What's My Line? - Big Bird & Caroll Spinney (1972)

[@Marbles471]

I love how it hadn't even been four years yet, but the whole panel already knew who Big Bird was immediately.

[@Goat0423]

Honestly that’s just a tribute to how amazing, iconic, and influential Sesame Street was at the time it came out and still is today.

[@JAKECOT_CENTER]

I mean it had Emmy wins and a time magazine cover at this point and it was only 5 years old

[@mrcydonia]

Sesame Street was a HUGE hit right from the beginning.

[@giggles7179]

Such a gentle soul. We owe Caroll Spinney so much for all his characters taught us. Rest in peace, Big Bird. The children of the world have lost a good friend.

[@sparklecanada0112]

And Oscar The Grouch too. And that's no Trash Talking.😉😁😂👌👍👍❤

[@nsasupporter7557]

@Miss Giggles particularly those of us who grew up with him as Big Bird

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

All right we got the pandering to our emotions out of the way

[@MrT8599]

RIP Caroll Spinney

[@StephenLuke]

I miss him.

[@philipdefibaugh7127]

He died???? Oh no......😢 then Sesame Street HAS TO END!

[@philipdefibaugh7127]

@jett woodward Thank you. This saddens me....now Big Bird is with Mr. Looper.....I mean Mr. Hooper.

[@philipdefibaugh7127]

@jett woodward don't forget Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, and the innobator Jim Henson all collaborating on a new Sesame Street venture.

[@darrylcarter3691]

First Jim Henson, next Richard Hunt, then Jerry Nelson, now Caroll Spinney.

[@MargaretHutz]

Only four years in and you can hear the reaction of the crowd of how loved he was. He had a kind heart and incredible talent.

[@kali3665]

RIP, Caroll Spinney. You will be missed....

[@muffa9125]

Kaepernick will take over for this fine man , I hope he can handle the job

[@darrylcarter3691]

@@muffa9125 First Jim Henson, next Richard Hunt, then Jerry Nelson, now Caroll Spinney.

[@toylifefun8677]

@@darrylcarter3691 I KNOW RIGHT!?

[@vividwatch47]

Caroll Spinney may have made his mark as Big Bird, but he was equally impressive as Oscar The Grouch. R.I.P. Caroll Spinney.

[@darkangelmichael6148]

God bless him...made it to his 80's...look at him here...young and vital, straight out of the 'hippie' generation. A gentle man...just like his friend Jim Henson.

[@zyxwut321]

He was lucky to make it into his 80s. He had a lot of health problems in his final years and yet he only retired very recently before his passing. He had such passion for his work. It was truly his calling.

[@darkangelmichael6148]

@@zyxwut321 His impact is immeasurable and legendary. He's influenced generations. He's sowed some good seeds.

[@Gunman610]

Sesame Street had only been around for four years and Big Bird still got a huge reaction from the adult audience.

[@GeorgeMaster-xg7lg]

The ones who applauded the way they did probably had young children.

[@vpcapellupo]

Carroll Spinney, you were one remarkable human being who captures the imaginations of Children all around the world with your characters Big Bird and Oscar The Grouch , made a big impact on the world. Wish there were more people like you. Carroll, your life had a purpose yours was a life well lived as a person who grew up watching your characters you made an impact on me as with many countless people you have touched . Until we meet again may you Rest In Peace.

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Oh God shut up

[@lizardhats8637]

love that caroll dressed like a dark ages squire just out of his own volition, he was a great guy

[@TimD.Morand]

03:58: Oh man, Caroll Spinney! Your peaceful way of presenting Big Bird sparked in us young children the self-recognition we all needed, which we received from no where else. Thank you for being there.

[@michaelsternberg7320]

Let’s not forget he was also Oscar the grouch. He used to say both were part of his personality.

[@TimD.Morand]

He was Big Bird AND Oscar? Holy shit, this makes SO much sense now! Thank you for sharing this interesting anecdote, Michael!

[@crescentfreshbret]

Sonia Manzano (the lady who played Maria on Sesame Street) has said: “Its the same guy playing Big Bird and Oscar, which I’m sure has saved him thousands on therapy.”

[@robmausser]

dude had to hold his hand over his head the entire show. Crazy.

[@Bobdixon_Moonvarga_Dancer_III]

rob mausser for an entire career! His arm must have gotten tired.

[@stephenherbertson4544]

Probably had one REALLY buff arm... or just a frustrated doctor.

[@monochromeyoshi]

Lamont Simpson Yeah, he ended up getting an arm disease, which ultimately ended his career.

[@JAKECOT_CENTER]

Not just hold his hand but look at a monitor on his chest

[@colleen4ever]

R.I.P Caroll Spinney. Gone but never forgotten.

[@pamelaromanella6339]

I remember the day Mr. Spinney came to my house after buying a car from my father. He was a lovely man, this was before Sesame Street, he was Mr. Lion. He would draw an animal from your first name, mine was an alligator. I was so excited to see him on tv...my friend i told my mom, no Mr. Spinney you were every child's friend.

[@ThunderFist1978]

I met Caroll Spinney in 2015. He was so nice to talk to. One of the other attendees said he’s nice, but he talks a lot. I wondered in my head why he said that like it’s a bad thing, because I like guests who like to talk about their careers better than the ones who won’t say more than 2 words to you.

[@traceytillman7453]

Everyone’s inner child stood up when Big Bird came out. RIP Carroll, you were our grouchy but sweetest feathered friend. I’ll never forget when Mr. Hooper died and the sensetivity of that and Carroll Spinney’s sadness expressed what we all know when loved ones are called home.

[@kieshapage4521]

Rest in peace Mr. Spinney

[@videoinformer]

I remember that cool beginning to this show from when I was a little kid. Seeing it again brings me back.

[@Holobrine]

Can't talk because he's too recognizable!

[@louisborselio8608]

he was on to tell the truth without costume. he has a lower register voice

[@DavidSmith-rv2hw]

@@louisborselio8608 like here at 4:12?

[@PapagenoMF]

It's 1972. The show had only been on for 2 or 3 years.

[@louisborselio8608]

Pretty much.

[@talldrinkomusic]

Yes and the host wasn't helpful in letting him speak either.

[@scottburton9701]

I would imagine that Carroll Spinney & Jim Henson are reuniting in heaven.

[@darrylcarter3691]

And Richard Hunt And Jerry Nelson.

[@MultiverseAsheville]

I love how much you could still hear Big Bird hidden in his normal voice. Like Kermit was with Jim.

[@williamdunphy352]

Congratulations to Carroll Spiney for 50 Years of playing Big Bird & Oscar.

[@Lisa-pb3qp]

RIP icon of my childhood.

[@glennfromthebronx]

...I love how the "mystery" of BIG BIRD was maintained as Carroll didm' t simply pull off the costume's head. but instead had to reappear after the break. >Looking ack...classy...and didn't upset any kids who were watching.

[@TheSparrowLooksUp]

I will never not smile when I see Big Bird. Ingrained childhood memories prevent me from doing so.

[@LucasTV_]

Caroll spinney 1933-2019

[@ericdunn360]

So what day did he die?

[@bsteven885]

@@ericdunn360, Sunday, December 8. 2019 -- may Carroll Spinney (the puppeteer who operated the Muppets' Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch) R.I.P.

[@juliavilla8088]

Rest in Peace Mr Caroll Spinney aka Big Bird!! Sesame street will never be the same with out you =(

[@sparklecanada0112]

aka Oscar The Grouch as well

[@brianarbenz7206]

Caroll Spinney had a TV monitor inside the bird suit to see how he was doing. Remarkable concentration and agility were required to play Big Bird flawlessly and he was up to the task. A great and irreplaceable performer. We will miss you, Caroll "Big Bird!"

[@TheronC2]

Love the fantastic early 70s outfit. Groovy threads, man!

[@CaseyMoo1]

A truly sad loss. He helped shape generations with some beautiful work.

[@RetroFreak35]

Watching this after I heard the actor had died.

[@daveyhouston]

When did he die he just retired ?

[@Beatlegirl27]

@@daveyhouston He passed away Sunday morning. 😥

[@mobus1603]

Caroll Spinney was truly a special person.

[@shopsshire9282]

RIP Caroll Spinney - the original and best Big Bird! And RIP to the master of the Muppets, Jim Henson!

[@nunosoares2329]

Brilliant entertainer. RIP Caroll Spinney. Condolences to the family for your loss 😢

[@terryluttrell352]

I loved big bird when i was a kid.

[@janineharrison5186]

Wish it had been longer. RIP Carroll.

[@lordfaladar6261]

Good bye Carroll Spinney we hardly knew you yet you were one of our best Friends. Long live the Big bird And what's Truly sad to me is you died on my Birthday. :-{ so I do what I must and Celebrate your Life , though I'd rather sit in tears for Our Loss

[@nowvoyagerNE]

the length of the segment of the tv show was too short :-( i wanted to hear more.

[@nowvoyagerNE]

back 2 years later...what a disappointing interview and segment this was. i know Sesame street was very new back in the early 1970s and perhaps not too many people where familiar with the Muppets and Jim Henson, , but this lackluster presentation by the panelists and host was pathetic.

[@MikeS-um1nm]

@@nowvoyagerNE I couldn't agree more! I just left a comment about how short the segment was, and how the panel only had a few minutes, to ask a few questions. They were "getting warm" too, and it would've been great fun to see them guess correctly! Yeah, this particular show was done abysmally bad, ESPECIALLY looking back on it now. They had a chance to make history with this episode and they blew it real bad.

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Caroll Spinney played Big Bird in one form or another for over 40 years. Hard to believe. And a very kind soul Caroll was, like virtually every other founding member of the Muppets. Puppeteers in general, if you think about it, sort of have to be that way to devote their souls to the performance of their creations. (Even Oscar the Grouch, who, interestingly, is also portrayed by Caroll, is really a sort of gentle version of a pessimist.)

[@Shockzone1495]

So sad to know that he passed away now. Rest in peace Caroll Spinney

[@alfredbrownii6989]

Thank you Oscar and big bird Caroll Spinney missed you all ❤

[@libertubey2199]

Enjoy your retirement, Mr. Spinney. Though you are still alive and well, your retirement is another reminder that my childhood is going further and further into the past.

[@lillieanag6394]

Spinney. S-P-I-N-N-E-Y

[@ihavefallenandicantreachmy2113]

As in, "Spinner Spinner, Bird, For Dinner"?

[@furyfox2.0random35]

He died :(

[@williamdunphy352]

Panel: Henry Morgan, Sherrye Henry, Jack Cassidy, Arlene Francis.

[@ameenakhan7872]

Man I really miss caroll spinney It’s so boring without him RIP😭😭😭

[@jay-day]

They had a strict rule with bBig Bird that the pupeteer NEVER took off his costume in public (especially the head) for fear ut would frighten small children. That's why Carol never spoke. He couldn't speak with his Big Bird voice because it would give it away; and he couldn't use another voice in the costume because kids could be watching. And when he appeared as himself, he went offstage to change, because it might freak kids out to see their favorite character "losing his head".

[@RealCalebClay]

R.I.P.... Toodle-loo...

[@Marbles471]

"Are you an animal offstage, as well?" I kinda wish Big Bird had had to come up with some kind of answer to that question. X)

[@sparklecanada0112]

Would have been funny if Carroll had said, "Let Me Check With My Wife And Get Back To You"...😂😂

[@donellehatcher7463]

You know, I really gonna miss him.

[@georgeshelton6281]

This shot I now know; was taken, some time on July 1, 1972.

[@michaelj.r457]

I wonder why they didn't bring Carroll out as a guest later in the show to have the panel guess who he was (Like they did with Bozo the Clown on a previous episode.) Maybe they didn't have time, but otherwise, great footage from a great show.

[@BX138]

I was thinking that too. They could have had him come out as him, talk and everything, no one would have any clue who he was.

[@bsteven885]

Exactly, it looks like this was at the end of the show, and they just didn't have the time to elaborate further.

[@jjproduction297]

RIP Caroll Spinney

[@kosmickrab]

Came for Caroll Spinney. Stayed for Angela from The Office dressed as a cheerleader.

[@ThreeMs1989]

RIP Carol, we will all miss you. 😭😭😭😭

[@puppetshack4931]

So cool! I love that 💛

[@thewompeebunch9783]

Rest In Peace my hero. I really wish I got to meet you. I really do

[@likespurple2261]

RIP, Carol Spinney

[@MikeS-um1nm]

I will never forget two of my friends from college. I hope for the sake of confidentiality and/ or anonymity, I'm not giving out TMI here, but I went to school with Carol Spinney's Daughter and Son. I made some wise crack, about a tall, lanky student, and compared him to Big Bird. This beautiful girl next to me said something about me, insulting her Father. I didn't get it at first but then she told me who her Father was and who he portrayed on TV. I was kinda' dumbstruck and more than a little impressed! I was a HUGE Sesame Street fan. I then joked that MY Father was Oscar the Grouch (cuz, y'know, we all mock our Fathers for being grouchy) and she said: "No he's not, because that's my Father TOO!" It was priceless! I'll never forget that, and I'll never forget Carol Spinney or the 2 great, and TALENTED kids I got to know!

[@traebee333]

RIP, Caroll 💛💚

[@josephcalitri5710]

Seeing this live in 1972 must have been WILD

[@MikeS-um1nm]

I can't believe how quickly the panel was stopped from asking questions! They only had a few minutes and only asked a few questions, but I think they were "Getting Warm" (so to speak) and would've guessed it was Big Bird, if they had just a little more time.

[@craigfoye6674]

RIP Carroll Spinney (the man who does “Big Bird” and “Oscar the Grouch”)

[@Lilracky64]

RIP big bird and oscar

[@14DaveHunter]

Carroll Spinney goes hippie.

[@suelee3391]

Funny to see Big Bird here.

[@lb2.0.45]

RIP Carroll Spinney we'll miss you!

[@panagiotisgkountoumas9022]

Everyone here saying RIP the man isn't dead because legends never die

[@mikebottiaux5850]

Love Big Bird❤️

[@atflorida1414]

Love you Carroll!!!

[@elizabethramirezsierra3700]

RIP Carroll Spinney 1933-2019 🐥

[@DyordsNavatrutu]

that's all the time we have for caroll, folks

[@aiferapple1246]

RIP Caroll Spinney. Sad news :.(

[@bezalelkosofsky7286]

May you Rest In Peace Carroll Spinney!

[@ThomasDickensheets]

I wish I met him!

[@tsntana]

Another 5 minutes and they would've had it. :)

[@MikeS-um1nm]

I think they were much closer than that! I'd say ONE minute and about 3 or 4 questions.

[@tsntana]

@@MikeS-um1nm Yeah, give or take. :)

[@darrylcarter3691]

First Jim Henson, next Richard Hunt, then Jerry Nelson, now Caroll Spinney.

[@dawnwelch6579]

It’s definitely gonna hit me hard when either Frank Oz or Dave Goelz leave us... 💔💔💔

[@MichaelSimmons.]

The Mystery Guest segment, in this version of the show, was way too short. It made the show very hard to watch.

[@MikeS-um1nm]

Agreed!!

[@maskedmarvyl4774]

That was Much too short an appearance by Caroll Spinney! He looked like he just stepped out of 1968! lol!

[@Marbles471]

Right? That OUTFIT. XD

[@jetnut89]

Dude looked like he just stepped out of Ringo Starr's closet.

[@maureensawatzki7917]

RIP Sir

[@eddieg749]

RIP Carroll Spinney

[@BaarBear]

Say hello to "Mr. Looper" for us, Big Bird! :'(

[@2flyabove]

Hooper

[@bsteven885]

😂😊 Big Bird ALWAYS does that! R.I.P. Caroll Spinney.

[@ThomasDickensheets]

BURIAL Spinney Family Cemetery Woodstock, Windham County, Connecticut

[@louistenore2185]

Sesame street will not be the same with out Mr Carol Spinney

[@MrShadowknight2000]

#rip Caroll

[@brianblumenreich9026]

REST IN PEACE: CAROLL SPINNEY

[@ky-gp4sz]

R.I.P.

[@vadinandez]

Caroll Spinney has clothing like musician Prince.

[@Bobdixon_Moonvarga_Dancer_III]

That was a short segment!

[@MikeS-um1nm]

WAY too short.

[@ThomasDickensheets]

11 years old.

[@leighburton832]

Carroll Spivey had brown hair instead of white hair in 1972! RIP!

[@lenovovo]

Caroll Spinney was a good looking man in this video

[@wurly164]

RIP

[@Ragan31687]

That was great but it was too short

[@evanisthegoat]

;( sad thing is thar hes dead, i will miss him.

[@followerofjulian1652]

with lox?

[@paulleckner8235]

I would have enjoyed going to work every morning.

[@rvpstudioscanada3991]

Big Bird has a small head.

[@slshanklin]

His outfit looks good. I want something like it. (Not Bigbird, the second part)

[@rvpstudioscanada3991]

They should of spent more time talking to Caroll at the end.

[@brendapetersen364]

Fun