He was at one time. There was an episode from Season 28 where he grew this yellow flower that smelled really bad, and everyone put clothespins on their noses to show him that they love him with their hearts, not with their noses. Stinky just wants to leave, and he hires a plant removal man to take him away from Sesame Street, because he doesn't think people still want him around. Then, they take off their clothespins to show him that they really do want him, and then Oscar comes along and loves that smell, and takes the flower home.