We recently learned that Sesame Street is getting its own movie, a film that may or may not feature a gay subplot. One thing it definitely won't feature, however, is the talents of veteran puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who has just stepped down from his role on the show.
Spinney has played the beloved characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the show first aired some 50 years ago. This week, Spinney will enter the Sesame studios one last time before throwing in the towel.
"Before I came to Sesame Street, I didn't feel like what I was doing was very important. Big Bird helped me find my purpose," Spinney said in a statement. "Even as I step down from my roles, I feel I will always be Big Bird. And even Oscar, once in a while! They have given me great joy, led me to my true calling – and my wonderful wife! – and created a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever."
With Spinney's absence from the show, Sesame Street will have no choice but to brutally kill off the characters. Just kidding. Big Bird will now be played by Kermit puppeteer Matt Vogel, while Oscar will be handled by Miss Piggy puppeteer Eric Jacobson.
Spinney has played the beloved characters of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the show first aired some 50 years ago. This week, Spinney will enter the Sesame studios one last time before throwing in the towel.
"Before I came to Sesame Street, I didn't feel like what I was doing was very important. Big Bird helped me find my purpose," Spinney said in a statement. "Even as I step down from my roles, I feel I will always be Big Bird. And even Oscar, once in a while! They have given me great joy, led me to my true calling – and my wonderful wife! – and created a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever."
With Spinney's absence from the show, Sesame Street will have no choice but to brutally kill off the characters. Just kidding. Big Bird will now be played by Kermit puppeteer Matt Vogel, while Oscar will be handled by Miss Piggy puppeteer Eric Jacobson.
