List of Sesame Street puppeteers
Encyclopedia
This list of Sesame Street puppeteers includes all who have worked on the show, as a regular, backup, guest puppeteer, etc., and by no means should be taken as complete, as many Muppeteers only have done one skit on the show, and are thus not credited.
- Pam ArcieroPam ArcieroPam Arciero is puppeteer and voice-over artist who portrays Oscar the Grouch's girlfriend, Grundgetta, on Sesame Street.-Career:Arciero earned her Master's in Puppetry from the University of Connecticut....
: (1984-) Grundgetta (1985-) - Jennifer BarnhartJennifer BarnhartJennifer Barnhart is a puppeteer, American actress and voice-over talent, with a portfolio of television and theatre performances...
: (2003-) Gladys the Cow (2003-) and Mamma Bear - Cheryl BlaylockCheryl BlaylockCheryl Blaylock is an American puppeteer and actress on the Nick Jr. show, Eureeka's Castle from 1989 to 1995. Before she was on Eureeka's Castle, she was on Sesame Street, and The Muppets Take Manhattan. After Eureeka's Castle, she was on other shows like Oobi, The Adventures of Timmy the Tooth,...
: (1978-1979) - Camille Bonora: (1985-1997) Meryl Sheep, Ruby, Clementine (1988-1992), and Polly Darton (from "14 Carrot Love")
- Fran BrillFran BrillFrances Joan "Fran" Brill , is an American actress and puppeteer, best known for her roles on Sesame Street.Brill was born in Chester, Pennsylvania, the daughter of Linette and Joseph M. Brill. Her father was a physician...
: (1970-) Prairie DawnPrairie DawnPrairie Dawn is a fictional character, a rather mature seven-year-old Muppet girl on the children's television program Sesame Street. She is similar in appearance to a character from the Anything Muppets. She is famous for writing school pageants for her friends, mostly Ernie and Bert, Herry,...
, ZoeZoe (Sesame Street)Zoe is a 3-year-old, orange female monster on Sesame Street, performed by Fran Brill. She was designed in her color to complement her best friend Elmo, who was gaining popularity at her introduction in 1993....
, Little Bird, Betty LouBetty LouBetty Lou may refer to:*Betty Lou Beets , murderer executed in Texas*Betty Lou Gerson , American actress*Betty Lou Holland , American actress*Betty Lou Keim , American actress...
, Polly Darton, Roxie Marie, and Countess Dahling von Dahling - Lisa Buckley: (1970-1992, 2002-) Betty LouBetty LouBetty Lou may refer to:*Betty Lou Beets , murderer executed in Texas*Betty Lou Gerson , American actress*Betty Lou Holland , American actress*Betty Lou Keim , American actress...
- Julianne BuescherJulianne BuescherJulianne Buescher is an actress who performs in film, television, and on stage and radio. As a voice artist, she is known for many roles including Anko Mitarashi on Naruto. Buescher is also a skilled puppeteer and has worked for both Sesame Street and The Muppets...
: (1991-) Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers... - Tyler BunchTyler BunchTyler Bunch is a puppeteer, puppet designer, director and actor. In addition to his work for the Jim Henson Company, Mr. Bunch has created and performed puppets for PBS, Nickelodeon, and Disney. He has acted in a few Off Broadway productions and has made appearances on American television shows...
: (2004-) - Leslie Carrara-Rudolph: (2006-) Abby CadabbyAbby CadabbyAbby Cadabby is a fictional three-year-old fairy-in-training who lives on Sesame Street. She made her debut in the first episode of Sesame Street’s 37th season, when she moved into the neighborhood and met some of the Street's residents. On the day of her debut, her wand broke; Big Bird told her to...
- Kevin ClashKevin ClashKevin Jeffrey Clash is an American puppeteer and voice actor whose characters include Elmo, Baby Sinclair, Clifford, Splinter and Hoots the Owl...
: (1985-) ElmoElmoElmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...
, Hoots the OwlHoots the OwlHoots the Owl was a character on the children's television program, Sesame Street, performed by Kevin Clash. He was an owl that plays a saxophone...
, Baby Natasha, Benny Rabbit, Clementine (1985-1988), Wolfgang, Dr. Nobel Price (1984-1988), Ferlinghetti Donizetti, Chip the Cat, Watson, and Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers... - R. Bruce Connelly: (1991-)
- Stephanie D'AbruzzoStephanie D'AbruzzoStephanie D'Abruzzo is an American actress and puppeteer.-Early life:D'Abruzzo grew up in McMurray, Pennsylvania, a Pittsburgh suburb she has described as a "plastic bubble kind of town." She graduated from Peters Township High School, where she was active in the theater program, and attended the...
: (1997-) Curly Bear, Elizabeth, and Little Murray Sparkles - Michael Earl DavisMichael Earl DavisMichael Earl is an American puppeteer, actor, writer, singer and songwriter. A 4-time Emmy Award-winner whose credits include Mr. Snuffleupagus on Sesame Street and Dr...
: (1978-80) Mr. Snuffleupagus (1978-1980), Forgetful Jones (1979-1981), Slimey the WormSlimey the WormSlimey the Worm is a light and dark orange striped worm that is the pet and friend of Oscar the Grouch on Jim Henson's Muppet show Sesame Street. Introduced in Season 13 , he is played by Martin P. Robinson and is the smallest of all characters on Sesame Street, being only 7 cm...
(1978-1980), and Poco Loco (1978-1980) - Ryan Dillon: (2005-)
- Alice DinneanAlice DinneanAlice Dinnean-Vernon is a puppeteer and creative writer who works at The Jim Henson Company. Dinnean-Vernon has performed on many children's television shows such as Sesame Street, Bear in the Big Blue House, Cousin Skeeter, and Jack's Big Music Show...
: (1993-2002) Little Murray Sparkles - Olga Felgmatcher: (1978-1980)
- Peter FriedmanPeter FriedmanPeter Friedman is an American stage, film and television actor.Born in New York City, Friedman graduated from Hofstra University before making his Broadway debut in The Great God Brown in 1972...
: (1976-1978) Two-Headed Monster - Dave GoelzDave GoelzDave Goelz is a puppeteer best-known for his association with The Muppets, and in particular with the Muppet character Gonzo. His other Muppet characters include Bunsen Honeydew, Zoot , Beauregard the janitor and Tiny...
(occasionally): (1992-1993) Mr. Between - Louise GoldLouise GoldLouise Gold is an English singer, actress and puppeteer whose career has spanned almost four decades.From 1977, Gold was a puppeteer and voice actress for The Muppet Show and Sesame Street, and she has performed voice and puppet work on various other Muppet films and specials...
: (1990-1992) - Fred Garver: (1984-)
- Jane HensonJane HensonJane Ann Henson is the widow of puppeteer Jim Henson. Born Jane Ann Nebel and raised in New York, she met Henson while both were freshmen at the University of Maryland, College Park...
: (1969) (as Ernie's right hand) - Jim HensonJim HensonJames Maury "Jim" Henson was an American puppeteer best known as the creator of The Muppets. As a puppeteer, Henson performed in various television programs, such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, films such as The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper, and created advanced puppets for...
: (1969-1990) Ernie (1969-1990), Guy SmileyGuy SmileyGuy Smiley is a character on Sesame Street who was dubbed "America's favorite game show host." His skits are among those on the show that parody commercial media. Guy has also hosted parodies of This Is Your Life called "Here Is Your Life." Guests who were profiled included a loaf of bread, a tooth...
, Kermit the FrogKermit the FrogKermit the Frog is puppeteer Jim Henson's most famous Muppet creation, first introduced in 1955. He is the protagonist of many Muppet projects, most notably as the host of The Muppet Show, and has appeared in various sketches on Sesame Street, in commercials and in public service announcements over...
(1969-1990), Bip Bipadotta, Granny Fanny Nesslerode, Little Chrissy (puppetry), Thomas Twiddlebug, Little Bird (1969), Mr. Johnson (early sketches), Captain Vegetable (1982), Herry Monster (1970), Barry Rhymie, Betty LouBetty LouBetty Lou may refer to:*Betty Lou Beets , murderer executed in Texas*Betty Lou Gerson , American actress*Betty Lou Holland , American actress*Betty Lou Keim , American actress...
, Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers...
, and Warren Wolf - M. Elizabeth Houston: (1986-1987)
- Richard HuntRichard Hunt (puppeteer)Richard Hunt was an American puppeteer best known as a Muppet performer. Hunt's Muppet roles included Scooter, Beaker, Janice, Statler, and Sweetums.-Early years:...
: (1972-1992) Forgetful Jones, Don MusicDon MusicComposer Don Music was a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He was performed and voiced by Richard Hunt.The typically amusing sketch would have him become frustrated by his inability to think of the final line to well known songs such as "Twinkle Twinkle Little Star"...
, Sully, Gladys the Cow (1973-1992), Placido Flamingo, Two-Headed Monster, Timmy Twiddlebug, ElmoElmoElmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...
(1984-1985), Leo the Party Monster, Rodeo Rosie (occasionally), Captain Vegetable (1983-1984), Sonny Friendly (1986-1992), Larry Rhymie, Dip the Cat, Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers...
, Aristotle, and Stuie Monster - Eric JacobsonEric JacobsonEric Jacobson is a puppeteer and Muppet performer, who has been the primary replacement puppeteer for Frank Oz's characters since 2001.-Career:...
: (1997, 2000-) Bert (1997-), GroverGroverGrover is a Muppet character on the popular television show Sesame Street. Self-described as lovable, cute and furry, he is a monster who almost never uses contractions when speaking or singing....
(1998-), Guy SmileyGuy SmileyGuy Smiley is a character on Sesame Street who was dubbed "America's favorite game show host." His skits are among those on the show that parody commercial media. Guy has also hosted parodies of This Is Your Life called "Here Is Your Life." Guests who were profiled included a loaf of bread, a tooth...
, and Yip Yip Martian - John KennedyJohn Kennedy (puppeteer)John Kennedy is a puppeteer who has worked with The Jim Henson Company since 1990. From 1991 until 2003, Kennedy took over Jim Henson's role of Dr. Teeth, after which Bill Barretta took over in 2005. Kennedy has also voiced Kermit the Frog in Disney Cruise Lines.-Characters:* Dr. Teeth * Multiple...
: (2000-) - Jim Kroupa: (1990-)
- Tim LagasseTim LagasseTimothy Lagasse is a puppeteer, puppet designer, and filmmaker. He earned his BFA from the University of Connecticut. Lagasse acts as a puppeteering consultant, and creates puppet films for stations like PBS, MTV, HBO, and Nickelodeon...
: (2008-) - Peter LinzPeter LinzPeter Linz is an American puppeteer. He is perhaps best known as the voice of Snook in It's a Big Big World and Theo Lion in Between the Lions....
: (1993-) - John LoveladyJohn LoveladyJohn Lovelady is a right-handed puppeteer who worked with the Muppets, including on Sesame Street. He stopped working with the Muppets when The Muppet Show Season 1 ended but later joined the syndicated children's series The Great Space Coaster and also performed in a serialisation of Alice's...
: (1969-1977) (Ernie's left hand) (1969) - Rick LyonRick LyonRick Lyon is a puppeteer, actor, and puppet designer and builder originally from Rochester, New York, who has worked for the Jim Henson Company as one of the operators of Big Bird...
: (1986-2002) - Lara MacLean: (1996-)
- Noel MacNealNoel MacNealNoel MacNeal is a puppeteer, writer, and director of children's television, best known as the voice and puppeteer of Bear in Bear in the Big Blue House and Breakfast with Bear...
: (1986-) - Joey Mazzarino: (1991-) Murray Monster, Stinky the Stinkweed, Two-Headed Monster, Merry Monster, Colambo, Horatio the Elephant, Pappa Bear, and Joey Monkey
- Jim MartinJim Martin (puppeteer)Jim Martin is a puppeteer, best known for his roles on Sesame Street. As part of the cast, he has won an Emmy Award. He has been nominated multiple times, and won for "Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling" at the Emmys, also for Sesame Street.-Early life:Martin graduated from St...
: (1986-) Preston Rabbit - Paul McGinnis: (2001-)
- Alison Mork: (1991-1993)
- Brian MuehlBrian MuehlBrian Muehl born in the 1950s, is an American book writer, and a former Sesame Street puppeteer living in Connecticut.Brian's muppet characters included Oscar the Grouch's girlfriend, Grundgetta, Telly Monster, Barkley the dog and Forgetful Jones's girlfriend Clementine. He continued to voice...
: (1970-1988) Barkley, Grundgetta (1982-1984), Clementine (1977-1984), Telly MonsterTelly MonsterTelly Monster, known usually as just Telly, is an eternally worrying, fuchsia monster Muppet on Sesame Street. He is puppeteered by Martin P. Robinson....
(1979-1984), ElmoElmoElmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...
(1979-1984), Dr. Nobel Price (1979-1984), and Additional Muppets - Kathryn MullenKathryn MullenKathryn "Kathy" Mullen is an actress, voice actress, and puppeteer most closely associated with Jim Henson projects. She began performing on The Muppet Show in its third season, primarily as Gaffer the Backstage Cat...
: (1978) - Jerry NelsonJerry NelsonJerry Nelson is an American Muppet puppeteer, known for his wide range of characters, singing abilities, and his frequent partnership with Richard Hunt.-Early years:...
: (1970-) Count von CountCount von CountCount von Count, often known simply as "The Count", is one of the Muppet characters on Sesame Street, performed by Jerry Nelson. The Count is a vampire modeled after Bela Lugosi's interpretation of Count Dracula.-Description:...
, Herry Monster, Sherlock HemlockSherlock HemlockSherlock Hemlock is a former Muppet character on the children's TV show Sesame Street. His catchphrase is "Egad!" which he exclaims whenever he makes a discovery...
, Farley, The Amazing Mumford, Mr. Johnson, Biff, FrazzleFrazzleFrazzle is the only Muppet monster intended to be "scary" in the children's television series Sesame Street. During the late-1980s to early-1990s, his career was limited to that of a background extra, due to his intimidating appearance....
, Herbert Birdsfoot, Little Jerry, Simon Soudman, Mr. Snuffleupagus (1971-1978), Slimey the WormSlimey the WormSlimey the Worm is a light and dark orange striped worm that is the pet and friend of Oscar the Grouch on Jim Henson's Muppet show Sesame Street. Introduced in Season 13 , he is played by Martin P. Robinson and is the smallest of all characters on Sesame Street, being only 7 cm...
(1978), Sam the Robot, Two-Headed Monster, Tina Twiddlebug, Rodeo Rosie, Fred the Wonder Horse, Mary Rhymie, Barry Rhymie, Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers...
, and Poco Loco (1974-1978) - Carmen OsbahrCarmen OsbahrCarmen Osbahr is an American actress who has puppeteered Rosita in the popular US children's series Sesame Street, since 1991. Osbahr has also puppeteered Kiki Flores in The Puzzle Place...
: (1991-) RositaRosita (Sesame Street character)Rosita is a bright blue-green Hispanic monster Muppet character on the children's television series Sesame Street. Fluent in both English and Spanish, she is the first regular bilingual Muppet on the show... - Frank OzFrank OzFrank Oz is a British-born American film director, actor, voice actor and puppeteer who is known for creating and performing the characters Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear in The Muppet Show, Cookie Monster, Bert and Grover in Sesame Street, and for directing films, including the 1986 Little Shop of...
: (1969-2000) Bert (1969-), GroverGroverGrover is a Muppet character on the popular television show Sesame Street. Self-described as lovable, cute and furry, he is a monster who almost never uses contractions when speaking or singing....
(1970-), Cookie MonsterCookie MonsterCookie Monster is a Muppet on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is best known for his voracious appetite and his famous eating phrases: "Me want cookie!", "Me eat cookie!", and "Om nom nom nom" . He often eats anything and everything, including danishes, donuts, lettuce, apples,...
(1969-), Lefty the SalesmanLefty the SalesmanLefty the Salesman — commonly known as Lefty or simply The Salesman) was a Muppet character on the children's television program Sesame Street...
, Professor Hastings, Tessie Twiddlebug, Harvey Kneeslapper, Larry Rhymie, Betty LouBetty LouBetty Lou may refer to:*Betty Lou Beets , murderer executed in Texas*Betty Lou Gerson , American actress*Betty Lou Holland , American actress*Betty Lou Keim , American actress...
, Prince CharmingPrince CharmingPrince Charming is a stock character who appears in a number of fairy tales. He is the prince who comes to rescue of the damsel in distress, and stereotypically, must engage in a quest to liberate her from an evil spell...
, and Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers... - Bob Payne: (1979) Telly MonsterTelly MonsterTelly Monster, known usually as just Telly, is an eternally worrying, fuchsia monster Muppet on Sesame Street. He is puppeteered by Martin P. Robinson....
(1979) and Mary Rhymie - Karen PrellKaren PrellKaren Prell is best known as the performer of Red Fraggle on Fraggle Rock. She also performed some characters in other Jim Henson films, and has enjoyed a significant second career as a computer animator for such studios as Pixar and DNA. On Sesame Street she performed Deena Monster, which was a...
: (1981-1983) Deena - Martin P. RobinsonMartin P. RobinsonMartin P. Robinson is a puppeteer for the Jim Henson Company. He originally built, designed, and performed the puppets for Little Shop of Horrors. He is perhaps best known for his work on Sesame Street. He has performed the characters of Telly Monster, Slimey the Worm, Mr. Snuffleupagus, and Tony...
(known as Marty Robinson): (1981-) Telly MonsterTelly MonsterTelly Monster, known usually as just Telly, is an eternally worrying, fuchsia monster Muppet on Sesame Street. He is puppeteered by Martin P. Robinson....
, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Slimey the WormSlimey the WormSlimey the Worm is a light and dark orange striped worm that is the pet and friend of Oscar the Grouch on Jim Henson's Muppet show Sesame Street. Introduced in Season 13 , he is played by Martin P. Robinson and is the smallest of all characters on Sesame Street, being only 7 cm...
, Buster the Horse, and Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers... - David RudmanDavid RudmanDavid Rudman is a puppeteer, voice actor and producer, best known as a performer of many of Sesame Street's Muppets. He originated the role of Baby Bear, and has been nominated for two Emmy Awards for his work replacing Frank Oz in the role of Cookie Monster...
: (1985-) Baby Bear, Cookie MonsterCookie MonsterCookie Monster is a Muppet on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is best known for his voracious appetite and his famous eating phrases: "Me want cookie!", "Me eat cookie!", and "Om nom nom nom" . He often eats anything and everything, including danishes, donuts, lettuce, apples,...
(2001-), Sully (1992-1999), Two-Headed Monster, Sonny Friendly (1999-2000), Dip the Cat (1992), Yip Yip MartianYip YipsThe Yip Yips are characters on the popular American children's television show Sesame Street. They are interplanetary visitors, from the planet Mars. They marvel at devices such as clocks, telephones and computers...
, Chicago the Lion, and Davey Monkey - Daniel Seagren: (1969-1970) roles included Big Bird, while Caroll Spinney was sick, and on The Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan ShowThe Ed Sullivan Show is an American TV variety show that originally ran on CBS from Sunday June 20, 1948 to Sunday June 6, 1971, and was hosted by New York entertainment columnist Ed Sullivan....
- Judy Sladky: (1986-2001) Alice Snuffleupagus
- Marilyn SokolMarilyn SokolMarilyn Sokol is an actress, comedienne, teacher, singer, writer/director. She has won an Emmy Award, an Obie Award, and a Bistro Award. She lives in New York City...
: (1977) Betty LouBetty LouBetty Lou may refer to:*Betty Lou Beets , murderer executed in Texas*Betty Lou Gerson , American actress*Betty Lou Holland , American actress*Betty Lou Keim , American actress... - Caroll SpinneyCaroll SpinneyCaroll Edwin Spinney, sometimes credited as Carroll Spinney or Ed Spinney , is an American puppeteer most famous for playing Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on the children's television show Sesame Street.-Life and career:...
: since 1969, as Big BirdBig BirdBig Bird is a protagonist of the children's television show Sesame Street. Big Bird, like many of the other Sesame Street characters, is a Muppet character. He is sometimes referred to simply as "Bird" by his friends....
, Oscar the GrouchOscar the GrouchOscar the Grouch is a Muppet character on the television program Sesame Street. He has a green body , has no nose , and lives in a trash can. His favorite thing in life is trash; evidence for this is the song "I Love Trash". A running theme is his compulsive hoarding of seemingly useless items...
, Bruno, Lefty the SalesmanLefty the SalesmanLefty the Salesman — commonly known as Lefty or simply The Salesman) was a Muppet character on the children's television program Sesame Street...
(occasional), and Betty LouBetty LouBetty Lou may refer to:*Betty Lou Beets , murderer executed in Texas*Betty Lou Gerson , American actress*Betty Lou Holland , American actress*Betty Lou Keim , American actress... - John TartagliaJohn TartagliaJohn Nicholas Tartaglia is an American singer, actor, dancer, puppeteer.Tartaglia was born in Maple Shade, New Jersey, U.S.. He joined Sesame Street's puppetry team at the age of 16 part-time, performing as a right hand and many minor characters, including Phoebe and being the backup for Kevin...
(2000-): - Toby TowsonToby TowsonToby Towson is a gymnast and dancer. He performed Sesame Street Muppet dog Barkley in its debut appearances, in A Special Sesame Street Christmas and season 10....
: Barkley, in A Special Sesame Street ChristmasA Special Sesame Street ChristmasA Special Sesame Street Christmas was a low-budget 1978 CBS Christmas special, made the same year as the legendary and still popular Christmas Eve on Sesame Street. The special was first broadcast on Friday, December 8, 1978 at 8 PM ET on CBS, pre-empting Wonder Woman that week.The special features...
(19??) - Gabriel Velez: (198?-198?)
- Matt Vogel: (2000-) (Ernie's right hand) (2000-) Big Bird (understudy) (2000-)
- Steve WhitmireSteve WhitmireSteven Whitmire is an American puppeteer who works for The Jim Henson Company, Sesame Workshop and Disney's The Muppets Studio. He has been the performer of two signature Muppets - Kermit the Frog and Sesame Street's Ernie - since the death of their creator and original performer, Jim Henson, in...
: (1993-) Ernie (1993-) and Kermit the FrogKermit the FrogKermit the Frog is puppeteer Jim Henson's most famous Muppet creation, first introduced in 1955. He is the protagonist of many Muppet projects, most notably as the host of The Muppet Show, and has appeared in various sketches on Sesame Street, in commercials and in public service announcements over...
(1993-) - Caroly Wilcox (1969-1970, 1975-1976)
- Bryant Young: (1971-)