Caroll Spinney Acceptance Speech - 2006

[@astheworldturns3855]

The world got darker when you left , R.I.P Caroll.

[@hmlandis1370]

Yeah, no kidding.

[@austinkelly7841]

Who else is here after Caroll passed away? :(((

[@ronaldh8446]

I just saw him on November 1st at the Rhode Island Comic Con. Shook his hand (WOW, what a grip!) and thanked him for his contribution to my childhood imagination. ❤

[@stephanmckinnie8855]

@@ronaldh8446 was he in a wheelchair was that green thing on his hand?

[@ronaldh8446]

@@stephanmckinnie8855 - can't say I remember a green device on his hand. He definitely was in a wheelchair, wearing sunglasses. I shook his right hand and yeah his grip was amazing. All those decades of operating Big Bird's head I suppose. He couldn't speak too well but we did make eye contact and I could see how thankful he was to myself and everyone stopping by to thank him. So glad to have attended just for that opportunity alone.

[@stephanmckinnie8855]

@@ronaldh8446 Well I didn't mean he had agreed to fight in his head I'm in like you had a green sock on his hand or something. It's because I think I saw the video that you're talking about.

[@absbestmuppets7371]

It broke my heart to hear him pass

[@mhaze210]

This guy is amazing. I traveled to an event last November just to meet him (and a few other people I've been a fan of) and i was VERY surprised that not many people cared to talk to him or anything...there was an EXTREMELY long endless (time-consuming) line for Christopher Lloyd (who is obviously great too for his many roles)...but their tables were like 20ft from eachother, and Spinney's table was usually empty. This guy is an ICON. He was very kind, and was always smiling and happy!!!

[@ronaldh8446]

I'm happy to tell you that at Chiller Convention, 2016 that wasn't the case. Nor just five weeks ago at Rhode Island Comic Con when hundreds of fans paid their respects to him. It was beautiful.

[@Jokelben493]

My friend named Hank met Caroll at Rhode Island Comic Con in 2017. I sadly didn’t know that Hank was going there

[@charlieheckman]

R.I.P. Caroll Spinney 1933-2019

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

I just head the news, very shocking and tragic

[@lohphat]

@@DaveFisher-cq2dr He made it to 85. He gave so much and enriched the lives of so many. A real tragedy is the premature loss of Jim Henson in 1990; we missed out on 30 more years of his genius.

[@DaveFisher-cq2dr]

@@lohphat he sure did, I've met him at least four times in the past

[@FLPman]

NO... thank you, Mr. Spinney... amazing. He is one of those veteran mupeteers that still exudes that wisdom, kindness, and creativity that we rember from Jim , Richard, and the others who have left behind a large legacy.

[@BabyLambCreations]

Just came here after Caroll has announced that he will retire from playing the roles of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch after playing those two beloved characters for 50 years. He's a very legendary person in so many ways and I'm forever grateful for all that he has done for children all over the world. Thanks for everything, Caroll Spinney.

[@dalococider]

R.I.P to the Legend Caroll Spinney 🙏🙏🙏

[@ellenmurphy2150]

There is only one Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch in my book.I grew up in Acton watching you on t.v. Mr. Spinney. Thank you sooo much! 😢💝

[@hyelin25]

He seems like such a sweetheart. I'd love to meet him someday and thank him for making learning fun when I was a kid. What an amazing, loving, kind man he is...the Academy definitely made the right choice in giving him the Lifetime Achievement Award that year.

[@godhatesthestupid]

I truly fear the day he passes. I know that a small part of my childhood will go with him. Just as it did with Jim Henson and Fred Rogers.

[@jessicarechani1280]

He passed away last year on December 8th due to Distonia

[@FonkyLynx]

Well deserved...People who bring happiness into the world should be honored like this...

[@ellie1701]

No one since then has ever done that for me. Parents try guiding children but they demand something back in some way.People (therapists etc) do the same thing but are getting paid. I was 16/17 when I met Caroll. I hadn't much to give him but he gave me so much. I wish other people could possibly have the experience to have a friend like that. I was selfish, naive immature. I'm still immature, and missed out. Caroll left me a legacy that no one else ever could. I'll always be greatful for that

[@azn88hunni]

don't know why but this made me tear up. he is a sweet man, and seems very pure indeed as that comment up there says.

[@TRACKMASTERPC]

That's a man who worked so blasted hard and never winning an Emmy until that year. He truly earned it because Caroll Spinney being a muppet legend as Big Bird, has become part of Pop Culture no one but nobody wouldn't learn how to read or write, knowing their ABC's & 123's without him. He's a man who honestly long deserved that Emmy Award.

[@cainster]

Oh, it's a beautiful night in this neighborhood. Oh wait...wrong person. I get them confused. Both of them are legends who made this world a better place.

[@marieearthangel]

Well deserved! A man who has made the world a better place.

[@ellie1701]

Hi Caroll is an amazing man, a genius. He befriended me in the early 70's. I met his family and some friends in Connecticut. He brought me motorcycle riding and to a farm and he and his first wife treated me to a movie. He lived in Manhattan part of the week and commuted home on weekends. When he had severe personal problems couldn't be friends with me anymore. It was a platonic friendship from his side. I wanted more and he couldn't handle that.

[@magus12k]

Its great to see someone get such recognition for years of a dedicated performance for children. He looked like he was so happy he'd cry.

[@ijijmi2004]

he is so awesome i met him on monday. he is such a wonderful person very very nice. if anyone gets a chance on meeting him he is a big fan of his fans he realy truly cares about kids and adults i have never meet someone like him

[@ellie1701]

In the 70's I was a backstage johnny. I went to The Sesame Street Studio I met the actors were able to get autographs & photographs. Eventually Caroll became friends with me. The went on for 5 years, as things change...He treated me & my best friend Michael to lunch, & dinner. At times he let me see a taping He invited me & Michael to visit his family in Conn. I'll never forget Caroll. Things changed, but now I'm returning to school to open a center for abused kids & dedicate it to Caroll!

[@mkl62]

12-26-2009. Big Bird's getting his kicks at 76. Happy Birthday, Caroll. You have brought joy and happiness to so many children's lives, including mine way back when. Big Bird is an icon (and so is Oscar). Many happy returns.

[@andersonfamily]

I just read on Wiki that he's been in over 4,000 episodes of Sesame St...... he was born in my hometown! :0)

[@love2register]

well deserved, Caroll! Thank you!

[@Qermaq]

One word. Class.

[@danacoleman4007]

what an incredibly worthwhile life!!!!! thanks for everything Mr. Spinney

[@ellie1701]

If Caroll is reading this, "I do love you," how could I not?" You were the only adult who really cared about me. I never told you this but at one point my mother being mentally ill and angry at herself & my father, once told me with hatred in her eyes "I wish your father would kill you, it's the only way I'll be free." I never confided you wih some stuff as Michaels problems were so much more evident being younger. Thank-you for trying so hard with both of us. Michael did become a success.

[@its4it]

The best part? 4:08, when Carroll starts talking in Big Bird's voice.

[@MeiZu0606]

Well deserved Carol ❤️

[@Nogli]

I was just waiting for him to do his Big Bird voice!

[@rachelllouise]

He's so adorable 😥🥰 RIP

[@logalogalog]

Oscar the Grouch is amazing!

[@ellie1701]

I realize now (at age 58) that the crush wasn't a romantic connection but it wass because I had no emotionally strong male role models in my life. I did love him but I realize irt really wasn't romantic as I made it to be in my head. He was a strong positive influence, and friend. He tried to steer me on the right track. he always kept a distance, never did anything inappropriate or lead me to think more could happen.

[@ellie1701]

Hi there: Caroll helped me so much when I was in my teens. He was a strong positive role model, and close friend. For all of his help to me & other young people I'm returning to school. At age 58 I hold an Associates in Social Work. I plan to return in the Autumn and planning on earning my MSW & my certification & open a center geared towards abused teens called "The Birds Nest - A Safe Haven," and dedicate it to Caroll when the time comes. It won't be easy but I am going to do it.

[@eliassmeke3991]

Rest In Peace ✌️ Caroll Spinney 😔😔😔😔

[@carpethroatius1]

@Soar101 I agree with you. So many times they give the award out to the most popular or the person that has played the most roles. But those who helped shape us as children and gave us lifetimes of memories are forgotten. It's nice to see at least this once they got it right.

[@ellie1701]

Hi Caroll is an amazing man, a genius. He befriended me in the early 70's. I met his family and some friends in Connecticut. He brought me motorcycle riding and to a farm and he and his first wife treated me to a movie. He lived in Manhattan part of the week and commuted home on weekends. When he had severe personal problems n=he4 coulkdn't be friends with me anymore. It was a platonic friendship from his side. I wanted more and he couldn't handle that.

[@Dudeonwheels]

I wish they made more time for these kinds of awards on the actual telecast.

[@paulahaney9104]

I didn't realize the hard work that they put to put the big bird cost u Jim Hanson memorial service baby cry my eyeballs out

[@mcwinner575]

rest in peace Mr spinney rest in peace juice world

[@ellie1701]

At that time he met his wife Debbie now married 40 plus years I believe and as a result had to sever our friendship because of my unreturned feelings. I forgot about our friendship but recently moved and founed some photos I had and ja journal, I began remembering our friendship in vivid detail, conversations where he tried guiding me...I am now feeling so despondent because of my child like behaviour lost a good friend and mentor. He gave to me and my friend Michael totally unconditionally.

[@ThashNathan]

Thank you Mr Spinney. My childhood wouldn't have been the same without Big Bird or Sesame Street. :)

[@mstrainjr]

1:27 - Did they really have to awkwardly read that at the same time? I give respect to this man, who has been so dedicated to his job educating children for so long. Sure, it's a job and he's making good money, but he probably could have retired some time ago, yet he's still going.

[@beglebite]

M. Strain Jr. he does it for the love, not the money. the money is just a perk

[@mstrainjr]

beglebite And you can see that in his work. It's great seeing people who have such a passion for the positive things they do.

[@isaiahwilliams2642]

Until now...

[@panagiotisgkountoumas9022]

Legends never die and Titans never forgotten bye big bird

[@ellie1701]

One time I was home on the weekend and upset about an incident @ work, Bob answered the phone and spoke to me about the problem. I felt so much better afterwards. Bob, Ann and Caroll helped me with a lot of stuff - but Caroll was much more integral with me. One time we had a discussion about hard drugs and what they can do to one, and Caroll made me promise never to use hard drugs. I never did. People need to stop making such rash and horrid judgments.

[@mohinderbauer]

@FLPman Mr. Spinney is amazing. I once saw him at a lecture on Sesame Street. He brought out Oscar for a bit. When he performed, you forgot there was a man holding up Oscar.

[@ellie1701]

He will be around for a very long time. When he retires he will be coming and going into The Birds Nest. Debvbie his wife will be working there as well. Caroll will have a never ending legacy!

[@JulietRobin]

R. I. P. Carrol!

[@alfredbrown72]

Missed you Big Bird and Oscar 🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏🙏 Jim Henson would been proud of you

[@ellie1701]

Took the class - a fantastic experience, I already learned so much. My1stt time utilizing a rod hand pupped believe mee it was really hard! There are 9 other students, 1 is a 14 year old girl Alex. She has been studying since age 10 her goal is to become a muppeteer she has the style & the knack -I'm hoping she will work at The Birds Nest she will have finished High School by the time The Birds Nest is built! I hope she gets to meet Caroll Wis h Carroll would come to the class

[@pika23]

I know it's probably an obvious observation, but I love when the muppeteers voice sounds like the actual muppet in real life. Caroll sort of sounds like big bird and oscar and bert all combined...and like Jim Henson sounded like kermit and ernie.

[@beckykennedy6886]

RIP Carroll Spinney

[@arianna2519]

We love you Mr. Spinney

[@alferie]

ive met him he has a huge property its awsome i took a tour of it his wife is very nice to they have a great land seriosely over 4 miles and he got it back in 69 for 2000 wat a steal

[@ellie1701]

Steve told me when he speaks with you he'll mention talking with me about you. I told one of the supervisors HAI has to hire Steve as if he worked with you HAI would lose out not hiring him as you are a genius! Caroll I'm being totally sincere. I can still open this center but it would be easier & faster with your help, ideas & input as well as Debbie's she is very astute I. think you 2 have a fantastic life & you both deserve all the happiness & success you have shown others unconditionally.

[@edwincancelii2917]

God bless Carroll. R.I.P.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Hi there Colleen Goff - Caroll is now 80 and is still performing in the Muppet Outfit as Big Bird...Big Bird, Oscar and the other muppets Caroll performs will always be his biggest legacy...the next biggest legacy is going to be The Birds Nest - A Safe Haven - dedicated to Caroll Spinney - go to the video cam. I need lots of help getting started. I need emotional support as well as people giving suggestions on how to staart this up...Caroll where are you?

[@matthewweikert20]

Eloise Ockert it's too bad he's getting old

[@lillieanag6394]

Yes, you've done it before Caroll😁

[@kristoferkalinauskas5800]

Rest in peace caroll spinney

[@sarahengelmezzo]

I know! I can't wait until it comes out!

[@TheChimienti]

LOVE Big Bird.

[@ItWILLbeWONDERFUL_THERE]

I believe the lady is Cheryl Henson and, of course, Bob, McGrath.

[@ellie1701]

Last week I spoke to Jessica Spinney - Caroll's oldest daughter - and it seems Caroll is very busy at this time promoting his documentary, doing his artwork and preparing to return to NY to continue ding BB and Oscar. I was told he knows about the center but I don't know exactly how he feels about it all, being unable to connect to him directly.

[@ellie1701]

Hi There Soar101 YES he is...more than you can possibly imagine. Thank-you!

[@ellie1701]

There are members @ FH who worked with Caroll as Big Bird/Oscar, one is Bryan Jung - he's currently studying law & is interning now, plus this yr he's planning to attend law school.. I've asked him to work for The Center. He is seriously considering it. I 've designed a tee shirt with the school logo, a picture of Caroll with Big Bird & Oscar (taken from the back of his autobiography).

[@BradleyPilkerton]

Rest in peace carroll spinney bob mcgrath

[@ellie1701]

Sat Sept1st,2012 Tomorrow is the first step in having The Birds Nest - A Safe Haven developed! My first class at The Puppet School, and I also became a member of The Puppeteers of America! I am so excited/plus I have every intention of meeting up with Caroll someway/somehow to connect with him about all this! It's just a matter of time!

[@ellie1701]

Hi There: Caroll Spinney is a genius. When he finally does decide to retire from Sesame Street the world will be a sadder place!

[@SweetZombiJesus]

Wow, thanks you for the info.

[@leannaboyle6836]

The bird has left the nest.

[@ellie1701]

One time iIwas home on the weekend and upset about an incident @ work, Bob answered the phone and spoke to me about the problem. I felt so much better afterwards. Bob, Ann and Caroll helped me with a lot of stuff - but Caroll was much more integral with me. one time we had a discussion about hard drugs and what they can do to one, and Caroll made me promise never to use hard drugs. i never did. people need to stop making such rash and horrid judgments.

[@trilobright]

Ahhh and Bob is there too!

[@nobodysperfect06]

I'll always be depressed I never got to meet him😔😢😖😞😭😥😩

[@lillieanag6394]

Oscar's his traveling companion. SOO CUTE😁

[@joyunicycle]

*Oscar:* You never call a grouch cute. (slams trash can lid)

[@eloiseockert6561]

Caroll/Debbie: I am working diligently at pulling the ends together to start up: The Birds Nest-A Safe Haven: Dedicated to Cxaroll Spinney. Hopwfully: it will be started on /in October 2019!

[@ellie1701]

I don't know if Caroll is going to connect with me about this venue or not, but either way it will be a go. I guess a tee shirt design seems minor but it is a positive start. I will keep you all posted, and who knows those of you who are social workers may want to work there. More to come. Eloise/2012/Ellie/1970

[@CeltycSparrow]

he is real.

[@googlywooz5525]

lol Oscar i love him

[@janineharrison5186]

Love you Caroll!

[@ellie1701]

Hey there TofuPuppets: I have been trying to reconnect with Caroll, to talk to him about The Birdsd Nest - A Safe Haven...I know he received my letters, but so far no response - you think you can intervene for me? I was friends with Caroll for about 5 years from 1970 until early 1974 - I want his input on my plans. Can you connect for me?

[@josevelez7246]

Eric Jacobson OSCAR THE GROUCH VOICE

[@eloiseockert9233]

Does anyone know who the guy was who was following Caroll around when Caroll was alive?

[@ellie1701]

@ellie1701 Caroll that moment was so endearing to me that I will never forget it. How could I not help but have a crush on you?" Also jfyi whoever reads this, Caroll was going through a divorce at the the time and hadn't yet started dating. Debbie (his second wife) is so lucky to have met and married this wonderful man. I will always hold you in my heart. You gave to me, and others totally unconditionally.

[@ZOGMACHINE88]

boy they sure fuck up introducing him.

[@LaFamiliaWJ]

A new documentary called I Am Big Bird is coming out in 2013.You can watch the trailer here on you tube.

[@Angie2343]

I wanna meet Caroll Spinney too (and Oscar).

[@ellie1701]

@ellie1701 Well I was devastated of course. I called Caroll obviously he felt how upset I was. Caroll told me,"Gee, Ellie if I wasn't so much older than you I would escort you to your prom but the kids and teachers would look at me and see how much older I was than you and it wouldn't be good."

[@lillieanag6394]

HAHA!! You have an older “friend” in Caroll. That’s SOO SWEET❤️❤️❤️

[@jerseygirl2811]

That's Bob with him.

[@mkl62]

Isn't it great, isn't it great? "Big Bird/Oscar" is 78. Happy Birthday, Carroll. You've come a long way since Bozo's Big Top.

[@JohnathanPozzi]

OMFG that lady is trying to get Spinney to grab the award and he won't freaking grab it...

[@ellie1701]

Hey There: I just remembered something very endearing. I was scapegoated in High School .that June-71- was my High School prom. I had met Terry McGrath - Bobs extremely attractive nephew - older than me, tall, dark hair and the coolest sparkling blue eyes. i was immediately attracted to him. I thought he liked me too I wrote him a letter forwarded by Ann McGrath. After corresponding a bit I asked him to escort me to my High School prom. He lived in Minnesota and told me he could't make it. l

[@ellie1701]

could it be the body guard aka ther trailer: The Caroll Spinney Story? What's going on in my life meeting up with so many people connected with Caroll? Spoke to Ann McGrath 2x by phone and received a thank-you note card for a mothers day gift I sent, and all 3x she mentioned she and Bob are 80 years old, why? I don't know why she brought that up...Who is Kevin?

[@eloiseockert6561]

Back in college if all works out will earn degree status for BSW in Autumn 2018/I see the Birds Nest going to be deeloped.

[@parkman35]

The legend....

[@hardlines4]

Miss ya Big Bird

[@ijijmi2004]

Caroll Spinney

[@ellie1701]

UpDate: My x bf Peter let me borrow $100.00 to guarantee my space for The Puppet School! I spoke to one of the facilitators Roberto & he told me there were 2 spots left as the school accepts 10 students per session.I'm now #9, the full scholarship grant will be given to me by Fri, I'll be able to pay back my ex, & pay the full tuition online, I'll still have & for the books I chose. This is the first step for me to make in opening "The Birds Nest - A Safe Haven," - dedicated to Caroll Spinney.

[@malcolmmonster7987]

I Wish windzike the flower of Oz and Monte mary kate and ashley olsen would spend some quality time spending the day with Caroll Spinney and the little boy so they won't be alone anymore

[@FreakDaMIghet]

I wish I could I say I was related to him, but unfortunately, he is just a guy who shares my last name, and what honor he brings it. Sesame Street was a great show back when I was allowed to watch it. lol

[@lillieanag6394]

So, Spinney’s your last name to?

[@ellie1701]

I hope Caroll will reconnect with me. One of the first things I am going to request is if I can visit Oscar in his trash can. I met Big Bird once, but would love to meet my favorite character - Oscar the Grouch - and have a tour of his trash can! Come on Caroll. I want to open a center geared towards abused kids 13 - 19 and dedicate it to you...I prefer doing it with your input/help. I can do it without you but it will take a lot longer, and I am nota spring chicken either!

[@bjr43]

The guy's an amazing puppet tear.