<i>Sesame Street</i>’s Maria Is Departing After More Than 40 Years
Sesame Street’s Maria Is Departing After More Than 40 Years
Sonia Manzano "Maria" attend SiriusXM's Town Hall with original cast members from Sesame Street commemorating the 45th anniversary of the celebrated series debut on public television moderated by Weekend TODAY co-anchor Erica Hill on Oct. 9, 2014 in New York CityRobin Marchant—Getty Images
It’s time to say goodbye to Sesame Street’s Maria.
It was announced at the American Library Association Annual Conference that Sonia Manzano would be leaving the children’s series. “After 45 years on Sesame Street, @SoniaMManzano will no longer appear on the next season,” American Libraries tweeted on Monday.
The actress-author’s turn as the lovable character — who ultimately became a wife, mother, and Fix-It Shop owner — earned her two Emmy nominations for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series. She also wrote for the program starting in 1981, and won a whopping 15 writing Emmy Awards.
Given Manzano’s extended time with Elmo, Big Bird, Oscar, and friends, it comes as no surprise that many felt emotional about the news.
— Heathah Feathah 🏳️🌈🏳️⚧️✌️🪷 (@NKCoverGrrl) June 30, 2015
Meet the Man Behind Sesame Street's Big Bird
Caroll Spinney joined Sesame Street in its inaugural 1969 season playing both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.Courtesy Robert FuhringIn the first year of Sesame Street, Oscar the Grouch was orange.Courtesy Debra SpinneyCaroll Spinney and Jim Henson are seen on the set of Sesame Street in 1969, the first year of the show.Courtesy Bill PierceCaroll Spinney with Oscar the Grouch and Picklepuss, one of his first puppet creations.Courtesy Debra SpinneyCaroll Spinney tests a puppet in the concept stage.Courtesy Debra SpinneyCaroll Spinney filming Big Bird in China with Lisa Ouyang.Courtesy Debra SpinneyCaroll Spinney with his children and Oscar the Grouch at his child's birthday party.Courtesy Debra SpinneyCaroll Spinney and Oscar the Grouch shooting Sesame Street in Hawaii.Courtesy Gary MillerCaroll Spinney takes a break from shooting a cameo in The Muppet Movie.Courtesy Debra SpinneyCaroll Spinney with First Lady Hillary Clinton on Sesame Street. Spinney has worked with all the first ladies since the Nixon administration.Courtesy Sesame WorkshopCaroll Spinney is seen with First Lady Michelle Obama. Spinney is a distant cousin of President Barack Obama.Courtesy Richard Termine—Sesame WorkshopCaroll Spinney performs on a recent season of Sesame Street and continues to perform as Big Bird and Oscar to this day.Courtesy Copper Pot Pictures
