Dec 08 Sesame Street puppeteer Caroll Spinney dies at age 85 By Andrew Dalton, Associated Press Caroll Spinney, who gave Big Bird his warmth and Oscar the Grouch his growl for nearly 50 years on “Sesame Street,” died Sunday at the age of 85 at his home in Connecticut, according to the Sesame Workshop. Continue reading
Nov 06 ‘Sesame Street’ turns 50 By Mark Kennedy, Associated Press This first episode of “Sesame Street” — sponsored by the letters W, S and E and the numbers 2 and 3 — aired in the fall of 1969. The show was designed by education professionals and child psychologists with one goal: to… Continue reading
Oct 10 Watch 9:21 How ‘Sesame Street’ is still supporting families, 50 years after its debut By Hari Sreenivasan November marks the 50th anniversary of public television’s “Sesame Street," a cultural landmark widely praised for its approach to children’s programming. But beyond the songs and fun, "Sesame Street" does some serious work for those in need, providing special support… Continue watching
Jul 18 ‘Sesame Street’ and Sally Field to receive Kennedy Center award By Ashraf Khalil, Associated Press Others chosen to receive the award for lifetime achievement in the arts include singer Linda Ronstadt, conductor Michael Tilson Thomas and the musical group Earth, Wind and Fire. Continue reading
Oct 17 Puppeteer who played Big Bird on ‘Sesame Street’ retiring By Associated Press Caroll Spinney tells the New York Times that Thursday will be his last day on the program, which he joined from the start in 1969. In addition to Big Bird, the 84-year-old was also Oscar the Grouch. Continue reading
Apr 02 How these new Sesame Street and Power Rangers characters are changing Hollywood’s portrayal of autism By Gretchen Frazee Sesame Street is debuting Julia, the first muppet with autism. And the new “Power Rangers” movie includes Billy, the blue ranger, also on the autism spectrum. Both depictions are garnering praise from autism advocates who have long criticized Hollywood’s portrayals… Continue reading
Apr 15 How well do you know the world: Phoning Putin and Sesame Street By Larisa Epatko In this week’s quiz, test your knowledge of why young men join al-Shabab, what Russian President Vladimir Putin said at his call-in show, and a new character starring on Sesame Street. Continue reading
Apr 12 Meet Zari, Sesame Street’s new female Afghan Muppet By Sandy Petrykowski Zari, a young Afghan Muppet, will appear in the fifth season of Baghch-e Simsim, Afghanistan's version of Sesame Street. Continue reading
Oct 22 ‘Sesame Street’ debuts Julia, its first character with autism By Joshua Barajas Joining Abby Cadabby and Elmo on “Sesame Street” is Julia, a green-eyed, orange-haired character with autism. Continue reading
Aug 26 Watch 6:33 For this beloved Sesame Street role model, it wasn’t always ‘sunny days’ By PBS News Hour Writer and actor Sonia Manzano played the character of Maria on “Sesame Street” for 44 years before announcing her retirement. In her new memoir, “Becoming Maria,” Manzano recounts her tough childhood in the South Bronx and how she used her… Continue watching