterinarian, and adopted a baby named Marco from Guatemala. [36]
Gordon Robinson
(1969–2016, 2023–present)		Garrett Saunders (1969) [37]
Matt Robinson (1969–1972)
Hal Miller (1972–1974)
Roscoe Orman (1974–2016, 2023–present) [38] 		Named for photographer-filmmaker Gordon Parks. [39] He is a science teacher who owned the brownstone "123 Sesame Street" building with his wife Susan. He was the first character introduced in the show's premiere. Davis described him as "a dutiful husband and steady provider, a well-liked and respected figure in the neighborhood." [40]
Grace
(1976–1989)		 Clarice Taylor David's grandmother.
Hiroshi
(1988–1991)		 Gedde Watanabe A Japanese artist. [13]
Mr. Harold Hooper
(1969–1983)		 Will Lee The original proprietor of Hooper's Store. Lee described Mr. Hooper as "the gruff grocer with the warm heart". [41] Sesame Street dealt with Lee's 1982 death in what Davis called "a landmark broadcast" [42] that aired on Thanksgiving Day, 1983. [42]
Jamal
(1993–1995)		Jou JouA park ranger who was married to Angela and had a baby named Kayla. [13]
Jane Tuesday (2004)Kyla TaubA 7-year-old private investigator in a series of short films. [15]
Jason
(1975)		 Jason Kingsley Child with Down syndrome who made 55 appearances on the show from the early-to-mid 1970s. Jason was the son of writer Emily Kingsley, who pushed for more inclusion of people with disabilities on the show. [43] [44]
Jelani
(1987–1991)		 Eugene Byrd Byrd was hired by producer Dulcy Singer as a part of a curriculum push about race relations. [45] [46]
Jennie
(1969)		 Jada Rowland [47] Appeared in first episode of Sesame Street. [19]
JoeyJoey Calvan [48]
John-JohnJohn Williams IIIBest known for his count-to-20 segment with Herry Monster, Gikow said what made him stand out was his "effortless connection to the Muppets and the bold confidence of his delivery." [48]
Kayla
(1993–1995)		Rachael McDaniel and Syvae McDanielBaby daughter of Angela and Jamal. [13]
Larry and Phyllis Alan Arkin and Barbara DanaPlayed by the real-life husband and wife, they taught cooperation during season two. [49] [50]
Leela (2008–2015) Nitya Vidyasagar Indian American character who ran Sesame Street's laundromat. [51]
Lillian (1989–1993) Lillias White Ran a daycare on Sesame Street. She was portrayed by Broadway performer White. [52]
Linda
(1971–2002) [53] 		Linda Bove The neighborhood librarian and Bob's girlfriend. Bove said that writer Emily Kingsley "wrote Linda as a person first, then worried about the other stuff", referring to Linda's deafness and use of American Sign Language. [54]
Luis Rodriguez
(1971–2016)		 Emilio Delgado Davis calls Luis "a tenderhearted Hispanic man"; [55] Luis married Maria in 1988, and his daughter Gabi was born in 1989. For more than four decades, he ran The Fix-It Shop. [56] [33]
Marco Jefferson
(2006–2014)		MatthewGina's adopted son from Guatemala. [57]
Maria Rodriguez
(1971–2015) [58] 		Sonia Manzano Starting as a teenager and one of the first Latinas on television, Maria is loosely based upon her portrayer's life. Maria married Luis, became co-owner of the Fix-It Shop after working under him, and had a daughter named Gabi. She had a close relationship with Oscar the Grouch, who nicknamed her Skinny. [59]
Miguel
(1970–1972)		 Jaime Sánchez First Latino cast member. [13]
Mike
(1989–1991)		Ward SaxtonOne of Gordon's students, always after food. A romantic relationship between him and Gina was implied. [13]
Mia
(2021–present)		Olivia Perez [60] Nina's niece and the daughter of Dave and Frank, the first married gay couple on Sesame Street. [61]
Miles Robinson
(1985–2008)		 Miles Orman (1985–1995) [62]
Kevin Clash (1987)
Imani Patterson (1995–2002), [33]
Olamide Faison (2003–2008) [63] 		The adopted son of Gordon and Susan Robinson (adopted 1985). [33]
Molly
(1971–1975)		 Charlotte Rae A female mail carrier. She and Bob were very close. [13]
Mr. Handford
(1989–1998)		 Leonard Jackson (1989–1990)
David Smyrl (1990–1998) [13] 		A retired firefighter who took over ownership of Hooper's Store from David. Jackson played "the grumpier version" of the character, while Smyrl played the "smiling, singing" Mr. Handford. [64]
Mr. MacIntosh
(1971)		 Chester O'Brien A fruit vendor played by Sesame Street's floor manager. [13]
Mr. Noodle Bill Irwin (1998–2009, 2017–present) [65] A mime featured in Elmo's World , whose mistakes empower viewers to, as writer Louise Gikow puts it, "call out instructions that allow them to feel smarter than the adult." [66]
Mr. Noodle's Brother, Mr. Noodle (2000–2003) [67] Michael Jeter Mr. Noodle's brother who appeared in the Elmo's World segments, often with his brother. [66]
Mr. Noodle's Sister, Ms. Noodle Kristin Chenoweth Mr. Noodle's sister who appeared in Elmo's World. [66]
Mr. Noodle's Other Sister, Miss Noodle Sarah Jones Mr. Noodle's other sister; like Irwin, Jeter, and Chenoweth, Jones is a Tony award winner. [68]
Mr. Noodle's Brothers
2017		 Daveed Diggs; Daniel Koren Appeared in the retooled Elmo's World, with Irwin's Noodle and their three pet dogs, Schmoodle, Floodle, and Frank. [69]
Nina (2016–present) Suki Lopez A young bilingual Hispanic woman of Cuban descent who works at both the bike shop and the Sesame Street's laundromat. [70]
The Number Painter
(1972)		 Paul Benedict A bowler-capped fellow in several short films, he would randomly pop up in places and paint his surroundings with big red numbers. [71]
Olivia Robinson
(1976–1988)		 Alaina Reed Gordon's sister and a professional photographer. Olivia was well known for her many musical performances on the show. [72]
Pirate Captain (2007) Tina Fey A "swashbuckling captain" of the Bookaneers, a group of pirates who love to read. [73]
Piri
(1984–1986)		 Eddie Castrodad A teenager who worked at Hooper's Store.
Rafael
(1971–1972)		 Raul Julia A Puerto Rican man who was partnered with Luis in the L & R Fix-It Shop. [74]
Ruthie
(1993–2001)		 Ruth Buzzi The enthusiastic proprietor of Sesame Street's thrift shop Finders Keepers; part of the "Around the Corner" expansion in the early 1990s. After her shop was removed from the set in 1998, she continued to make appearances in inserts for a few years. [13] [75]
Sally
(1969)		A young girl who appeared in the first episode of Sesame Street. [76]
Savion
(1989–1995) [13] 		Savion Glover Brought on Sesame Street to provide viewers with a positive teen role model, Savion was a dancer whose character was based upon his portrayer. He and Gina, when they were teenagers, battled prejudice against interracial couples. [77]
SheldonSheldon WolfchildBuffy's husband and Cody's father; the family's appearance on the show was called "the first time Sesame Street has had a nuclear family." [22]
Susan Robinson
(1969–2016)		 Loretta Long Gordon's wife and Miles' mother, one of four regular characters that appeared on the show's premiere. She "evolved from housewife to nurse to working mother" over the years. [78] [76]
Tarah
(1993–2001)		 Tarah Schaeffer The first regularly appearing character on Sesame Street who used a wheelchair; served as a positive role model for children with disabilities. [79] [80]
Tom
(1970–1972)		 Larry Block Worked at Hooper's Store. [13]
Trash Gordon
(2004–2007)		 Roscoe Orman A spoof of the 1930s superhero Flash Gordon. [81]
Mrs. Mae Trump Loretta Tupper Played by the radio performer of the 1930s and 1940s, she played the piano on Sesame Street. [82]
Uncle Wally
(1984–1992) [13] [83] 		Bill McCutcheon Bob's eccentric uncle. He is a travelling salesman. The Los Angeles Times called Wally "a fun-loving, down-to-earth, endearing older gentleman." [83]
Wanda Falbo (Word Fairy)
(1989–2000)		 Andrea Martin Played by SCTV alum who won an Emmy for her work on Sesame Street. [84] [85]
Wally and Ralph
(1971–1974)		Paul Price and Joe PonazeckiA comedy team in the tradition of Laurel and Hardy who appeared during season 3. [86]
Willy
Kermit Love A hot dog vendor. He was played by the Muppet designer who co-created Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus. [87] [13]

See also

Citations

  1. 1 2 3 Gladwell, p. 106
  2. ↑ Lesser, p. 99
  3. ↑ Lesser, p. 125
  4. 1 2 Borgenicht, p. 15
  5. ↑ Davis, p. 172
  6. 1 2 3 4 Davis, p. 167
  7. 1 2 Fisch, Shalom M.; Bernstein, Lewis (2001). "Formative Research Revealed: Methodological and Process Issues in Formative Research". In Fisch, Shalom M.; Truglio, Rosemarie T. (eds.). "G" is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street. Mahweh, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers. pp.  39. ISBN   0-8058-3395-1.
  8. ↑ Gladwell, p. 105
  9. ↑ "Who is the 'Sesame Street' 50th anniversary special actually for?". The Los Angeles Times . November 9, 2019. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  10. ↑ "HBO Reveals Details About Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration". Cbr.com. October 18, 2019. Retrieved June 23, 2020.
  11. ↑ Gikow, p. 81
  12. ↑ Wang, Frances Kai-Hwa (July 15, 2015). "From Broadway to Big Bird: Behind the Scenes With Sesame Street's Alan Muraoka". NBC News. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  13. 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 10 11 12 13 14 Gikow, p. 83
  14. ↑ Grode, Eric (August 30, 2013). "A Chameleon Onstage and on TV". The New York Times. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  15. 1 2 "Jane Tuesday World Broadcast Premiere" (Press release). PR Web.com. April 29, 2004. Archived from the original on March 7, 2014. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  16. ↑ Butler, Bethonie (August 2, 2016). "'Sesame Street' says goodbye to Gordon, Bob and Luis. Fans are not happy". Washington Post. Retrieved October 16, 2024.
  17. ↑ "Bob McGrath". Sesame Workshop.org. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  18. 1 2 "A Toddle Down 'Sesame Street'". Ebony. 25 (3): 39. January 1970. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  19. 1 2 Episode 0001 (November 10, 1969), in Old School, Volume 1 (Disc 1) [DVD] (2006), Children's Television Workshop
  20. ↑ Davis, p. 236
  21. ↑ Ditchburn, Jennifer (April 29, 2010). "Buffy Sainte-Marie to get Governor General's Award". Toronto Star. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  22. 1 2 3 "Sesame Street Gets Family". The Times-News. Henderson, North Carolina. April 9, 1977. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  23. ↑ Dailey, Kate (November 24, 2011). "I is for Illegal: Acting on Sesame Street without a visa". BBC News Magazine. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  24. ↑ Alban, Carlo (March 14, 2011). "I Was Undocumented on "Sesame Street"". Fox News Latino. Archived from the original on March 17, 2011. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  25. ↑ Borgenicht, p. 127
  26. ↑ Gikow, pp. 62–63
  27. ↑ Chow, Andrew R. (July 28, 2016). "Three Longtime 'Sesame Street' Cast Members Are Let Go". The New York Times. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  28. ↑ "Christy Knowlings". Eonline.com. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  29. 1 2 Davis, pp. 229
  30. 1 2 "Northern Calloway, Actor, 41, on Stage And 'Sesame Street'". The New York Times. January 13, 1990. pp. 1–33. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  31. ↑ Gikow, p. 125
  32. ↑ Clarke, Carolyn V. (February 1995). "Kevin Clash, Principle Muppeteer, Jim Henson Productions". Black Enterprise: 95. Retrieved August 19, 2019.
  33. 1 2 3 4 5 Gikow, p. 122
  34. ↑ Truglio, Rosemarie T.; Lovelace, Valeria O.; Seqhi, Ivelisse; Scheiner, Scheiner (2001). "The Varied Role of Formative Research: Case Studies From 30 years". In Fisch, Shalom M.; Truglio, Rosemarie T. (eds.). "G" is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street. Mahweh, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers. pp.  74. ISBN   0-8058-3395-1.
  35. ↑ Davis, p. 291
  36. ↑ Gikow, p. 80
  37. ↑ Pesce, Nicole Lyn (July 28, 2016). "'Sesame Street' axes one, two, three favorite human characters". New York Daily News. Retrieved October 15, 2017.
  38. ↑ Gikow, p. 72
  39. ↑ Davis, p. 168
  40. ↑ Davis, p. 182
  41. ↑ Davis, p. 178
  42. 1 2 Davis, p. 284
  43. ↑ Gikow, p. 181
  44. ↑ Davis, p. 232
  45. ↑ Lipton, Laura (November 11, 1990). "Dulcy Singer: 22 Years on a Changing 'Street'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  46. ↑ Fearn-Banks, Kathleen (2006). Historical Dictionary of African-American Television. Lanham, Maryland: Scarecrow Press. pp.  62. ISBN   0-8108-5335-3.
  47. ↑ Young, Rachel (September 27, 2014). "Artist profile: Jada Rowland of Greenport". Northforker. Long Island, New York. Retrieved August 20, 2019.
  48. 1 2 Gikow, p. 123
  49. ↑ Lague, Louise (March 26, 1979). "Stardom Was a Catch-22 for Alan Arkin, but His Wife and a Guru Helped Beat the System". People Magazine. Vol. 11, no. 12. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  50. ↑ Episode 0131 (1970-11-1090), in Old School, Volume 1 (Disc 2) [DVD] (2006), Children's Television Workshop
  51. ↑ Gikow, p. 63
  52. ↑ Rothstein, Mervyn (January 4, 2010). "A Life in the Theatre: Lillias White". Playbill. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  53. ↑ Schuchmann, John S. (1979). "Filmography". Hollywood Speaks: Deafness and the Film Entertainment Industry. Chicago: Illini Books. p. 138. ISBN   0-252-01526-6.
  54. ↑ Davis, pp. 234—235
  55. ↑ Davis, p. 293
  56. ↑ Gikow, p. 207
  57. ↑ Gikow, p. 80, 217
  58. ↑ "44 years after joining the show, Sesame Street's Maria is retiring". A.V. Club. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  59. ↑ Bever, Lindsey (August 25, 2019). "'Maria,' surely the most-loved person on TV, is leaving 'Sesame Street'". The Washington Post. Retrieved December 17, 2017.
  60. ↑ Artavia, David (June 18, 2021). "'Sesame Street' Takes a Big Leap for LGBTQ Visibility, Introduces Gay Dads with a Daughter". Yahoo Entertainment. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  61. ↑ Firozi, Paulina (June 21, 2021). "Family with Two Dads Debuts on 'Sesame Street' during Pride Week". Washington Post. Retrieved April 19, 2023.
  62. ↑ Begley, Sarah (November 10, 2014). "Sesame Street's Gordon Looks Back on the Show's 45 Years of Impact". Time. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  63. ↑ "Artist Talk With R&B Artist Olamide Faison To Be Held Sunday At Lindsay Street Hall". Chattanoogan.com. August 6, 2013. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  64. ↑ "David Smyrl Dies at 80; Played Mr. Handford on 'Sesame Street'". The New York Times. Associated Press. March 26, 2016. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  65. ↑ Steinberg, Brian (October 17, 2016). "'Sesame Street' Will Revive 'Elmo's World'". Variety. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  66. 1 2 3 Gikow, p. 169
  67. ↑ "Michael Jeter, 50, Dies; Won Acting Prizes". The New York Times. April 2, 2003. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  68. ↑ Heldenfels, Rich (July 19, 2012). "TV Q&A: 'Sesame Street's' Mr. Noodle explained". Akron Beacon Journal. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  69. ↑ Steinberg, Brian (October 17, 2017). "'Sesame Street' Will Revive 'Elmo's World'". Variety. Retrieved December 24, 2017.
  70. ↑ Reyes, Raul A. (January 15, 2016). "Sesame Street Welcomes 'Nina,' a Young Latina, to 46th Season". NBC News.com. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  71. ↑ Finn, Natalie (December 4, 2008). "Paul Benedict, Jeffersons Neighbor & Sesame Street Painter, Found Dead". Eonline.com. Retrieved August 27, 2018.
  72. ↑ McLellan, Dennis (December 22, 2008). "Alaina Reed Hall dies at 63; actress was Olivia Robinson on 'Sesame Street'". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  73. ↑ Walsh-Boyle, Megan (August 13, 2007). "Tina Fey Rocks Sesame Street's World (and Vice Versa)". TV Guide.com. Retrieved August 28, 2019.
  74. ↑ Curiel, Kamren (September 1, 2013). "10 Latino Characters Who Made Their Way to Sesame Street". Latina. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  75. ↑ Davis, p. 320
  76. 1 2 Davis, p. 193
  77. ↑ Schemo, Diane Jean (January 2, 1994). "TELEVISION; 'Sesame Street,' Just a Few Steps From Broadway". The New York Times. Retrieved August 27, 2019.
  78. ↑ "Loretta Long". Sesame Workshop.org. Retrieved August 25, 2019.
  79. ↑ Tofig, Diana (October 31, 1993). "Plainville Girl Takes Her Own Magic To 'Sesame Street'". Hartford Courant. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  80. ↑ Cook, Sally Williams (January 17, 1994). "Girl in Wheelchair Joins 'Sesame Street' Cast". The Free Lance-Star. Fredericksburg, Virginia. Associated Press. p. B6. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  81. ↑ Gikow, p. 73
  82. ↑ "Loretta Tupper, 84, A Radio Entertainer". The New York Times. September 22, 1990. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  83. 1 2 McLellan, Dennis (January 12, 2012). "Bill McCutcheon, 77; Comedic Actor". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved January 1, 2018.
  84. ↑ "Andrea in Film and Television". I am Andrea Martin.com. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  85. ↑ Anstead, Alicia (March 3, 2005). "Funny Woman; 'Fiddler on the Roof' latest role for Maine native Andrea Martin". Bangor Daily News. p. C1. Archived from the original on November 3, 2014. Retrieved August 30, 2019.
  86. ↑ Gikow, p. 85
  87. ↑ Hevesi, Dennis (June 24, 2008). "Kermit Love, Costume Creator, Dies at 91". The New York Times. Retrieved August 30, 2019.

General and cited references

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Sesame Street is an American educational children's television series that combines live-action, sketch comedy, animation, and puppetry. It is produced by Sesame Workshop and was created by Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett. It is known for its images communicated through the use of Jim Henson's Muppets, and includes short films, with humor and cultural references. It premiered on November 10, 1969, to positive reviews, some controversy, and high viewership. It has aired on the United States national public television provider PBS since its debut, with its first run moving to premium channel HBO on January 16, 2016, then its sister streaming service (HBO) Max in 2020.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sesame Workshop</span> American nonprofit organization and childrens media producer

Sesame Workshop (SW), originally known as the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), is an American nonprofit organization that has been responsible for the production of several educational children's programs—including its first and best-known, Sesame Street—that have been televised internationally. Joan Ganz Cooney and Lloyd Morrisett developed the idea to form an organization to produce the Sesame Street television series. They spent two years, from 1966 to 1968, researching, developing, and raising money for the new series. Cooney was named as the Workshop's first executive director, which was termed "one of the most important television developments of the decade."

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Big Bird</span> Sesame Street character

Big Bird is a Muppet character designed by Jim Henson and built by Kermit Love for the children's television show Sesame Street. An eight-foot-two-inch-tall (249 cm) bright yellow anthropomorphic bird, he can roller skate, ice skate, dance, swim, sing, write poetry, draw, and ride a unicycle. Despite this wide array of talents, he is prone to frequent misunderstandings, on one occasion even singing the alphabet as a single word. He would refer to grocer Mr. Hooper as "Mr. Looper", among other mispronunciations. He lives in a large nest behind the 123 Sesame Street brownstone and right next to Oscar the Grouch's trash can. In Season 46, the nest sits within a small, furnished maple tree, and is no longer hidden by used construction doors. He has a teddy bear named Radar.

History of <i>Sesame Street</i>

The preschool educational television program Sesame Street was first aired on public television stations on November 10, 1969, and reached its 54th season in 2023. The history of Sesame Street has reflected changing attitudes to developmental psychology, early childhood education, and cultural diversity. Featuring Jim Henson's Muppets, animation, live shorts, humor and celebrity appearances, it was the first television program of its kind to base its content and production values on laboratory and formative research, and the first to include a curriculum "detailed or stated in terms of measurable outcomes". Initial responses to the show included adulatory reviews, some controversy and high ratings. By its 40th anniversary in 2009, Sesame Street was broadcast in over 120 countries, and 20 independent international versions had been produced. It has won eleven Grammys and over 150 Emmys in its history—more than any other children's show.

Hooper's Store is a fictional business and meeting-place on the television show Sesame Street. When the show began, the store was one of the four main locations on the set representing the fictional Sesame Street, with the 123 Sesame Street brownstone, the Fix-It Shop, and the carriage house. In the show, the original owner was Mr. Hooper, a gruff but friendly grocer.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Mr. Hooper</span> Sesame Street character

Mr. Harold Hooper was one of the first four human characters to appear on the television series Sesame Street. Created by producer and writer Jon Stone, Mr. Hooper is the original proprietor of Hooper's Store, the neighborhood variety store and combination diner/corner store that serves as a place for Muppets and humans to meet and interact. Lee, a character actor and instructor was "perfectly cast" as Mr. Hooper. Mr. Hooper ranked first of all human characters of the show in recognition by young viewers. Mr. Hooper, who has been described as "slightly cranky but good-hearted" and "curmudgeonly", bridges the gap between the older generation and its young audience. Hooper's Store, "an idealized social institution", is an extension of his personality. He had a close relationship with the Muppet Big Bird.

<i>Plaza Sésamo</i> Educational childrens television series for preschoolers

Plaza Sésamo is the first international co-production of the educational children's television series Sesame Street. Its first season premiered in Mexico in 1972, and the last season ended in 2018 during the holiday season and the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, but the show returned in 2020. It has also aired throughout Latin America, to a potential audience of 25 million children in 34 countries. Unlike some of the earliest co-productions, which consisted of dubbed versions of Sesame Street sketches with local language voice-overs, Plaza Sésamo along with Vila Sésamo were actual co-productions. Half of the show was adapted from the American show, and half was original material, created in Mexico by Mexican writers, performers, and producers. The first season consisted of 130 half-hour episodes. The Plaza Sésamo development process was similar to that of the American show. Its goals were developed by local experts in television, child development, and early education during curriculum seminars in Caracas, Venezuela. Sésamo's goals emphasized problem solving and reasoning, and also included perception, symbolic representation, human diversity, and the child's environment. Other goals included community cooperation, family life, nutrition, health, safety, self-esteem, and expressing emotions. Early reading skills were taught through the whole language method. The show's budget for the first and second seasons was approximately US$1.6 million.

Elmo's World is a segment that is shown in the American children's television program Sesame Street. It always comes last and premiered on November 16, 1998, as part of a broader structural change to the show. It originally lasted fifteen minutes at the end of each episode. The segment ran until 2009, and then returned in 2017. The segment was designed to appeal to younger viewers and to increase ratings, which had fallen in the past decade. The segment is presented from the perspective of a three-year-old child as represented by its host, the Muppet Elmo, performed by Kevin Clash in the original series and Ryan Dillon in the 2017 reboot.

Sesame Street international co-productions are adaptations of the American educational children's television series Sesame Street but tailored to the countries in which they are produced. Shortly after the debut of Sesame Street in the United States in 1969, television producers, teachers, and officials of several countries approached the show's producers and the executives of the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), renamed Sesame Workshop (SW) in 2000, about the possibility of airing international versions of Sesame Street. Creator Joan Ganz Cooney hired former CBS executive Michael Dann to field offers to produce versions of the show in other countries.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Snuffy's Parents Get a Divorce</span> Unreleased episode of Sesame Street

"Snuffy's Parents Get a Divorce" is the name of an episode on the children's television program Sesame Street. Produced in 1992, it never aired because tests revealed several unintended negative effects. Sesame Street has a history of addressing difficult topics as part of its affective curriculum goals, including death, marriage, childbirth, and disaster. Extensive research was conducted before these episodes were written and produced to determine their focus, and after they aired, to analyze their impact on viewers. This was the case for "Snuffy's Parents Get a Divorce." The show's producers had expressed a desire to produce the episode as early as 1989, and they were convinced that it was a topic they should address after the US Census Bureau reported that 40% of American children had experienced divorce.

A wide variety of characters have appeared on the American children's television series Sesame Street. Many of the characters are Muppets, which are puppets made in Jim Henson's distinctive puppet-creation style. Most of the non-Muppet characters are human characters, but there are many characters that are animated.

<i>Street Gang</i> Non-fiction book by Michael Davis

Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street is a non-fiction book chronicling the history of the children's television program Sesame Street. Street Gang is journalist and writer Michael Davis's first book, published by Viking Press in 2008. On bookshelves in time for the show's 40th anniversary in 2009, the book developed out of a TV Guide article Davis wrote to commemorate the show's 35th anniversary in 2004. Davis spent five years researching and writing the book, and conducted hundreds of interviews with the show's creators, cast, and crew.

<i>Children and Television: Lessons from Sesame Street</i> 1974 book by Gerald S. Lesser

Children and Television: Lessons from Sesame Street (1974) is a non-fiction book written by Gerald S. Lesser, in which he describes the production of Sesame Street, and the formation and pedagogical philosophy of the Children's Television Workshop. Lesser was a professor at Harvard University, studying how social class and ethnicity interacted with school achievement and was one of the first academics in the US who researched how watching television affected children and their development. He was initially skeptical about the potential of using television as a teaching tool, but he was eventually named as the advisory board chairman of the Children's Television Workshop (CTW), the organization created to oversee the production and research of Sesame Street, and was the show's first educational director. Lesser wrote the book early in Sesame Street's history, to evaluate the show's effectiveness, to explain what its writers, researchers, and producers were attempting to do, and to respond to criticism of Sesame Street.

In 1969, the children's television show Sesame Street premiered on the National Educational Television network in the United States. Unlike earlier children's programming, the show's producers used research and over 1,000 studies and experiments to create the show and test its impact on its young viewers' learning. By the end of the program's first season, Children's Television Workshop (CTW), the organization founded to oversee Sesame Street production, had developed what came to be called "the CTW model": a system of planning, production, and evaluation that combined the expertise of researchers and early childhood educators with that of the program's writers, producers, and directors.

Sesame Street is an American children's television series that is known for its use of format and structure to convey educational concepts to its preschool audience, and to help them prepare for school. It utilizes the conventions of television such as music, humor, sustained action, and a strong visual style, and combines Jim Henson's Muppets, animation, short films, humor, and cultural references. The show, which premiered in 1969, was the first to base its contents, format, and production values on laboratory and formative research. According to researchers, it was also the first to include a curriculum "detailed or stated in terms of measurable outcomes".

Music of <i>Sesame Street</i> Music of the television show Sesame Street

Music has been a part of the children's television show Sesame Street since its debut on PBS in 1969. For the first time, music was used as a teaching tool on a TV program for children; the songs written and performed on the show fulfilled specific purposes and supported its curriculum. The music on Sesame Street consisted of many styles and genres, but was consistent and recognizable so that it could be reproduced. The producers recorded and released dozens of albums of music; many songs became "timeless classics". In order to attract the best composers and lyricists, CTW allowed songwriters to retain the rights to the songs they wrote, which allowed them to earn lucrative profits. Sesame Street Book & Record, recorded in 1970, went gold and won a Grammy. As of November 2019, Sesame Workshop has partnered with Warner Music Group's Arts Music division to reform Sesame Street Records to make the music of Sesame Street fully available.

The children's television show Sesame Street, which premiered on public broadcasting television stations in 1969, was the first show of its kind that utilized a detailed and comprehensive educational curriculum, with specific educational goals, in its content. Its goals were garnered from in-house formative research and independent summative evaluations, and its first curriculum was created in a series of five seminars in 1968.

The children's television program Sesame Street premiered in 1969 to high ratings, positive reviews, and some controversy, which have continued during its history. Even though the show aired on only 67% of American televisions at the time of its premiere, it earned a 3.3 Nielsen rating, or 1.9 million households. By its tenth anniversary in 1979, 9 million American children under the age of six were watching Sesame Street daily. Its ratings declined in the 1990s, due to societal changes. A survey conducted in 1996 found that by the age of three, 95% of all American children had watched it. By its fortieth anniversary in 2009, it was ranked the fifteenth most popular children's show.

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