Caroll Spinney, "Sesame Street" puppeteer who played Big Bird, dies at 85

Puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who played Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on “Sesame Street,” died Sunday at his Connecticut home. He was 85 years old. Anthony Mason reports on his decades-long career.
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[@MrCJ-qz9dl]

He left a good legacy. In 1977 l played Oscar the garbage man in a high school play singing, I LOVE TRASH. It made me feel special.

[@Lee-so7oo]

Garbage man was always a relatable character, he gave millions of people joyful smiles with his role. Rest in peace Caroll Spinney

[@supermariocat]

I feel like you didn't play Oscar :/

[@mawinstallation6626]

@@supermariocat Read the whole comment. He said "in a high school play singing".

[@supermariocat]

Oh I thought he said he played Oscar in highschool on the show... sorry

[@MrCJ-qz9dl]

@@mawinstallation6626 thank you for making that clear on my behalf😆

[@heathermetz6576]

As Snuffy would say, “Bye Bird!” R.I.P.

[@evanricerdson1076]

Heather Metz oh no I didn’t know he died he was my childhood ):

[@LemonsNeverGaveYouLife]

It hurts knowing that its true.....

[@TSMASB]

Yeah😢

[@verydumbkid4568]

At least Big Bird can finally give Mr. Hooper that picture now

[@mkr6338]

At least he lived to see how much of a positive impact on children of many generations. R.I.P. Caroll

[@twist58]

Perhaps he's now happily reunited with his good friends Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, and Jerry Nelson.

[@yosefdemby8792]

And Joe Raposo!

[@yosefdemby8792]

@superken54 Have you no decency‽ The man of two children's television icons, is deceased! And _you_ waltz in here with your raunchy cursing and abysmal grammer! Begone you heathen, and never darken my comments again!

[@Y2JHHHDX]

Yosef Demby and Mr Hooper

[@yosefdemby8792]

@@Y2JHHHDX Yes yes!

[@yosefdemby8792]

@superken54 What in tarnation is wrong with you‽ You need to see a psychiatrist!

[@mgmassey174]

Another decent incredibly beautiful human gone. Let's all live like Big Bird.. That's the best tribute to his work. Like Red Skelton ,he was a good soul.

[@gillianday4804]

he's up there playing big bird with kermit the frog int he sky

[@mgmassey174]

@@gillianday4804 sweet.

[@gillianday4804]

@@mgmassey174 and i'm glad that they don't have to stuff Big bird and put him in Jim Henson's puppet exhibition or something.

[@mgmassey174]

@@gillianday4804 yes the best memory of him is to remember the deeper truth of the work. Museums exploit things that are Sacred.. I agree

[@gillianday4804]

@@mgmassey174 agreed

[@davidfarmer2193]

R.I.P. Jim Henson (Who has been dead for nearly 30 years now) and Caroll Spinney!

[@70sstreetracergal61]

David Farmer Oh...just IMAGINE the Muppet shows they will put on, now they are back together again.. up there in Heaven!! ❤️. Forever in my heart Big Bird and Oscar! ❤️

[@jamesfields4722]

@@70sstreetracergal61 He won't be coming back, will he?

[@jamesfields4722]

@cpk1994 Splendid.

[@davidfarmer2193]

@cpk1994 That's right, he died in 1990.

[@pottytheparrot310]

David Farmer And Mr Hooper

[@itskevinjustkevin]

at least he'll get to be seeing Jim Henson up there

[@trewashington787]

And mr. Hooper

[@animatordfilms5163]

And Jerry Nelson

[@josephmendoza6993]

As well as mr. Hooper

[@KimberDWZ]

Does Mr. Rodgers count too? :3

[@thoughtfuldevil6069]

He's with Mr. Rogers now.

[@djtrince3261]

and Mr. Jim Henson

[@Megacooltommydee]

And Mr. Hooper, too.

[@epicboyo4883]

And Steve Hillenburg

[@fabianshedenhelm2986]

And bob ross

[@treasureforever8861]

And Greedy Smith.

[@wolfloverzodiac9468]

Rip Caroll Spinney. Say hi to Jim for us

[@hairstylehacksbylay1370]

And Mr hooper

[@skunknoodles6426]

and Mr Rogers

[@FairyCharmer3005]

He died in Connecticut, where I live. That only makes me feel closer to him.

[@rudystarz4955]

:/

[@QuiGonJohn1999]

He will be remembered for what he left behind in the show

[@jackson5116]

Born 1933, dies in late-2019, 86 years later at age 85, meaning he must have been born REALLY late in the year to have not had a birthday yet!

[@2TrainWakefield]

Jack Son Capricorn

[@kn-jt9dj]

His birthday was in December 26, so you're right.

[@tequilashots875]

Did it take you all day to figure that out? 🙄🙄🙄

[@lorjim94]

I'll always remember every pbs kids of the old show. They will never gets old.

[@treybrown1568]

Thanks for being my friend🥺😌😌😌

[@EbenWatson]

Rip He brought joy to millions of children around the world and his legacy will not leave as tragically quick as his death

[@goofusmaximus1482]

Big Bird, and Mr. Hooper have reunited again. Farewell you two. Thank you both for all you have done for us all still here. Rest peacefully.

[@matthewzepess5721]

Underrated: If you know you know and this is such a nice thought.

[@princesspeachfan100]

He was apart of my early 2000's childhood as Big Bird and Oscar on the older (and better) Sesame Street episodes I used to watch on VHS when I was a little girl....

[@cct7558]

RIP

[@psychic3527]

If Elmo dies, I won’t know what to do.

[@m1kann]

Ikr ;-(

[@critter7052]

Rest in peace, brilliant puppeteer, Carol Spinney. Thanks for all the great education/entertainment that you provided me as young child in the early 1970s.

[@chesterbenjaminlane7911]

It just breaks my Heart to see someone like Carroll Spinney passing Away at the age of 85 since yesterday and I always miss him for as long period of time and I grew up watching sesame street when I was little kid in the 1980's and he may be gone since yesterday when I found out about his passing

[@starbabi77]

Awwwww🙁🙁💖💖💖💖 Thank You Carroll Spinney

[@SlayerDarkness2009]

"Big Bird, let Kermit know that we miss him, like how we miss you."

[@glutenfreegam3r177]

You will be missed Caroll. Thanks for leaving us your legend of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.

[@glutenfreegam3r177]

Sunny Day Sweepin' the clouds away On my way to where the air is sweet Can you tell me how to get, How to get to Sesame Street Come and play Everything's A-OK Friendly neighbors there That's where we meet Can you tell me how to get How to get to Sesame Street It's a magic carpet ride Every door will open wide To Happy people like you-- Happy people like What a beautiful Sunny Day Sweepin' the clouds away On my way to where the air is sweet Can you tell me how to get, How to get to Sesame street... How to get to Sesame Street How to get to...

[@gillianday4804]

"we don't even know how to get out of this stupid theatre box"

[@gillianday4804]

@Yowatsapp 05 ha

[@MacenW]

I knew someone was gonna do this, they had to

[@sceneandseenful]

😢❤️❤️❤️

[@gillianday4804]

@@sceneandseenful funny

[@sanayahmarshall1124]

He was my childhood 😫😩😭 R.I.P.

[@minecraftgamingorrobloxgam6426]

Rest in peace we will always remember you

[@justRemeberTheDAY]

Big Bird will ALWAYS be my favorite #80sBaby

[@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.

[@theamazinggamer111]

When people die....they done comeback... Big Bird: Never?...

[@SpTgUrL2010]

😭🤧U pulled a string then

[@Adrians_Ideas]

I cried a lot as this showed up in my feed

[@poopspaghetti7031]

This feels like Big Bird's dad died...

[@sherrypatrick2658]

Thank you Mr. Spinney for being our friend and helping us kids learn. 💔

[@joaquinphoenixsforeheadfac7829]

You were a model puppeteer. You embodied a real professional. You were a very big part of my childhood and I am forever thankful for that. Rest well Carol, you've done a really great job raising our young minds.

[@RealAaron317]

thanks for the memories

[@sarahialvarez3061]

We miss you! I grew up in that show and I was a year old! 😭💔💔💔 R.I.P Big Bird and Oscar the grouch!

[@jo287]

Now that definitely passed on the Sesame Street legacy because I watch Sesame Street growing up as a kid. Carroll Spinney Rest In Peace at Sesame Street in Heaven.

[@derpy_warden2667]

My child hood will never be the same without him.may he rest in peace.we all miss our childhoods hero.

[@WaterSnail]

Doooooon't, let the sunshine spoil your rain

[@gillianday4804]

just stand up and complain

[@jswatch9270]

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

[@King_Is_Jesus]

Rip the man that played as big bird ❤️❤️.

[@24RulezJG]

And Oscar The Grouch.

[@12roses8]

Thank U for giving us a good role model, a favorite character and making our childhood wonderful

[@hankterreros223]

I followed the birds career since his days as Tweety, then on to Baby Huey.[sigh]

[@mgmassey174]

He voiced "Tweety " How cool. My fave of that era Thanks for sharing that. Happy memories

[@teslanemcmillan1766]

Thank you for your talent caroll you help me through my childhood! R.I.P.

[@eny4life718]

He’s a forever legend ❤️

[@hermionejane658]

It's so sad that the actor died. Thank you for being part of my child hood Mr. Caroll Spinney 😭may you Rest In Peace

[@Camacat-ct1po]

Im just kinda happy that this didn't have to end up like the mr hooper episode not to be rude

[@9Tailsfan]

To be fair, the Jim Henson company can still hire another puppeteer to replace him.

[@billgears1979]

😢We will always miss you thank you for being a part of our childhood

[@Fazbear-sx1ps]

Thank you for the years of happiness we will never forget you

[@meltingstream3385]

I just saw an interview with him about an week ago!! Rest In Peace

[@isleyloryn3997]

Sesame Street is practically over now 😭

[@tanequawoodson7609]

I love big Bird

[@gillianday4804]

i was getting to know him and i'm just 26 years old

[@CMBGAMER2018TV]

I may be 13, but I still love sesame Street! 😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭😭

[@nilsonhernandez9911]

Awww who is big brid going to be with for his 8th birthday😢

[@psi_fresh6121]

Mr hooper

[@iamanonymoushoweveryousayi3163]

Wait-Big Bird is 8?!

[@nilsonhernandez9911]

@@iamanonymoushoweveryousayi3163 well when the show first stared big bird was 6 than the other half he is 7 so big bird is going to be 8 the other half the seasons

[@hairstylehacksbylay1370]

@@psi_fresh6121 mr Hooper is dead

[@courtney-ray]

🥺 all the feels

[@kittygaillot2286]

Since I grew up watching Sesame Street between the early to late 80s, to me, big bird will always be the star. RIP Carol Spinney. I’m sure you, Jim Henson, Jerry Nelson, and Richard Hunt are probably talking about the mini skits and all in which you are performed on Sesame Street. Wherever y’all are, there will always be sunny days sweeping the clouds away.

[@caylarose6658]

Big bird was my favorite.. I am now 24 and I still love him... RIP... 💛💛💛💛💛

[@ChelseatheCreativeFox-pc2xz]

What about Oscar?

[@gillianday4804]

Here's looking at you, Big Bird. you always smile back. Bless you Caroll Spinney. bless your talent. bless your puppet.

[@floofchild6085]

Awww ;-; RIP Carroll Spinney You were incredible as Big Bird and made my childhood beautiful. Bye, Bird.

[@allwork1980]

RIP💯

[@percyjohnson7858]

He was my favorite character 🤧🤧🤧🤧 🙏 he gray I'm so glad he came all this way 1933 to 2019 I well remember him -percy

[@donaldtramp3861]

RIP BIG Bird thank you for a great child hood!! The happiest times of my life!!

[@rajnirvan3336]

Top geezer Carroll Spinney. Thank you for the memories from all your fans worldwide

[@davidcano4587]

Thank you for making the world a better place!😭

[@puppetshack4931]

So powerful human performance can make an immortal character. Thank you Caroll

[@kassiebarrett3732]

We all love you Caroll Spinney! 💗

[@lawrencerinehart5747]

If everyone who ever watched him as a child stopped to acknowledge and reflect upon his impact on one life, might it warm and brighten them. Remember.

[@tammierose5043]

Thank you💛

[@sakunthaladaniel663]

I loved this show when i was a kid. Big bird wont be the same again

[@burnttoast8371]

Thank you for my childhood

[@fireflamegamer8321]

R.I.P he was a legend I remember watching this all the time 😭

[@mamiisthebestgirl5267]

The mr hooper death scene is the most memorable scene

[@xhristofernando3580]

Rest in Peace :(.

[@jasondandan2937]

Rest in Peace Idol

[@ye-yl9dn]

Im crying literally NOW!

[@simpletonapollo9723]

Big Bird is my childhood. Thank you Caroll Spinney. Rest in peace.

[@hadrain85]

R.I.P. Carol Spinney a.k.a. Big Bird and Oscar thank you for the years of you being on my TV screen when I was a kid and also being in my children’s life as they watch you now

[@T4k0yak1_YT]

Rest in peace,Carol. May your influence make this world a better place.

[@isaacbluestone1462]

Wow. 2 years ago. Time just goes by.

[@thejdnetworkshow5183]

I felt so bad I’m so sorry 😔😭😢

[@cryptozoomauler5505]

R.I.P. Caroll Spinney. Thank you for making my childhood better.

[@jswitch0940]

I know I’m a year late but he was an inspiration to many R.I.P. man

[@ciscoventura]

DAMN YOU 2019 WHY DOES DEATH KEEP TAKING OUR CHILDHOODS 😭😢

[@janalishamorrison5852]

He doesn't know how much he means to this world especially children I'll love to thank him for my childhood he'll be missed

[@bryanmclendonjr9942]

Thank you for 50 years of Sesame Street.

[@ScorpionsFatality]

It always breaks my heart to hear about caroll spinney dying. I followed his Facebook page for the longest time. He was a wonderful man and I wish i could have met him.

[@aliciaveal1284]

Big Bird was always my favorite. Oscar the grouch was funny, but I loved Big Bird. He taught so many of us about so many things. He truly was a kid at ♥

[@tinytechs482]

English, 47 (born in 1972) and I like all my friends grew up with Sesame St teaching us about maths, literacy AND wider society life. I feel I owe big bird for the life lessons and Oscar for all the laughs !! Watch the film I am Big Bird and try not to get a wet eye during it, it cant be done. A wonderful man that loved both his craft and entertaining children.

[@amberschrader1826]

My heart broke when I heard the news

[@stickmanstudios8630]

Hopefully he will still be in the hearts of of the puppets

[@tigergirl8686]

It's okay to be sad when a loved one dies

[@nobodysperfect06]

😭😥😖😞😔😢😩 devastating loss, but his legacy will outlive us all

[@VixenVulpix266]

Rest in paradise Carroll and thank you for the legacy you left us.

[@lukeburbank5208]

0:54 that’s a ideal talking big bird similar too teddy ruxpin I have was was thinking of getting it out and seeing if it worked and play with it in honor of him

[@martinoli96]

RIP Caroll Spinney ... thank you for giving life to Big Bird

[@dumass_699]

R.I.P my childhood 😔

[@beautifulvibedynamic6155]

RIP. I'd take this SESAME'S over 🐦 BARNEY anyday🤘💗

[@laurenklitsch3600]

Barney was my friend

[@beautifulvibedynamic6155]

@@laurenklitsch3600 purple dinosaur 💗🙏

[@domproductions7689]

You will be remembered..

[@brianschon4989]

will never forget you big bird and Oscar

[@airhorntoonsremasteredsbac2374]

I think I'm gonna cry