To Tell the Truth - Caroll Spinney (Sesame Street's Big Bird), 1971

This is a great clip. Not much to add other than that I get a huge kick out of Garry and Gene being big Sesame Street fans. Watch out for a Christopher Cerf mention as well!!

[@PIXPromosMore]

R.I.P. Caroll Spinney...you did more for the world of kids programming than you could ever know.

[@mesquitegirl2013]

[@evanserrano1940]

❤️

[@ForrestFox626]

😭 He gave a a grouch his annoyance and a bird a childlike wonder. R.I.P Caroll Spinney Thanks for all the memories.💙💜

[@TheBigMclargehuge]

Hey dipshit he already had a eulogy at his funeral

[@wickedfeylady]

How is the voice not a dead giveaway? RIP Caroll, always a beautiful soul in this world and any other.

[@libertubey2199]

Wow. I heard both Big Bird and Oscar in his voice. Carroll Spinney made transition today (December 8, 2019) at age 85. Travel In Peace, Mr. Spinney.

[@ForrestFox626]

He is waiting for Debra at the raspberries.

[@DanknDerpyGamer]

At least he's probably chilling with Mr. Luper … erm, Hooper, in Heaven now.

[@Allanapolis83232]

And Jim Henson because Saturday 5/16 was the 30th anniversary of his death.

[@antdan5787]

❤️

[@DreamDancer82]

I recognized Carroll Spinney the minute they turned the spot light on. I've watched a lot of behind the scenes programs about Sesame Street, Jim Henson, and the Muppets in general. RIP, Mr. Spinney, you were always one of my childhood favorites.

[@krelllabs]

He was not only my cousin but would introduce me as such. He was also an incredibly gifted artist. His mother showed me a comic book that he illustrated when he was a kid. It was superb. He was personally invited by Walt

[@colleen4ever]

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

[@donwinslow522]

Thank you, Carroll, for making my childhood full of "sunny days". 😀

[@jeopardy60611]

I met Carroll Spinney at a comic convention in 2010, and knew what he looks like and his normal voice, so I knew it was #2 when I saw them line up and give his name. His hair is white now, but his moustache and beard look the same other than no longer being dark-colored.I had a wonderful time meeting him. He sang the alphabet song to me in Big Bird's voice (where he says the alphabet as a single long word), and he also sang "I Love Trash" to me in Oscar's voice. I was in tears, because Sesame Street always fascinated me, and it was so cool to have him singing to me, doing the real voices in person.

[@mesquitegirl2013]

I would love to meet him and the others and thank them for being a part of my childhood

[@pem1974]

R.I.P. Mr Spinney. 😢

[@MichaelSimmons.]

The minute #2 said, " My name is Caroll Spinney", I knew he was Big Bird. I could hear it in his voice. If you didn't catch it, go back and listen. It's there.

[@brianarbenz7206]

I had seen Caroll Spinney only in recent interviews, while he was close to 80. It is a shock to see him so young. I watched the big yellow feathery fellow for years, but never had a feel for who was in there until recently. It's been so fun to learn about Caroll. And I'll miss him!

[@mshroye2]

The show was only 2 years old at the time and you can see the impact it had on American popular culture.

[@leejones7439]

I knew it was #2 the second he spoke.....

[@BayareaGuy06]

So did I. I already knew who he was when I saw his face. I've seen him in clips in behind the scenes clips.

[@wschmrdr]

Same here. Voice was WAY too obvious.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Oh gosh I was there! Catoll invited me & my best friend Michael. Michaels mom hated me. She and her daughter Elizabeth were in the audience.,-Michael & I saw them & Michael had to leave (A long sad story)

[@eloiseockert6561]

Eloise Ockert continuing... After the segment Michaels mother ran down to the stage. Her back was to mr, Caroll gave me a skidaddle.look. I left.waited around the corner. It was a mess. I somehow caught up to Caroll. He,was weathered after that confrontation. Caroll treated me to s late lunch. He then left NYC returning to Woodstock. Connecticut to be with his family. Another day in my sordid teenage life had just endrd..

[@generalbullmoose]

Me too...good call.

[@nowvoyagerNE]

my friend and i watched it when we were in high school in the early 1970s. we loved Bob!

[@graperonto]

Did you hear Caroll say "Thank you" in Big Bird's voice in the very last seconds. And of course the show that they planned for older children was ELECTRIC COMPANY.

[@jasonsmith8300]

and from that show rest in peace denise nickerson also know as the blueberry violet beauregard from willy wanka

[@daveyhouston]

I remember I had a crush on her from dark shadows

[@leemclaury6251]

RIP you made everyone’s life so much brighter and happier because of Big Bird .

[@randolpho-]

Caroll Spinney seemed to hesitate to speak, as to give away his voice.

[@DoggieFosters]

I picked him out in the line up before a single question because he was blinking a lot and looking down. Big Bird and Oscar were my faves. Thank you, Mr. Spinney.

[@Ibhenriksen]

You can actually tell who's lying by their body language, eyes and how they respond. Notice how smooth Caroll Spinney is. And the voice is a dead giveaway.

[@terrellcarey6178]

Watching because Carroll Spinney announced his retirement today after 50 years as Big Bird and Oscar. Thank you and everyone at the CTW/Sesame Workshop for all you've done.

[@PrairieChickenCO]

I remember meeting him in person as a tiny kid and I was so confused. I recognized the voice, but couldn't understand it was coming from a man.

[@aaronbruceladner1983]

Only One of These People is the Real Caroll Spinney, And is the Only One Sworn... TO TELL THE TRUTH!

[@nokaoi6414]

RIP Mr. Spinney! I grew up absolutely loving Sesame Street. You were among my very favs! 😘😇🐤

[@spookyrosev6467]

Also if I'm right, the show Carroll indirectly referred to was the Electric Company

[@mesquitegirl2013]

I believe so

[@Powerranger-le4up]

I could tell it was #2. I heard Big Bird in his voice

[@Powerranger-le4up]

And I grew up watching Sesame Street

[@jehobden]

Same for me, I was 4 then and part of the target audience.

[@onenonlyprincess2]

RIP number 2 (Caroll Spinney)

[@kali8188]

I recognized Carroll Spinney, but I thought this was fun.

[@MichaelBrookham]

Anyone who knows his voice could tell which one it is.

[@Orlor]

Yup. I guessed it when he introduced himself in the beginning.

[@ForrestFox626]

The second number 2 talked

[@paulcoleman9197]

We know its 2, but if you listen closely to his voice, you can hear a lower pitch version of Big Bird. RIP MR. Spinney.

[@djdon60]

Yay! This 58-year-old got him, too. I, also, had an inkling, when first #2 spoke so, kept listening, for him, in particular. Great segment!

[@daveyhouston]

I saw him in 73 so I knew him from. That

[@Melissa0774]

I didn't know this show was still on in the 70's.

[@ForrestFox626]

It has had a couple of iterations.

[@LinkRocks]

Thank you, Mr. Spinney for shaping my early childhood with joy, laughter, and education. May you rest in peace.

[@zackaryruhland5684]

R.I.P. Caroll Spinney The voice of both Big Bird and Oscar. (1933-2019)

[@loutenore33]

anyone notice carrol was using his big bird voice at the end

[@StudioZ7]

When To Tell The Truth had the psychedelic dungeon set in the early '70s.

[@ivanmay7890]

I always loved Sesame Street and the Muppets, and watching Carroll Spinney on To Tell The Truth brings happy tears to my eyes.

[@quizmaster85]

The voices during "My name is..." were a clear giveaway of which one was Caroll Spinney. Small hint - Think of what Big Bird would sound like if he were maybe in his 30s.

[@PhilMante]

Seen Spinney in interviews too many times, knew it was #2 the moment I saw him.

[@geneclart1]

He still plays Big Bird and Oscar in 2015

[@dannyhood66]

geneclart1 No way! Serious? NO impossible.. Really? I just disagree

[@Paolo8772]

Danny Hood Yup.

[@TherealRNOwwfpooh]

+Danny Hood: He still does. Matt Vogel is the person who does Big Bird largely when Carroll Spinney cannot do it, what with being 80+ years old. In fact, since Big Bird will largely endure and the producers said it themselves that a character like Oscar the Grouch may not exist in the current environment, Carroll will likely retire with Oscar, whilst Matt takes over for Big Bird.

[@Paolo8772]

TherealRNO You mean Oscar will likely retire with Oscar that is. Btw I've only heard Vogel do big bird once or twice; Spinney still does it most of the time even though it's much more difficult for him to do than Oscar (B.Bird's head weights 4 pounds!) and Vogel's Big Bird Muppet costume is a little shorter too.

[@TherealRNOwwfpooh]

Paolo Yes, I do mean that. The originator (Carroll) will retire with Oscar, whereas Big Bird will be portrayed by Matt Vogel (who also does the majority of Jerry Nelson's characters).

[@bluebear1985]

I had a hunch it was #2 before the questioning even started. I could pick up a little bit of Big Bird's voice in him during the intros.

[@rcjr68]

never seen the guy before but from the start knew was #2, from the voice

[@MJMYouTuber]

7:46 Caroll Spinney, Please stand up!

[@edkienzler406]

RIP Caroll Spinney 12/26/1933-12/8/2019

[@mocat1]

Awwww. It’s Carroll. 😢❤️ Watching this now, is kind of funny, having been aware of what he looked like for the past 10 years or so. It also kind of hurts, because it bites how much we all miss him. Even if we are all adults.

[@puppetshack4931]

Thank you Caroll for everything. This was great.

[@christopheryounggnomery3761]

Gene Rayburn without that 2 foot "match game" microphone.

[@plushbatfan]

Match Game has its game shows taped at CBS Television City from 1973-1982.

[@alfredbrownii1293]

Thank you Caroll Spinney for bringing us both Oscar and big bird

[@mshroye2]

It had only been on for two years and it’s impact on American culture was already being felt. Even the panel and Garry were fans.

[@louistenore2185]

anyone notice carrol was doing big birds voice at the end?

[@soulbrotha63]

I knew Ms.Kitty was gonna get it right. That's my girl!

[@allanegleston4931]

i admire any actor or actress who puts on a suit like big bird . :)

[@stupullenchannel3525]

I knew it was 2 just by the voice...cool seeing this!

[@goldenera4ever]

Sadly, I've never laid eyes on Caroll Spinney, but I voted for 2 just b/c of his voice.

[@CaitlinMarieFraze]

RIP Carol Spinny

[@misstee101]

Great job, Kitty

[@joetallarigo8432]

I met Carrol Spinney in 2019, 3 months before his passed

[@johnpat3622]

The meeting of two television classics - "Sesame Street" and "To Tell the Truth".

[@shanuthejackal4817]

Man, those judges were *_totally fooled!_*

[@Gunman610]

Wait...they let #1 and #3 speak at the end more than...you know...the real Caroll Spinney and he literally said two words as Big Bird!

[@tvtimetravel]

Big Bird was a Mystery Guest on "What's My Line?", which Larry Blyden hosted.

[@joryadamson7854]

Watching this I kept thinking that the other 2 on the panel if still living would be in their 80s

[@MJMYouTuber]

7:50 CAROLL SPINNEY number 2 wins 🥇

[@honeywell5455]

I remember when Mr. Caroll Spinney would always seemed to be dressed like a Middle Ages squire, with the tunic and boots. His hair style would fit in just right for that time period. very retro`.

[@brucemcgee2281]

I remember watching this episode when it was new.

[@Angie2343]

This was 1971? Man, Sesame Street took off!

[@MrArtVendelay]

RIP buddy. A fine and wonderful guy in or out of that suit.

[@georgeschlaline2999]

R.I.P To Tell The Truth 1955-2020

[@retroguy1976]

rest in paradise carroll spinney

[@kensmith7048]

The world will never forget you!!

[@cathedral94]

RIP Mr. Spinney

[@KidSnivy69]

It is #2! I've watched way too much Sesame Street, NOT to recogmize him!

[@jonathanclary3992]

God Rest Your Soul Carroll Spinney

[@the9-2-5outlawdoestech9]

Check out the man with the goatee, Caroll spinney is definitely number 2. These other guys don't even sound like him.

[@stevenj9970]

Why can't shows be this great now?????

[@tibaal-dilaimi5144]

I love Grover big bird Bert and Elmo❤❤❤❤

[@eloiseockert6561]

February 15th, 2015 Hey there everybody: Well, three people showed for the Focus Group. I expected about 30 people and at first was a bit disappointed, but then a long time back I learned you work with whoever is availed. The people who did meet up are definitly enthusiastic and interested. I will have a lot of work to do in the next few weeks with research. The next meeting hopefully many more people will come out. The weather will be more congenial. I am planning to have the next Focus Group at The Jamaica Public Library on Merrick Blvd. I will have to seek out who is in charge etc. The people who did come are interested and I really feel for the first time this is going to take flight. Thank-you Eloise

[@glennmarshall4693]

i recognized Carroll immediately, plus the voice I recognized

[@JustWasted3HoursHere]

Caroll Spinney has played Big Bird almost exclusively (until lately) for more than 40 years. [edit: There's a documentary called "I am Big Bird" that is about him and big bird. I believe it's on Netflix...or elsewhere...]

[@antdan5787]

Wow I got that straight away. His voice gave him away first word out of his mouth.

[@sha11235]

RIP to this man. I know his cousin.

[@nicka727]

R.I.P. To Tell The Truth Host Garry Moore and Panelists Gene Rayburn and Kitty Carlisle and from Sesame Street puppeteers Carroll Spinney, Jim Henson, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt and Sesame Street humans Mr. Hooper (Will Lee), David (Northern Calloway), and the original Gordon (Matt Robinson)

[@patrickcowles2782]

Number 3 clearly did not do as much research as he should have. He didn't even know who Christopher Cerf was!!!

[@NiraMoonraven]

Would Mr. Cerf's father have been Bennett Cerf from What's My Line?

[@catholicpriest1]

The contestants were usually briefed before the show. They usually didn't do their own independent research. Today, with Google, it would be much easier.

[@quizmaster85]

+Nira Moonraven Yes, indeed it was.

[@mrceleb2006]

+Nira Moonraven Bennett Cerf was a co-founder of Random House Publishing.

[@ackattack1002]

A couple years later, Carroll Spinney brought Big Bird to Larry Blyden’s What’s my Line…in full costume too!

[@leannaboyle6836]

RIP Mr. Spinney ❤️🐤

[@glennmarshall4693]

they are talking about the Electric company. the show starred Morgan Freeman and Rita Moreno

[@timanny1]

It's completely obvious, #2 sounds exactly like him.

[@eloiseockert6561]

The Teletape studio was on West 81st Street _ Broadway. The American Bible Society is on West 52nd and Broadway. The Children's Television.Workshop had an office there for a very short time.

[@eloiseockert6561]

Oh okay.

[@catholicpriest1]

Mr. Spinney will celebrate his 82nd birthday on December 26, 2015.

[@colleen4ever]

+Bob Sewvello God bless him.

[@mesquitegirl2013]

❤❤❤

[@orbison]

What's interesting is that Caroll Spinney/Big Bird would, the following year, be mystery guest on What's My Line? by then hosted by Larry Blyden. Imagine if that took place before this appearance. Larry would've had to disqualify himself.

[@bezalelkosofsky7286]

Rest In Peace Carroll Spinney!

[@MJMYouTuber]

Patrick conlon and Stuart Werner just said caroll spinney

[@XMLarry]

#3 said he was Charles Spinney - - oops, definitely not him

[@Paolo8772]

R.I.P. Caroll Spinney. BTW How did all the people taking the quiz know who Christopher Cerf was?

[@TheRecordSaver]

Is it just me or did #3 say his name was Charles Finney?

[@terryesrom4607]

Personally I knew immediately by the voice., #2 all the way

[@MrSpt67]

I wish she wouldn't have cut off Carol when he was about to tell the name of a new show they were planning. I would have loved to heard what the name was so I could see if it ever came to air

[@alexandrebertrand-lafleur3114]

RIP Big Bird Caroll Spinney

[@Mike-0201]

Caroll looks like George Harrison. RIP Caroll!!!

[@anonymoushard1025]

Could you PLEASE share TTTT Episode #1133 from the 1971-72 season? Thank you very much!

[@brianblumenreich9026]

REST IN PEACE: CAROLL SPINNEY

[@kristalprice9064]

Rip spinnney thanks for big bird