• Entertainment

Sesame Street‘s Maria Is Retiring After 44 Years

1 minute read
Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria Rodriquez on "Sesame Street," and the muppet Grover at an event in New York City on Feb. 27, 2002.
Sonia Manzano, who plays Maria Rodriquez on "Sesame Street," and the muppet Grover at an event in New York City on Feb. 27, 2002.George De Sota—Getty Images
By Drew Mackie / People

She’s helped generations of children grow up and she’s met many a Muppet in her day. But after 44 years playing human Sesame Street resident Maria, actress Sonia Manzano is retiring.

Manzano, 65, made the announcement on Tuesday during an address at the American Library Association Annual Conference. She has since fielded an outpouring of grief from fans.

This article originally appeared on People.com

More Must-Reads from TIME

Contact us at letters@time.com