Caroll Spinney, the puppeteer behind the beloved “Sesame Street” characters Big Bird and Oscar The Grouch, is moving out of “Sesame Street.” For those who don’t know, he’s been playing the two since the show’s debut in 1969, and after his final episode today, he will be passing the torch to new actors.
In a statement, Spinney says that “Sesame Street” gave him purpose – not to mention, he met his longtime wife, Debra, on set in 1973. Spinney also reveals that despite his exit, he plans to act as an ambassador for his Sesame Workshop family “for many years to come.” So it goes without saying that even as he departs the role, Big Bird will always be a big part of him.
