Remembering Caroll Spinney: Our Bird, Our Grouch (1933-2019)

On the morning of December 8, 2019, the extremely heartbreaking news was delivered via social media, TV, etc, that the legendary puppeteer, author, artist, and children icon, Caroll Edwin Spinney, passed away at the age of 85 after living with Dystonia for a while.
Caroll Spinney was very well-known for playing the beloved roles of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch from the iconic children's television series, "Sesame Street", from the show's beginning in 1969 until his retirement in 2018. Though Big Bird and Oscar are clearly polar opposites in terms of not only appearances but personalities, it's amazing how both characters have been portrayed by the same guy for 50 years. And although Caroll sometimes had to be mean, cranky, and grouchy through Oscar, he was a very sweet and kindhearted person that carried on that childlike innocence found in Big Bird through his 80s.
While people knew Caroll was famous for playing two different characters on Sesame Street, he's mostly famous for playing Big Bird, especially when he had to take risks portraying the physically demanding character, whether it was riding a unicycle, roller-skating, ice-skating, being on a boat, or walking with his head between his legs. Caroll and Big Bird have been to so many places, to Hawaii, to China, to Mexico, to the Neighborhood of Make-Believe, to the Hollywood Walk of Fame, and many more. Caroll put so much commitment and dedication into what he enjoyed doing, no matter how hard it may have been. He has helped to entertain, educate, and inspire a multitude of childhoods over the many preceding decades and even today as Sesame Street celebrates its 50th anniversary, we still continue to look back on all the show's beloved moments that Caroll has been a huge part of.
Saying he has been part of my childhood would be an understatement. I wish to believe Caroll was a huge part of my whole life, and even though sadly I never got the chance to meet him in person (let alone communicate with him on Facebook), I feel like through his characters he knew me almost as much as I knew him, just like with Mister Rogers.
When I heard the news of his passing, I was completely heartbroken. I already gotten over the death of Russi Taylor, another childhood icon of mine, but I never expected to lose another.
Well, I kinda did. Sadly during Caroll's final days, he was in a wheelchair and could barely speak, clearly unable to perform Big Bird or Oscar anymore. The age really caught up to him, and so did dystonia. I had a feeling he wasn't going to last for very much longer, but I'm still deeply saddened by his loss.
Sesame Street, and the world, will be a lesser place without Caroll but it was a sunnier place because he was there. He may be gone, but the characters he put so much heart and soul into will live on for as long as Sesame Street will continue. Thankfully, Matt Vogel and Eric Jacobson, talented successors that Caroll picked, will continue to carry on not only the roles of Big Bird and Oscar, respectively, but also Caroll's legacy.
It's sad, but we can all be very happy we've gotten the chance to be with him, whether on TV or in person, and to know him and to love him a lot when he was here. We still have memories of Caroll, both as himself and as his characters, and we can remember him as much as we want to.
Caroll, on behalf of all Sesame Street fans like myself, thank you for everything. For all the laughs, the joy, the lessons, the memories, the fun, the grouchiness, the trash, the songs, but most of all, for yourself. You will always be Big Bird and Oscar to us.
R.I.P. (1933-2019)
NOTE: I do not own the content or the clips shown. They all belong to their respective copyright owners. This is just for entertainment, educational, and tribute purposes.
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No videos were made to intentionally offend anyone. They're meant to be taken as a joke, meme, satire, etc. All my videos are made with iMovie. Any clips from TV shows, movies, cartoons, songs, etc. are not owned by me.

[@BrendanBarney]

R.I.P. to the original and best Big Bird.

[@BabyLambCreations]

And the original and best Oscar.

[@jswatch9270]

@@BabyLambCreations I miss him so much and to let you know that big Bird is my favorite character from sesame street

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

They way he puppeteered Big Bird was almost identical to how Noel MacNeal performed Bear.

[@TherobbiezoneKing]

Right before COVID-19 started so at least he never had to wear a mask or go through the precautions back in 2020

[@BrendanBarney]

@@TherobbiezoneKing I didn't ask you to bring politics into this chain.

[@MoonDragon-pm2re]

Caroll Spinney's legacy will never be forgotten. We love you Big Bird.

[@alexism5936]

R.I.P. Caroll Spinney (1933-2019)

[@benmellors1622]

Sesame Street wouldn't happened without Carroll Spinney This is a man that has been on Sesame Street since day one

[@Kitnighty]

When deaths like this happen, I try to not be sad that someone's life is over; I try to be happy that they had a life well lived.

[@kylemorello4787]

Me too. That's why I'm checking out all these wonderful tributes to Caroll and his legacy. They make me cry tears of sadness that he's gone, but of joy that he's touched so many people. If there's one thing that really saddens me about all this, it's that this is another subtraction from the wonderful world Jim created. I mean, one half of the people behind are dead, and the other half are retired. Dave Goelz (Gonzo, Zoot, and Bunsen Honeydew) is the only one still bringing people science, music, and of course, weirdness, and it's only a matter of time til he has to retire, and the clock starts ticking on him too. Not to mention there will be a point when Fozzie joins his best frog friend, and mother for that matter (Jerry Nelson) in the sky soon too. I know it's inevitable, that while Muppets can last forever as long as they're entertaining people for years to come, the people behind them can't, but it's still a sad, sad truth. Well, I guess we all just have to be glad that they all made the best of the time they had to leave an influence on the world, and look ahead for the new generation of Muppeteers to continue their legacy, whether it be resuming their characters or creating new ones. That's why I'm sticking with Sesame Workshop, the Disney owned Muppets, and the Jim Henson Company threw thick and thin, threw all their projects, all their breakthroughs, and all their mistakes. Henson, Hunt, Nelson, Spinney, and all the other deceased people behind these projects would hate it if we all just gave up.

[@tysargent9647]

I'm sticking with them too, and no one should give up on Jim Henson. He gave us literal worlds of entertainment, and it should be only fitting that we thank him for everything he gave us, and his fellow puppeteers for continuing and preserving his legacy.

[@rodolforodriguez4447]

All lives matter,and carrol spinney has excellent life🤗🤗🤗

[@faithingod9554]

Amen

[@anime1thewave312]

The voice of Big Bird passed away...so sad... My childhood show... We all grew up to Big Bird. He will never ever be forgotten. R.I.P. Caroll Spinney... 😞🙏

[@nathanfuller8118]

And the voice of Oscar the grouch

[@anime1thewave312]

@@nathanfuller8118 Yeah...

[@TheGreninjaBomber]

Caroll Spinney is a good person

[@nathanfuller8118]

And his wife and they are good couples

[@SuperIsabelle2008]

Never forget him.

[@J329-s4h]

This news put me in a bad mood for the next few days. I’m still not over it. RIP Carol Spinney (1933-2019)

[@ritaandrunt5767]

Such a great tribute to this man it goes to show he that as oscar and big bird he will be missed deeply

[@anthonya1151]

I was hoping you would do this eventually, I was waiting. R.I.P. Caroll Spinney

[@jamesborlan2850]

R.I.P Carroll spinney you will always be big bird to me

[@UrLocalNostalgicMovieFanGuy]

Goodbye Caroll I'll Miss You

[@madlyplays1841]

We All Will Never Forget This Great Big Bird Oscar Award Winning Man... 😢

[@bullwrinkle29studiosshow37]

Rip to the legend and original big bird and Oscar the grouch. Goodbye forever carrol spinney

[@beckykennedy6886]

RIP Carroll Spinney, voice of Big Bird and Oscar. I'm sorry you didn't get to enjoy retirement for long, but at least you spent your years entertaining and educating little kids. Say hi to Mr. Hooper for us. I'm sure you, Mr. Hooper, Count Von Count (Jerry Nelson), David (Northern Calloway), Jim Henson, and all the other Muppets who have sadly departed are watching us from heaven just like we watched you for 50 years.

[@leannaboyle6836]

I have always loved Big Bird and even Oscar, as a toddler I had a lot of merchandise with Big Bird's face on it. Rest in Peace Mr. Spinney

[@grumpymama5048]

😔 I grew up with this show. It breaks my heart.

[@higbeeproductions2340]

R.I.P 😞💛💚

[@greentree68]

Mr. Spinney, thanks for all the memories you’ve given me over the years.

[@matthewn1566]

Caroll Spinney. He brought childlike innocence to Big Bird and relatable crankiness in Oscar the Grouch. I will forever be grateful for that. Thank you, Caroll. RIP

[@alfredbrown281]

Rest in peace Caroll Spinney 1933-2020

[@BabyLambCreations]

*2019

[@wilbertstea8.37]

Caroll spinney last apperence was 50 year anniversary episode. I miss Caroll Spinney. Matt Vogel handed over to role the Big Bird. Last year, 26 December 2019 it's was 86th birthday without him.

[@tysargent9647]

Sadly though, Spinney's voice was not used for the intended episode, episode 22 of season 50.

[@martinmoore2468]

He was the greatest performer.

[@Fan-zy5me]

It will never be the same without him. But you know. We can all be very happy that we had a chance to be with him every time we saw big bird or Oscar. and to know him and love him a lot when he was here. And we still have our memories of him. That's what we have with video right here is good memories of him and his charachters. And we can remember him and remember him as much as we want to. But I don't like it. It makes me sad. But I'm sure we all feel sad. You know.... I'm gonna miss you Mr. Kinney

[@BabyLambCreations]

That's Spinney, 1999 Fan, Spinney. =')

[@kylemorello4787]

I see what you did there!

[@Sunnie_0]

Even though I don’t watch Sesame Street, This is sad 😞

[@dolphquick2686]

It's sad that he died a month after celebrating Sesame Street's 50th anniversary, and then again it's good that he lived long enough to do so. R.i.p. Caroll Spinney . Say hello to Mr. Looper... I mean Mr. Hooper for me.

[@diamondslayer9415]

Big Bird then: *Learns about death* Big Bird now: *Learns about his own death*

[@matteovillanueva9362]

This is a beautiful tribute Simon! Amazing job my friend! ❤️❤️

[@BabyLambCreations]

Thank you, Matteo! =)

[@Grover1234]

What a Lovely tribute to Caroll and his two children, Big Bird and Oscar. You made me tear up BLC but it makes me happy as well. Awesome job!

[@BabyLambCreations]

Thank you, Kyle! That means a lot.

[@trijosh5208]

We'll always miss you Caroll.

I really miss him............ He was great at playing amazing characters!

[@eliassmeke3991]

Rest In Peace ✌️ Caroll Spinney (12/26/1933-12/8/2019) we will always remember you as both Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch 😔😔😔

[@theangrybirdsfanandstarwar1098]

Rip carol spinney 1933-2019 😭😭😭💔💔💔

[@taniasvideos5258]

I’m gonna miss him😭😭😭

[@adakins_6463]

I’m actually sad that I didn’t know this until now Been busy with adult life and completely forgot about my childhood I remember I’ve been being picked on when I was a kid for being tall and when I watched Sesame Street big bird would make me feel better and make like myself a bit more Thank you Caroll Spinney (1933- 2019) 💛🐣💛🐥💛🐤💛

[@VampireFan-rf5kb]

Big Bird: Mr. Hooper! Count! Mr. Rogers! Jim Henson! It's so great to see all you 4 here again! Edit: Oscar the Grouch: Did you guys miss me and Big Bird?

[@themovieguru1094]

So long Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch! 😢

[@tysargent9647]

It's rather depressing to know that Caroll voiced Big Bird and Oscar in one more episode for Sesame Street's 50th season, on the day after he announced his retirement, and he didn't live long enough to see his final performances. Update: It's even sadder knowing Caroll's voice wasn't used for that episode, and they stuck with Matt and Eric instead.

[@nathanfuller8118]

Plus its my birthday and thank you Carroll for the memorys

[@BabyLambCreations]

Happy Birthday, Nathan.

[@nathanfuller8118]

@@BabyLambCreations thanks

[@zacharycorsetti]

My birthday was December 9th and I turned 20!

[@nathanfuller8118]

@@BabyLambCreations plus Carol and Debra Spinney are good couples

[@jasmynewalker1582]

I’ll always miss you Caroll Spinney you’re an amazing person that’s play as my #1 favorite Seasame Street character that’s makes the show amazing! Big Bird #1!

[@jswatch9270]

I'll always miss him so much and to let you know that big Bird is my favorite character from sesame street.

[@aceattorney1989]

RIP Caroll Spinney. Thank you for making our childhood entertaining.

[@chriseden1950]

What's really sad is I saw who voiced big Bird (Carroll spinny) a the casting for sesame Street a few days before he die.

[@gabrielrblx838]

Caroll Spinney will go to heaven for making people happy

[@arilevitt2385]

He's lived a good long life...

[@sethcarlow8363]

Sad and awesome. Rip Caroll Spinny i am going to miss him. him and Jim Henson and Luke Perry and Russi Taylor are all together in one big TV studio in the sky doing what they do best. Making the ANGLES lol sorry i got some thing in my eyes. crying does any one need a online hug i know i do.

[@benmellors1622]

Richard Hunt and Jerry Nelson too

[@sethcarlow8363]

@@benmellors1622 them too as well.

[@heavenly54-]

I remember seeing on TV they posted a tribute to him RIP fly high. 🕊️🕊️

[@zacharycorsetti]

I was waiting for a video like this to show up! Thanks, Simon! And the real kicker is that he died before my 20th birthday!

[@johnmay3266]

Gone but never forgotten. Therefore always here.

[@Ocho88887]

Caroll Spinney has a good heart

[@jjproduction297]

RIP Caroll Spinney

[@jswatch9270]

I miss him so much and to let you know that big Bird is my favorite character from sesame street.

[@thefantasticretroreviewer3941]

I clearly had no clue Caroll Spinny died reccently!

[@chrisrichardson1091]

Looks Like Caroll Spinney Has Completed His Journey In The Circle Of Life (1933 - 2019) Im So Sorry Baby Lamb Creations.

[@nathanfuller8118]

I got to meet him at comic con before he passed

[@zacharyspinks6207]

Miss you deeply Carol Spinney, you are definitely the greatest Muppet Performer. R.I.P🕊️🙏🏽😔

[@SolarFarle]

I'm still sad months later.

[@gabrielrblx838]

Big Bird 1999:Mr.Hooper is dead Big Bird 2019:Im dead

[@Allanapolis83232]

2022: Now Luis

[@Allanapolis83232]

Well at least Caroll Spinney gets to see Will Lee (Mr. Hooper) in heaven, along with Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Northern Calloway (David who appeared from 1971 until 1989 when he moved away), and Matt Robinson (the original Gordon for the first three seasons (1969-1972)).

[@Allanapolis83232]

Now Emilio Delgado (Luis) is joining the others in heaven.

[@masunsanchez]

I miss him already 😪😭

[@memeboi1172]

R.I.P my childhood

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

I'm not too upset over Caroll Spinney dying because I know he's been reunited with Jim Henson, Kermit Love, and Jerry Nelson. He must have been getting lonely without them.

[@TheaterServant]

Don’t forget Richard Hunt

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

@@TheaterServant who's he?

[@TheaterServant]

@@marvinthemaniac7698 look him up, you’ll get your answer

[@marvinthemaniac7698]

@@TheaterServant if you insist

[@joshball9421]

i'm not crying! you are! scram!

[@amberschrader1826]

Rest in peace Carol

[@kleeh1954]

R.I.P

[@Sandlot1992]

I'm going to miss him so much!

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

A LOVELY Trib vid! THANK YOU!!!!! By sad irony, Carroll got his name because he was born on Christmas day. 😭 Christmas CARROLL.

[@dexterthoma867]

**hugs**

[@MilkTheCouch]

He was probably the only person who stayed in his role for more than three decades, if not the only person. 48 years is an impressive run!

[@faithingod9554]

R.I.P.

[@SpellboundWolf]

Thank you

[@GigaSyntax]

Welp, this hurts. R.I.P

[@josevelez7246]

Matt Vogel BIG BIRD Eric Jacobson OSCAR THE GROUCH

[@christianthethomasandfrien2655]

2:57 That Guy in the Top Hat is played by Danny Devito!

[@Trainboy452]

R. I. P. Caroll Spinney aka Big Bird and Oscar

[@JusJarBo]

At least he can finally reunite with Mr. Hooper…

[@Allanapolis83232]

And Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, and Jerry Nelson. That's FIVE people, ah-ah-ah!

[@Allanapolis83232]

Now Luis.

[@bradleypilkerton3773]

Rest in peace Carroll spinney voice of big bird and Oscar the grouch

[@TheaterServant]

Great video, but if you included clips w/ Granny Bird, it would be greater

[@EChacon]

RIP Caroll Spinney. Turns out that he passed away the same day as René Auberjonois (Chef Louis from The Little Mermaid). 😔

[@BabyLambCreations]

And also Juice Wrld.

[@zacharycorsetti]

Chef Louis was played by John Stamos in the live concert. Did you see that?

[@trijosh5208]

First Oscar was orange, now he's green.

[@ronaldhenson3379]

Rest in peace o g carroll spinney

[@tysargent9647]

Wait...is the slow piano music at the end an instrumental version of "Sing"?

[@BabyLambCreations]

Yep.

[@alexastudios]

When's the next Baby Lamb and friends episode?

[@supermariopaulproductions7089]

Can you make a super Mario Paul logo the same like yours

[@traviswilkins1965]

4:24 Oscar is FURIOUS!

[@bessallen6425]

0:22, 2:26 And 5:12 These Are Bird Costumes As Bird Imitators From Swindlers And The Fearless (2011) And Brought A Store From Puppatoons

[@kaylabarber4292]

I Will Buy A Hat

[@sandradefosse213]

First of all, Pie Pivot O, then Dick Dale and Keith Flint, now Carrol Spinney Now thanos really snapped his fingers

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

What show was that GROUP HUG from? With Jim Henson et ensemble?

[@devinsmoviecorner5553]

8:12 Toodle-Loo!

[@garthdavis2502]

Fun Fact: Carroll voiced one of the muppets from the I'm Going For a Ride song.

[@maximumgeekboy]

😓

[@nicholassmith41]

I wonder who will voice Big Bird and Oscar now?

[@BabyLambCreations]

Matt Vogel (who has occasionally substituted for Caroll since 1998) will be performing Big Bird and Eric Jacobson will be performing Oscar. Both of them were selected by Caroll to take over since his retirement in 2018.

[@benmellors1622]

4:04 Where is this clip from

[@BabyLambCreations]

It's from the TV series "Scrubs".

[@benmellors1622]

@@BabyLambCreations Scrubs?

[@kylemorello4787]

@@benmellors1622 ABC Show that's both a sitcom and a medical drama. This clip is from an episode where the main character has fantasies guest starting Muppet characters, including Elmo, Grover, Oscar, and a random monster.

2:02 HOYT'S BOING

I really miss Caroll Spinney too.

[@Hannahorse715]

How was Big Bird and Oscar in the same scene if he was in Big Bird and then had to do Oscar

[@BabyLambCreations]

One of the characters' voices was pre-recorded and Caroll puppeteered one Muppet while someone else puppeteered the other.

[@whoisashaa]

☹️😖😩😭

[@jamesfields4722]

I can't believe Caroll Spinney died last year, he was born in 1930s.

[@DanzigFan-vq3zf]

Oh Shoot

[@ariontracks9312]

what is the song at 0:31

[@trijosh5208]

5:46-5:53

[@malcolmcarter608]

I WISH CARROL SPINNEY IS NOT A TOO LITTLE KID WITH NO BIG EARS BUT A LITTLE KID WITH LITTLE EARS CARROL SPINNEY WILL STOP PLAYING WITH HIS DOLLS CARROL SPINNEY WILL NOT SPEAK ALOT WHILE NOT GETTING BULLIED AT SCHOOL AT A YOUNG AGE DO'NT LISTEN TO THESE KIDS THEY ARE JUST BEING JEALOUS

[@malcolmcarter608]

I WISH CARROL SPINNEY IS NOT A TOO LITTLE KID WITH NO BIG EARS BUT A LITTLE KID WITH LITTLE EARS HE IS NOT A TOO LITTLE KID BUT A LITTLE KID HE WAS'NT THE SMALLEST KID WITH NO BIG EARS BUT A SMALL KID WITH LITTLE EARS DO'NT LISTEN TO THESE KIDS THEY ARE JUST BEING JEALOUS SOMETIME'S FATHER'S GET BAD TEMPERD NOT ALL MEN ATE LIKE THAT BULLIES ARE BAD KIDS THEY COULD HURT YOU