Remembering Caroll Spinney (December 26, 1933-December 8, 2019)

fuzzygobo

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Wow. I mean, just, wow. I was finishing decorating the tree today, finally got the place cleaned up from the mess, took a break to come onto MC, and this is what I see . . . I don't even know how to react to this - the happiest time of year, and this happens.

I'm so happy that he at least lived to see SS turn 50, he certainly went above and beyond to fulfill he commitment and dedication to Big Bird and Oscar, and for that, we can all be grateful. Much like with Jerry Nelson, and even Jane Henson years before, we knew Caroll was living on borrowed time, but this still feels so sudden and unexpected, and I can't believe I'm reading about this just after finishing the last little bit of Christmas decorating. I feel devastated.

I'm also so proud and honored that I did, indeed, have the rare opportunity to meet him in person two years ago: even then, his health wasn't so great, his voice was very soft and barely audible, he often trailed off mid-sentence and Debbie would have to finish answering questions for him, he had his sunglasses, he was being pushed in a wheelchair, and his handshake was very weak . . . but none of that took away from the moment of getting to meet and speak with one of the most inspiring people in the world, and what a legacy he's leaving behind: he certainly embodied two of the most beloved and cherished icons in children's television of all time . . . and what he's said is true - Big Bird will be adopted now, but he's in capable hands with Matt; and we all know that Oscar will continue to live flawlessly with Eric as well.

I'm still so shocked and saddened by this. I feel like crying.
I know it doesn't help he died so close to Christmas, but way back when, on Dec. 7, 1982, Mr. Hooper passed away. That was a blow to me. Sesame Street has outlived so many who contributed to it. Not even being part of one of the best tv shows ever can save us from our own mortality.
For those of us that were fortunate enough to meet him, he will always have a place in our hearts, and we can never lose that.
 

Schfifty

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I'm at a complete loss of words right now....

Thank you, Caroll, for everything you've done and the joy you brought to us all. I have never met you in person, but Big Bird made a special visit to my 2nd birthday party to deliver balloons, and that captured moment will stick with me forever.

We will miss you, Mr. Pinney. :cry:
 
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Steve Arino

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My apologies, MuppetSpot. I must have read wrong about Matt Vogel playing Oscar the Grouch on "Sesame Street." Thanks for correcting me. My Mea Culpa.
 

MikaelaMuppet

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This news is just really hitting me hard right now, and I can’t stop crying because of it.
 

fuzzygobo

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I'm at a complete loss of words right now....

Thank you, Caroll, for everything you've done and the joy you brought to us all. I have never meet you in person, but Big Bird made a special visit to my 2nd birthday party to deliver balloons, and that captured moment will stick with me forever.

We will miss you, Mr. Pinney. :cry:
As in Pinney Tail on the Donkey?
 
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