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List of Sesame Street Muppets

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Jim Henson, creator of The Muppets, was initially reluctant to work on Sesame Street, but joined due to social concerns of the time.

The Muppets are a group of puppet characters created by Jim Henson, many for the purpose of appearing on the children's television program Sesame Street. Henson's involvement in Sesame Street began when he and Joan Ganz Cooney, one of the creators of the show, met in the summer of 1968, at one of the show's five three-day curriculum planning seminars in Boston. Author Christopher Finch reported that director Jon Stone, who had worked with Henson previously, felt that if they could not bring him on board, they should "make do without puppets".[1]

Henson was initially reluctant but agreed to join Sesame Street in support of its social goals. He also agreed to waive his performance fee for full ownership of the Sesame Street Muppets and to split any revenue they generated with the Children's Television Workshop (renamed to the Sesame Workshop in 2000), the series' non-profit producer.[2] The Muppets were a crucial part of the show's popularity and it brought Henson national attention.[3] The Muppet segments of the show were popular since its premiere, and more Muppets were added during the first few seasons. The Muppets were effective teaching tools because children easily recognized them, they were predictable, and they appealed to adults and older siblings.[4]

During the production of Sesame Street's first season, producers created five one-hour episodes to test the show's appeal to children and examine their comprehension of the material. Not intended for broadcast, they were presented to preschoolers in 60 homes throughout Philadelphia and in day care centers in New York City in July 1969.[5] The results were "generally very positive";[6] children learned from the shows, their appeal was high, and children's attention was sustained over the full hour.[5] However, the researchers found that although children's attention was high during the Muppet segments, their interest wavered during the "Street" segments, when no Muppets were on screen. This was because the producers had followed the advice of child psychologists who were concerned that children would be confused if human actors and Muppets were shown together. As a result of this decision, the appeal of the test episodes was lower than the target.[6][7]

The Street scenes were "the glue" that "pulled the show together",[8] so producers knew they needed to make significant changes. The producers decided to reject the advisers' advice and reshot the Street segments; Henson and his coworkers created Muppets that could interact with the human actors,[8][9] specifically Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird, who became two of the show's most enduring characters.[10] These test episodes were directly responsible for what writer Malcolm Gladwell called "the essence of Sesame Street—the artful blend of fluffy monsters and earnest adults".[8] Since 2001, the full rights for the Muppets created for Sesame Street have been owned by Sesame Workshop.[11]

Muppets

Frank Oz, who performed many Muppets throughout his career, from the debut of Sesame Street to most Henson productions
Caroll Spinney has performed Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the show's debut in 1969
Steve Whitmire, who took over many of Jim Henson's characters after Henson's death in 1990, including Ernie and Kermit the Frog[12]
Kevin Clash, with Elmo, his most famous puppet, whom he performed from 1985 to 2014
Jennifer Barnhart, who performed Gladys the Cow and Mama Bear
Matt Robinson, who in addition to performing the voice of the controversial character Roosevelt Franklin, played Gordon on Sesame Street
Contents
A · B · C · D · E · F · G · H · I · J · K · L · M · N · O · P · Q{{.}}R · S · T · U{{.}}V{{.}}W{{.}}X{{.}}Y · Z
Character Actor/Muppet performer Description
Abby Cadabby[13] Leslie Carrara-Rudolph[14] A 4-year-old fairy-in-training with tiny wings, a magic wand, and sparkles in her hair. She was created to increase the number of the female Sesame Street Muppets. Daughter of the fairy godmother (who is spoken about but never seen), she "has her own point of view and is comfortable with the fact that she likes wearing a dress".[15]
Alex Matt Vogel A young boy who has a father in jail. [16] [17] He was introduced in 2012 for kit video on Little Children, Big Challenge: Incarceration.
Alice Snuffleupagus Judy Sladky[18] Baby sister of Aloysius Snuffleupagus ("Snuffy"). She has "luxurious, pale-golden fur", long eyelashes, and a blue-checkered hair ribbon, and was introduced to model sibling rivalry. She was one of the first Muppets controlled by remote control.[19]
Alistair Cookie Frank Oz[20] Played by Cookie Monster, he is a parody of British broadcaster Alistair Cooke[21] and appears in the "Monsterpiece Theater" sketch (a parody of Masterpiece Theater). At first, he used a pipe that he would eat in each segment. The pipe was eventually removed because according to executive producer Carol-Lynn Parente, it "modeled the wrong behavior".[22]
(The) Amazing Mumford Jerry Nelson[23] A "W.C. Fields-esque" magician whose magic tricks often go awry. His catchphrase, used to produce his tricks, is "À la peanut butter sandwiches!".[23]
Anything Muppets Various[24] Writer Christopher Finch called Anything Muppets "unadorned puppet torsos and heads"[24] used for a single role or purpose. This ever-expanding troupe of Muppets comes in all shapes, sizes, and appearances. The Anything Muppets portray humans, specific animals, and occasional aliens.[25]
AM Monsters Various[26] Short for "Anything Muppet Monsters," the AM Monsters are customizable Muppet Monsters like the Anything Muppets and the Whatnots from The Muppet Show. Like the Anything Muppets, the AM Muppets come in all shapes, sizes, and appearances. According to writer Louise Gikow, Elmo started out as an AM Monster.[26]
Aristotle Richard Hunt[27] A blind monster created to increase inclusiveness of people and puppets with disabilities on the show. He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Ed Christie.[28]
Arlene Frantic Fran Brill[29] Appeared in the Sesame Street sketches, "What's My Part". She was a parody of actress Arlene Francis.[29]
Baby Bear David Rudman[23] "The character from that Goldilocks story, in Muppet form." Rudman uses a "babyish lisp" when he voices Baby Bear.[23]
Barkley Toby Towson (1978),[30] Brian Muehl (1979-1984; 1988),[31] Fred "Garbo" Gavner (1984-1993), Bruce Connelly (1993-2014) [32] Originally named "Woof-Woof", he is a "large, friendly, shaggy dog" owned by Linda and knows a few words in American Sign Language.[23] Barkley once traveled to China with Big Bird.[33]
Beautiful Day Monster Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney[34] Originally appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show, this puppet was used interchangeably with Cookie Monster the first season of Sesame Street.[34]
The Beetles Various The Fabulous Insect Four who are a spoof of The Beatles. They sing Letter B, Thinking of U, And Hey Food.
Bennett Snerf Jerry Nelson (AM Monster version), Caroll Spinney (Anything Muppet version) Appeared in the Sesame Street sketches, "What's My Part". He was a parody of American publisher Bennett Cerf.[29]
Benny Rabbit Kevin Clash[35] The "irascible" rabbit who worked as a bellhop at the Furry Arms Hotel (which was part of the Around-the-Corner set expansion of the 1990s).[35]
Bert Frank Oz (1969–2006),[36] Eric Jacobson (1997–present)[37] Ernie's best friend, he collects paper clips and is fascinated by pigeons. His sketches were made by Henson and he was built by Don Sahlin.[38]
Betty Lou Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Caroll Spinney, Fran Brill, Marilyn Sokol, Lisa Buckley[18] Borgenicht says about her: "With her blonde braided hair, [she] is friendly and unassuming".[18] She collects dolls of various shapes and ethnicities.[39]
Biff Jerry Nelson[40] One-half of the Muppet construction worker duo, Biff is an "Archie Bunker-style blue-collar loudmouth". He and his partner Sully made for a "classic comedy team". Whenever they encountered a problem, Biff would ask for Sully's opinion but interrupt him before Sully could answer; however, it was Sully who inevitably came up with the solution.[41]
Big Bird Caroll Spinney (1969–present),[42] Matt Vogel (understudy; 2000–present)[43] A large yellow bird who was developed during the 1968 curriculum seminars. Designed by Henson and built by Kermit Love and Don Sahlin, Big Bird stands at eight feet two inches, and has a slightly quirky and naive outlook on the world. Residing in a large nest alongside the "123 Sesame Street" building, he was the first Muppet to appear on the show and is intended to represent a six-year-old child who questions everything.[44][45]
Big Jeffy Jeff Moss (voice), Jerry Nelson, Jim Henson, Kevin Clash Bearded Muppet who sings bass with Little Jeffy and the Monotones, and also with Little Chrissy and the Alphabeats.[46]
Bip Bippadotta Jim Henson[47] The wild-haired puppet featured in the Muppet segment "Mah Nà Mah Nà".[47]
Bruce Stringbean Christopher Cerf (voice only) The lead singer of Bruce Stringbean and the S Street Band. He is based on Bruce Springsteen of Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band.
Bruno the Trashman Caroll Spinney[18] A trashman who sometimes carries Oscar's can around the Street. Designed by Spinney as a way to allow Oscar to move around and talk at the same time, Bruno does not talk often himself.[18][48]
Buster the Horse Martin P. Robinson[18] Forgetful Jones' horse, who often helps Forgetful get out of difficulties and remember things. Buster can also sing, drive a jeep, brush his teeth, and play the piano.[18][49]
Captain Breakfast Brian Muehl[35] He was a superhero who fought for the most important meal of the day. His insignia was a bowl of cereal.[50]
Clementine Brian Muehl (1979-1984), Kevin Clash (1985-1988), Camille Bonora (1988-1992) Forgetful Jones' longtime girlfriend.[51]
The Cobblestones Various They sing (I Can't Get No) Cooperation And is a spoof of The Rolling Stones.
Colambo Joey Mazzarino[18] A lamb detective who is inspired by Columbo.[18] He is "a shrewd sheep investigator who often solves cases of things gone missing" and a fairy-tale expert.[52]
Cookie Monster Frank Oz (1969–2004),[53] David Rudman (2001–present)[54] According to Sesame Street Unpaved, "At first glance, Cookie Monster appears to be a monster with a one-track mind. He is deeply, emotionally, physically and spiritually attached to cookies".[55]
Count von Count Jerry Nelson (1972-2012), Matt Vogel (2013-present)[56] Count von Count is a number-obsessed vampire who craves counting with a single-focused passion. He has lavender-fleece skin, bat-shaped ears, a flat black hairpiece, a red spade tongue, and wears a formal cape. Nelson based the Count's character and exaggerated European accent on Bela Lugosi's Count Dracula. His signature is organ music, lightning flashes, and thunder cracks.[57]
The Countess Brian Muehl, Fran Brill, Camilla Bonora[18] (1980–1984) Count von Count's girlfriend. She has a dog named Masha and is modeled after Marlene Dietrich.[18][58]
Curly Bear Stephanie D'Abruzzo[59][60] Baby Bear's little sister. Created to address the issue of sibling rivalry, Curly calls her brother "Bebo", has a very loud growl, and unlike the rest of her family, does not like porridge.[59][61]
Deena Karen Prell[62] Young, energetic pink monster with red hair and wild rolling eyes. Described as "hyper-active", Prell reported that her performance was deemed "over-the-top", so the character did not last long.[62]
Dingers Various Like the Honkers, the Dingers communicate only with noises.[63]
Don Music Richard Hunt[41] A piano-playing composer who required assistance from Kermit the Frog to complete the lyrics to his songs. When frustrated, he would say, "Oh, I'll never get it! Never, never, never!" and bang his head on the keyboard. He had a bust of Ludwig van Beethoven on his piano, and as an inside joke, a framed photo of Joe Raposo hanging on the wall.[41]
Donald Grump Martin P. Robinson A Grouch who is modeled after billionaire real-estate developer and President of the United States of America Donald Trump.[64]
Dr. Feel Steve Whitmire A spoof of TV personality and author Dr. Phil McGraw.[64]
Dr. Nobel Price Brian Muehl (1979-1984), Kevin Clash (1984-1988)[63] Price's inventions consist solely of things that were either useless (like a flying cupcake) or had already been invented. Author Louise Gikow called Price a "misguided inventor" and the "bane of reporter Kermit's existence."[63]
Elizabeth Stephanie D'Abruzzo[59] One of D'Abruzzo's favorite experiments, Elizabeth was a pig-tailed Muppet with a Brooklyn accent who loves the number 732 and her cat Little Murray Sparkles. D'Abruzzo said about her: "She was unlike your typical little girl characters".[59]
Elmo Brian Muehl (1979-1984), Richard Hunt (1984-1985), Kevin Clash (1985–2014),[65][66] Ryan Dillon (2013–present)[67] A furry 3-year-old red monster. It was not until Clash took over the role that Elmo became what Clash called a "phenomenon".[68]
Ernestine Unknown Ernie's baby cousin. Her laugh sounds like Ernie's laugh.[69]
Ernie Jim Henson (1969–1990),[70] Steve Whitmire (1993–2014),[71] Billy Barkhurst (2014–present)[72] Orange-colored, oval-headed, and always grinning, Ernie is a "free spirit" and a "trickster". He and best friend Bert share a basement apartment at 123 Sesame Street.[73]
Farley Jerry Nelson A green Muppet boy with short orange spiked hair and a yellow sweater.[74]
Ferlinghetti Donizetti Richard Hunt (1980-1984), Kevin Clash (1984-1986) A blue poet and rapper who is named after poet Lawrence Ferlinghetti.
Flo Bear David Rudman[75] Bear writer whose name is a riff on French novelist Gustave Flabert.
Fluffy the Elephant Martin P. Robinson Oscar the Grouch's pet elephant who sticks her trunk out of Oscar's trash can from time to time.[76]
Forgetful Jones Michael Earl (1979-1981), Richard Hunt (1981-1992)[41] A "simpleton cowboy" who always forgets everything.[41][77]
Frazzle Jerry Nelson,[78] Richard Hunt (Sesame Street: 20 and Still Counting), Martin P. Robinson (Episode 3156), Joey Mazzarino (Episode 4419) A large orange monster Muppet with big teeth.[78]
Fred the Wonder Horse Jerry Nelson[78] A horse ridden by Grover and his "trusty companion". His "horse sense" is always better than Grover's, and he "usually saves the day".[78]
Gladys the Cow Richard Hunt (1973-1992), Jennifer Barnhart (2003-present)[79] With her "piercing operatic voice", she is "a theatrical ham (even though she's a cow)".[78]
Googel Stephanie D'Abruzzo A purple monster who is a member of the Monster Clubhouse.[80]
Granny Bird Caroll Spinney Big Bird's grandmother, who watched over him when he was a little bird and who still likes to feed him. She has grey feathers on her forehead.[81]
Granny Fanny Nestlerode Caroll Spinney, Jim Henson (in the segment, "Here Is Your Life: Oak Tree") An old lady Muppet who mostly appeared in Season 2 and Season 3.[82]
Grover Frank Oz (1970–2012), Eric Jacobson (1998—present)[83][84] Finch calls Grover "an infinitely optimistic soul".[85] Finch goes on to state that although Grover has a facility for self-deception, he is also honest and wise.[85]
Grundgetta Brian Muehl (1980—1984), Pam Arciero (1984—present)[86] A Grouch who is Oscar the Grouch's "trashy girlfriend."[86] She has Oscar's grouchy temperament and also likes everything trashy. She wears tattered hats and veils.[87]
Gulliver Joey Mazzarino A seagull who is Big Bird's penpal.[88]
Guy Smiley Jim Henson (1969-1990),[89] Eric Jacobson (2005–present),[83] Caroll Spinney (Episode 0010) The "enthusiastic," self-proclaimed "America's Favorite Game Show Host".[90]
Harvey Kneeslapper Frank Oz,[78] Matt Vogel (Episode 4209) A blonde and wild-eyed Muppet who likes telling jokes and playing pranks on others. These often involve puns, letters, and numbers, and sometimes backfired on him.[91]
Herbert Birdsfoot Jerry Nelson A bespectacled Muppet. He is a lecturer who often appeared with Grover.[92]
Herry Monster Jerry Nelson (1970-2003),[93] Tyler Bunch (2013; From Broadway with Love), Peter Linz (2017–present) Herry is a blue and burly monster who does not know his own strength. His voice is gruff but he has a gentle heart.[94] He appears in many unscripted scenes with children, and "is written to represent a monster with the psychological age of a six-year old".[95]
Honkers Various Like the Dingers, they communicate only through noises.[63]
Hoots the Owl Kevin Clash[96] Sesame Street writer Mark Saltzman described Hoots as "the saxophone-playing jazz owl".[47] Clash based his voice after Louie Armstrong.[96]
Horatio the Elephant Joey Mazzarino,[97] Dave Goelz, Martin P. Robinson, Peter Linz, David Rudman A dancing elephant.[97]
How Now Brown Cow Christopher Cerf (voice) The Lead singer of How Now Brown Cow and the Moo Waves.
Humphrey David Rudman He and his wife Ingrid, who together are Natasha's parents, are the hotel managers of the Furry Arms Hotel which was part of the Around-the-Corner set from 1993 to 1998.[35]
Ingrid Joey Mazzarino Natasha's mother. She and her husband Humphrey are the hotel managers of the Furry Arms Hotel.[35]
Jamie Fox Joey Mazzarino A fox who, along with Elmo and actor Jamie Foxx, tries to figure out who is the real "Jamie Fox". They end up singing the alphabet together.[98]
Julia Stacey Gordon A four-year-old female Muppet character with autism, first announced 2015. She debuted on the show on April 10, 2017.[99]
Kermit the Frog[100] Jim Henson (1955–1990), Steve Whitmire (1990—2016), Matt Vogel (2017-present) [100] A frog who is one of the first Muppets designed and built by Jim Henson.[101] Borgenicht calls Kermit "funny, ironic, and always the voice of reason amidst the insanity around him; the calm in the eye of the storm".[102] Gerald S. Lesser, CTW's first Advisory Board chairman, calls him "the saturnine but gentlemanly puppet frog".[103]
Kingston Livingston III Kevin Clash[23] A young African-American boy who is smart and cool, and who prefers to do his own thing.[23] He is "one cool kid" who is different by just being himself.[104]
Lefty the Salesman Frank Oz,[105] Caroll Spinney (occasionally) A discreet, shady-looking salesman in a trench coat.[106]
Little Bird Jim Henson (1969), Fran Brill[23] Wise, soft-spoken little bird who is good at explaining concepts for his friend Big Bird.[107]
Little Chrissy Jim Henson (puppeteer), Christopher Cerf (voice)[108] The lead singer of "Little Chrissy and the Alphabeats," he was one of the earliest Muppets based upon an actual person (Cerf).[108]
Little Jerry Jerry Nelson A green Muppet who is the lead singer of the rock group "Little Jerry and the Monotones". Many of their songs were written by Jeff Moss.[108]
Little Murray Sparkles Alice Dinnean, Stephanie D'Abruzzo[59] Elizabeth's beloved pet cat.[59]
Liz Lemon Stephanie D'Abruzzo A lemon who is a parody of Tina Fey's 30 Rock character of the same name.[109]
Louie Bill Barretta (2006-2010), Tyler Bunch (2010-present) Elmo's dad.[110]
Mae Fran Brill (2006-2015) Elmo's mother, Louie's husband.
Mama Bear Camille Bonora (1993-1996), Alice Dinnean (1996-2002), Jennifer Barnhart (2003-present)[79] Baby Bear's mother.[79]
Mel Kevin Clash[80] A gibberish-speaking blue monster with a mop of hair and yellow horns who is a member of the Monster Clubhouse.[80]
Miami Mice Steve Whitmire (J.P. Mouse), Martin P. Robinson (Tito Mouse) The duo mice detectives who lives in Miami Florida solving crimes and mysteries. They are based on Miami Vice.
Monty Martin P. Robinson Muppet-homage to Monty Python's Flying Circus.[63]
Mr. Johnson Jerry Nelson (1971-2012),[111] Matt Vogel (2016–present) Also called "Fat Blue", Mr. Johnson usually appears with Grover in restaurant skits as his harried customer (usually at Charlie's Restaurant). Grover made up this rhyme about him: "In a hurry to be fed, beady eyes and big, blue head!"[111][112]
Murray Monster Joey Mazzarino[113] The host of the "Word on the Street" segment, Murray is a boisterous, red-orange Muppet.[113]
Narf Joey Mazzarino[80] An orange monster with a blue nose and googly eyes who is a member of the Monster Clubhouse.[80]
Natasha Kevin Clash[23] An infant monster who uses only baby-talk to communicate. Natasha's parents are Humphrey and Ingrid and her alter-ego is Super Baby.[23][114]
Oscar the Grouch Caroll Spinney,[42] Eric Jacobson (understudy; 2015–present) One of the first Muppets created for Sesame Street, and a "surprising success", Oscar gives kids "permission to feel grouchy—and to demonstrate differing opinions", as well as serving as a model for lessons in how to adapt to different personalities.[115] Spinney based his voice on a New York City cab driver.[42]
Ovejita Carmen Osbahr[116] (2008) A little lamb, Ovejita accompanies Murray to various schools in the segment "Murray Had a Little Lamb."[116]
Over the Top Jerry Nelson (lead singer), and many others.... They sing ZZ Blues and is based on ZZ Top.
Papa Bear Joey Mazzarino[117] Baby Bear's father.[117]
Pat Playjacks Jim Henson The host of Squeal of Fortune. He is based on Pat Sajak. Although not mentioning Guy Smiley, He is America's Second Favorite Game Show Host.
Phoebe Alice Dinnean (2001-2002), John Tartaglia (2002) A green monster who is a member of the Monster Clubhouse.[80]
Placido Flamingo Richard Hunt An operatic flamingo with a clear tenor voice who sings at the Nestropolitan Opera. He is based on famous tenor, Plácido Domingo.[118]
Prairie Dawn Fran Brill[119] (1970-2015), Stephanie D'Abruzzo (2016-present) A little girl whose psychological age is that of a precocious three-year-old.[119] Prairie has "big dreams and a little voice".[120]
Prince Charming Frank Oz[40] A Muppet who resembles "Guy Smiley in prince's clothing," he is the "self-involved" prince who appears in Muppet fairy tales.[40]
Professor Hastings Frank Oz[121] A professor whose lectures were so dull he would fall asleep himself while giving them. According to Borgenicht, he was eventually cut from the Muppet cast because "he was, well, too dull."[121]
Roosevelt Franklin Matt Robinson (voice)[121] An African-American Muppet who attended Roosevelt Franklin Elementary School and was so popular, he recorded his own album. He was dropped from the show because "he was thought by some to be a negative cultural stereotype".[121]
Roosevelt Franklin's Mother Loretta Long (voice)[121] The mother of Roosevelt Franklin.[121]
Rosita Carmen Osbahr[23] The first bilingual Muppet on Sesame Street and originally conceived as a fruit bat, Rosita speaks both English and Spanish. She is a "good-natured, intelligent turquoise blue Muppet".[23]
Roxie Marie Fran Brill[63] Construction worker Biff's niece.[63]
Ruby Camille Bonora[122] A pony-tailed monster.[122]
SAM the Robot Jerry Nelson,[121] Caroll Spinney (occasionally) A robot who is supposedly perfect, SAM is prone to silly mistakes. His name is an acronym for "Super Automated Machine".[123]
Segi[124] Chantylla Johnson (voice), Kevin Clash (puppeteer; 2010-2011) Inspired by head writer Joey Mazzarino's adopted daughter, this Muppet is an African-American little girl who sings proudly about her hair, "helping little girls—and their moms—to accept themselves just the way they are by loving their hair".[125]
Sherlock Hemlock Jerry Nelson[18] A parody based on Basil Rathbone's movie portrayal of Sherlock Holmes, Hemlock solves mysteries by "concentrating on the little clues and overlooking the big ones" that his dog Watson tends to find.[18]
Sherry Netherland Julianne Buescher (1993-1995), Alice Dinnean (1995-1998)[40] The "Leona Helmsley of the Furry Arms Hotel". She rules with "an iron fist, a heart of gold, and a brain of oatmeal".[40]
Simon Soundman Jerry Nelson[82] A blue Muppet who uses sounds to communicate.[82]
Slimey the Worm Jerry Nelson (1970–1978), Michael Earl Davis (1978–1980), Martin P. Robinson (1980–present),[126] Dick Maitland (voice)[127] According to Gikow, an "intelligent worm" who is the smallest and, other than Buster, the smartest character on Sesame Street. When he first appeared, he spoke in just squeaky sounds. He later became the only Muppet not voiced by a puppeteer.[128]
Aloysius Snuffleupagus ("Snuffy") Jerry Nelson (1971–1978), Michael Earl Davis (1978–1980), Martin P. Robinson (1980–present)[126] Created to represent the psychological age of a four-year-old, Snuffy at seven feet tall and twelve feet wide is the largest Muppet on Sesame Street. He was Big Bird's "imaginary friend" until 1985, when he was finally revealed to the adult cast.[129]
Sonny Friendly Richard Hunt (1986-1992), David Rudman (1992-2000)[40] He is mostly the host of Sonny Friendly's Traveling Game Show. And has also hosted The All-New Here is Your Life and The Crying Game Show. He is often addressed as, "America's Friendliest Game Show Host".[40], his catchphrase is "Are we having a nice day or what?"[130]
Stinky the Stinkweed Joey Mazzarino[131] A talking stinkweed plant.[131]
Sully Richard Hunt (1973-1992), David Rudman (1992-1999)[41] A construction worker and Biff's silent counterpart, he nevertheless served as the real brains of the duo. He is considered one of Hunt's most "understated and complex" characters.[41]
Super Grover Frank Oz (1970-1998), Eric Jacobson (1998-present)[83][84] Grover's superhero alter ego.[132]
Telly Monster Bob Payne (1979), Brian Muehl (1979-1984),[123] Martin P. Robinson (1984–present)[133] Originally named "the Television Monster" because he was obsessed with TV, his name was changed to Telly and his obsession became triangles. Telly is "the Woody Allen of Muppets: the neurotic one, the one who overthinks everything, the worrier".[134]
The Twiddlebugs Thomas: Jim Henson, Martin P. Robinson, Ricky Boyd (animated)
Tessie: Frank Oz, David Rudman, Ricky Boyd (animated)
Timmy: Richard Hunt, Peter Linz, Ricky Boyd (animated)
Tina: Jerry Nelson, Ricky Boyd (animated)"[40]
A family of fuzzy insects (Thomas, Tessie and their children Timmy and Tina) who live in a milk carton among the flowers in Ernie's windowsill. The family uses tiny, everyday found objects as furniture, toys and in other innovative ways.[40][135]
Two-Headed Monster Left Head: Richard Hunt (1978), Jerry Nelson (1979-2001), Joey Mazzarino (2001–2016)[40]
Right Head: Peter Friedman (1978), Richard Hunt (1979-1992), David Rudman (1992–present)[75]
A purple monster with two heads, who generally speak in gibberish but have a baby-like vocabulary. They teach viewers about cooperation.[40]
Velma Blank David Rudman The co-hostess of Squeal of Fortune. She is based on Vanna White. She shows Count Von Count the prizes when he won on Squeal of Fortune.
Vincent Twice Martin P. Robinson The host of Mysterious Theatre and is based on Vincent Price. He introduces The Adventures of Sherlock Hemlock: The World's Greatest Detective.
Wolfgang Kevin Clash An intelligent, musical brown seal that does not speak, although he honks horns with his nose.[136]
The Martains[137] Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Martin P. Robinson, Kevin Clash, David Rudman, Julianne Buescher, John Tartaglia, Eric Jacobson, Matt Vogel, Leslie Carrara-Rudolph, Warrick Brownlow-Pike[78] The nickname for the show's take on Martians. They have a jellyfish-like appearance and speak in a simple mixture of Martian ("yip" and "nope") and English.[138] Using their ability to teleport, they "valiantly explore our world despite their frequent terrifying encounters with everyday objects like telephones, clocks, radio, fan, book, and computers".[139]
Zari Mansoora Shirzad (Pashto language), Sima Sultani (Dari language), Haley Jenkins (U.S.) A curious six-year-old girl that makes her debut in season 5 of Baghch-e-Simsim. She also came from Afghanistan to the United States, She's also a Hijab-Clad Muppet. Introduced in (April 2016).
Zelda the Chicken David Rudman The host of A Message from Your Local Chicken. She can only cluck. But Gordon translates the clucks into human words (Like For those of don't speak in chicken, Zelda says "She is mighty proud to be a chicken!")
Zoe Fran Brill (1993-2015),[140] Jennifer Barnhart (2016–Present)[141] (1993—present) Introduced to increase the number of strong female Sesame Street Muppets, Zoe is a yellow-orange monster who is "simultaneously dainty and strong, practical and impulsive".[140]

See also

Notes

  1. ^ Finch, p. 53.
  2. ^ Davis, p. 5.
  3. ^ Morrow, p. 93.F
  4. ^ Morrow, pp. 94—95.
  5. ^ a b Lesser, p. 164.
  6. ^ a b Fisch, p. 39.
  7. ^ Gladwell, p. 105.
  8. ^ a b c Gladwell, p. 106.
  9. ^ Fisch & Bernstein, pp. 39–40.
  10. ^ Fisch & Bernstein, p. 40.
  11. ^ Retsinas, Greg (May 8, 2003). "Hensons Buying Back the Muppets for $89 Million". The New York Times. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
  12. ^ Gikow, p. 135.
  13. ^ "Abby Cadabby". Retrieved August 17, 2016.
  14. ^ "Leslie Carrara-Rudolph: Leslie's Biography". Sesame Street.org. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
  15. ^ Dominus, Susan (August 6, 2006). "A Girly-Girl Joins the 'Sesame' Boys". The New York Times. Retrieved November 20, 2014.
  16. ^ https://www.vibe.com/2017/03/sesame-street-muppet-dad-in-jail/
  17. ^ https://www.fatherly.com/play/sesame-street-new-character-alex-incarcerated-parents/
  18. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m Borgenicht, p. 131.
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References

  • Borgenicht, David (1998). Sesame Street Unpaved. New York: Hyperion Publishing. ISBN 0-7868-6460-5
  • Clash, Kevin, Gary Brozek & Louis Henry Mitchell (2006). My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me about Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud. New York: Random House. ISBN 0-7679-2375-8
  • Davis, Michael (2008). Street Gang: The Complete History of Sesame Street. New York: Viking Penguin. ISBN 978-0-670-01996-0
  • Finch, Christopher (1993). Jim Henson: The Works: the Art, the Magic, the Imagination. New York: Random House. ISBN 0-679-41203-4
  • Fisch, Shalom M.; Lewis Bernstein, "Formative Research Revealed: Methodological and Process Issues in Formative Research". In Fisch, Shalom M. & Truglio, Rosemarie T.. G" is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street. Mahweh, New Jersey: Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers. ISBN 978-0-8058-3394-2.
  • Gikow, Louise A. (2009). Sesame Street: A Celebration—Forty Years of Life on the Street. New York: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. ISBN 978-1-57912-638-4.
  • Gladwell, Malcolm (2000). The Tipping Point: How Little Things Can Make a Big Difference. New York: Little, Brown, and Company. ISBN 0-316-31696-2
  • Lesser, Gerald S. (1974). Children and Television: Lessons from Sesame Street. New York: Vintage Books. ISBN 0-394-71448-2