It's Official: Caroll Spinney retires from Sesame Street after nearly 50 years

[ShMuppetgal96]

What accomplishments he has made, dreams he has fulfilled, all thanks to a Bird and a Grouch.

Congratulations Caroll. Thank you for 50 wonderful years!

 

[GonzoMan]

I hope that for the 50th season they do a special episode for Caroll, just like they did for Jerry Nelson awhile back.

 

[MuppetsRule]

Can't even fathom the number of young lives he has had an impact on. What a career.

 

[cjd874]

Sesame Street would not have been such a huge success if Caroll Spinney hadn't joined. Big Bird and Oscar were big influences in my life, and have impacted millions (maybe even billions) of people. Caroll, if you ever see this, thank you for making a positive difference in the world.

PS If you need further proof of Caroll's influence, let's not forget the time that he made a phone call (as Big Bird) to a terminally ill child. The child's last words were, "Mommy...Daddy...Big Bird called...and he loves me."

 

[The Count]

Sorry, didn't realize the thread had been retitled. Will definitely watch the tribute video later, it's another one of those hallmark moments when one of our collective childhood icons leaves us after making such an indelible impression upon our lives.

 

[Daffyfan4ever]

I just read the news on the web, I was kind of surprised, but then realized we all saw this coming, from the classic ABC-DEF-GHI song to the memorable grouchy moments by Oscar. We'll all miss you, Mr. Linney.

Maria: That's Spinney, Daffy. Spinney.

 

[BertsNose]

He has more than earned a nice, peaceful retirement. I'm going to miss him though.

 

[animalrescuer]

He truly deserves his retirement. Sesame Street wouldn’t have been as beloved without him. I certainly wish him and his wife Debbie well.

 

[MikaelaMuppet]

 

[Schfifty]

You know what's interesting, and kind of ironic? Now that Matt and Eric have inherited Big Bird and Oscar, when you think about it, they both perform Kermit and Miss Piggy now. So essentially, they now are officially playing the two perhaps most historically important characters from both the Muppets and the Sesame franchise. That's a huge step.

And today is Caroll's last day of doing voices for the show.