List of human Sesame Street characters explained

Since the premiere of the children's television program Sesame Street on November 10, 1969, it has included what writer Malcolm Gladwell has called "the essence of Sesame Street—the artful blend of fluffy monsters and earnest adults".[1] The original cast, chosen by original producer Jon Stone, consisted of four human actors—Matt Robinson, who played Gordon; Loretta Long, who played Gordon's wife, Susan; Will Lee, who played Mr. Hooper; and Bob McGrath, who played Bob. Unlike most children's television programs at the time, the producers of Sesame Street decided against using a single host and cast a group of ethnically diverse, primarily African American actors/presenters,[2] with, as Sesame Street researcher Gerald S. Lesser put it, "a variety of distinctive and reliable personalities".[3]

Stone did not audition actors until spring 1969, a few weeks before five shows, designed to test the show's appeal to children and to examine their comprehension of the material, were due to be filmed. Stone videotaped the auditions, and researcher Ed Palmer took them out into the field to test children's reactions. The actors who received the "most enthusiastic thumbs up" were cast.[4] For example, when the children saw Long's audition, they stood up and sang along with her rendition of "I'm a Little Teapot".[5] As Stone said, casting was the only aspect of the show that was "just completely haphazard".[6] Most of the cast and crew found jobs on Sesame Street through personal relationships with Stone and the other producers.

The results of the test shows, which were never intended for broadcast and shown to preschoolers in 60 homes throughout Philadelphia and in day care centers in New York City in July 1969, were "generally very positive".[7] The researchers found that children learned from the shows, that the show's appeal was high, and that children's attention was sustained over the full hour. However, they found that, although children's attention was high during the Muppet segments, their interest wavered when there were only humans on screen. The producers had followed the advice of child psychologists who were concerned that children would be confused, and had recommended that human actors and Muppets not be shown together. As a result of this decision, the appeal of the test episodes was lower than they would have liked,[8] so the show's producers knew they needed to make significant changes, including defying the recommendations of their advisers and show the human and Muppet characters together. Lesser called this decision "a turning point in the history of Sesame Street".[1] Muppet creator Jim Henson and his coworkers created Muppets for Sesame Street that could interact with the human actors, and many segments were re-shot.[1]

The human cast currently consists of Alan, Chris, Nina, Charlie, Mia, Dave and Frank. Though no longer part of the show, longtime cast members Bob, Gordon, Susan, Luis, Maria and Gina have still made special appearances on occasion, in online videos, TV specials and at live appearances. In 2019, retired characters from the series such as Linda, Miles and Leela returned for the TV special Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration.[9] [10]

Characters

CharacterActorDescription
Alan
(1998–present)
Alan Muraoka[11] A "warm and welcoming character", who's been the proprietor of Hooper's Store since its more contemporary redesign in 1998.[12]
Angela
(1993–1995)
Angel JemmottPart of the "Around-the-Corner" expansion of the 1990s, Angela was a day care worker. She was the wife of Jamal and mother of baby Kayla.[13]
Antonio
(1971–1972)
Panchito GómezThe son of Rafael.
Armando "Mando"
(2013–2015)
Ismael Cruz CórdovaAn energetic Puerto Rican Latino writer and "techie [who] loves his gadgets".[14]
Billy Tuesday (2004)Taylor Matalon Jane Tuesday's "wily and mischievous brother", who seems to always be at the scene of the crime.[15]
Bob Johnson
(1969–2016)[16]
Bob McGrathAn original cast member and Sesame Street's resident music teacher.[17]
Buddy and Jim
(1969–1970)
Brandon Maggart and Jim Catusi[18] "Two bumblers" who appeared in the first season of Sesame Street.
Buffy
(1975–1981)
Buffy Sainte-MarieIndigenous Canadian folk singer who appeared in an "understated" scene about breastfeeding with Big Bird and her infant son Cody.[19] [20] Buffy helped introduce Native American culture to Sesame Street audience.
Carlo
(1993–1998)[21]
Carlo AlbanA teenager who worked at Hooper's Store.[22]
Celina
(1993–1998)
Annette CaludA regular for five years who was part of the "Around the Corner" expansion. She was a dance teacher.[23]
Charlie
(2020–present)
Violet Tinnirello8-year-old Charlotte, nicknamed “Charlie”, who moved to Sesame Street after her parents retired from the military. Her mother is played by Muppet performer Jennifer Barnhart.
Chris Robinson
(2007–present)
Chris KnowingsA student who works part-time at Hooper's Store. He is the nephew of Gordon and Susan.[24] [25]
Christy Robinson (2008, 2011)Christy KnowingsChris' twin sister (also in real life); appeared in 3 episodes.[26]
Cody
(1977)
Dakota Starblanket WolfchildInfant son of Buffy Saint-Marie and Sheldon Wolfchild; was breast-fed by his mother on-air, and helped demonstrate sibling rivalry with Big Bird.
David
(1971–1989)[27]
Northern Calloway[28] A hip and upbeat individual fond of eccentric hats who worked at Hooper's Store. He eventually took over management of the store after Mr. Hooper's death.
Duane
(1991–1993)
Donald FaisonOne of Jelani's group of friends, along with Tyrone and Lamar, who formed their own after-school company, "Jelani and Company".
Edith AnnA comic, childlike character who appeared in five segments.[29]
ErnestineLily TomlinA nasal-voiced telephone operator.[30]
Gabriela "Gabi" Rodriguez
(1989–2013)
Bryan Maitland (1989)
Brittany and Sarah Beaudry (1989)
Morgan DeSena (1989–93)
Gabriela Rose Reagan (1989–93)
Desiree Casado (1993–2013)[31]
Daughter of Luis and Maria Rodriguez (born 1989), her character was created as part of the show's curriculum about love, marriage, and childbirth.[32]
Dr. Gina Jefferson
(1986–2015)
Alison Bartlett-O'Reilly[33] Started on the show as a teenager who worked in Hooper's Store. She ran a daycare center, later became a veterinarian, and adopted a baby named Marco from Guatemala.[34]
Gordon Robinson
(1969–2016, 2023–present)
Garrett Saunders (1969)[35]
Matt Robinson (1969–1972)
Hal Miller (1972–1974)
Roscoe Orman (1974–2016, 2023–present)[36]
Named for photographer-filmmaker Gordon Parks.[37] A science teacher who owned the brownstone "123 Sesame Street" building with his wife Susan. He was the first character introduced in the show's premiere. Davis described him as "a dutiful husband and steady provider, a well-liked and respected figure in the neighborhood."[38]
Grace
(1976–1989)
Clarice TaylorDavid's grandmother.
Hiroshi
(1988–1991)
Gedde WatanabeA Japanese artist.
Mr. Harold Hooper
(1969–1983)
Will LeeThe original proprietor of Hooper's Store. Lee described Mr. Hooper as "the gruff grocer with the warm heart".[39] Sesame Street dealt with Lee's 1982 death in what Davis called "a landmark broadcast"[40] that aired on Thanksgiving Day, 1983.
Jamal
(1993–1995)
Jou Jou PapaillerIntroduced when Sesame Street expanded "Around-the-Corner". Jamal was a park ranger who was married to Angela and had a baby named Kayla.
Jane Tuesday (2004)Kyla TaubDeveloped to be a strong female role model, Jane is a 7-year-old private investigator in a series of short films.
Jason
(1975)
Jason KingsleyChild with Down syndrome who made 55 appearances on the show from the early-to-mid 1970s. Jason was the son of writer Emily Kingsley, who pushed for more inclusion of people with disabilities on the show.[41] [42]
Jelani
(1987–1991)
Eugene ByrdByrd was hired by producer Dulcy Singer as a part of a curriculum push about race relations.[43] [44]
Jennie
(1969)
Jada Rowland[45] Appeared in first episode of Sesame Street.[46]
JoeyJoey Calvan[47]
John-JohnJohn Williams IIIBest known for his count-to-20 segment with Herry Monster, Gikow said what made him stand out was his "effortless connection to the Muppets and the bold confidence of his delivery."
Kayla
(1993–1995)
Rachael McDaniel and Syvae McDanielBaby daughter of Angela and Jamal.
Larry and PhyllisAlan Arkin and Barbara DanaPlayed by the real-life husband and wife, they taught cooperation during season two.[48] [49]
Leela (2008–2015)Nitya VidyasagarIndian American character who ran Sesame Street's laundromat.[50]
Lillian (1989–1993)Lillias WhiteRan a daycare on Sesame Street. She was portrayed by Broadway performer White.[51]
Linda
(1971–2002)[52]
Linda BoveThe neighborhood librarian and Bob's girlfriend. Bove said that writer Emily Kingsley "wrote Linda as a person first, then worried about the other stuff", referring to Linda's deafness and use of American Sign Language.[53]
Luis Rodriguez
(1971–2016)
Emilio DelgadoDavis calls Luis "a tenderhearted Hispanic man";[54] Luis married Maria in 1988, and his daughter Gabi was born in 1989. For more than four decades, he ran The Fix-It Shop.[55]
Marco Jefferson
(2006–2014)
MatthewGina's adopted son from Guatemala.[56]
Maria Rodriguez
(1971–2015)[57]
Sonia ManzanoStarting as a teenager and one of the first Latinas on television, Maria is loosely based upon her portrayer's life. Maria married Luis, became co-owner of the Fix-It Shop after working under him, and had a daughter named Gabi. She had a close relationship with Oscar the Grouch, who nicknamed her Skinny.[58]
Miguel
(1970–1972)
Jaime SánchezFirst Latino cast member.
Mike
(1989–1991)
Ward SaxtonOne of Gordon's students, always after food. A romantic relationship between him and Gina was implied.
Mia
(2021–present)
Olivia Perez[59] Nina's niece and the daughter of Dave and Frank, the first married gay couple on Sesame Street.[60]
Miles Robinson
(1985–2008)
Miles Orman (1985–1995)[61]
Kevin Clash (1987)
Imani Patterson (1995–2002),
Olamide Faison (2003–2008)[62]
The adopted son of Gordon and Susan Robinson (adopted 1985).
Molly
(1971–1975)
Charlotte RaeA female mail carrier who debuted in season 3. She and Bob were very close.
Mr. Handford
(1989–1998)
Leonard Jackson (1989–1990)
David Smyrl (1990–1998)
A retired firefighter who took over ownership of Hooper's Store from David. Jackson played "the grumpier version" of the character, while Smyrl played the "smiling, singing" Mr. Handford.[63]
Mr. MacIntosh
(1971)
Chester O'BrienA fruit vendor played by Sesame Street's floor manager.
Bill Irwin (1998–2009, 2017–present)[64] A mime featured in Elmo's World, whose mistakes empower viewers to, as writer Louise Gikow puts it, "call out instructions that allow them to feel smarter than the adult."[65]
Mr. Noodle's Brother, Mr. Noodle (2000–2003)[66] Michael JeterMr. Noodle's brother who appeared in the Elmo's World segments, often with his brother.
Mr. Noodle's Sister, Ms. NoodleKristin ChenowethMr. Noodle's sister who appeared in Elmo's World.
Mr. Noodle's Other Sister, Miss Noodle Sarah JonesMr. Noodle's other sister; like Irwin, Jeter, and Chenoweth, Jones is a Tony award winner.[67]
Mr. Noodle's Brothers
2017
Daveed Diggs
Daniel Koren
Appeared in the retooled Elmo's World, with Irwin's Noodle and their three pet dogs, Schmoodle, Floodle, and Frank.[68]
Nina (2016–present)Suki LopezYoung bilingual Hispanic woman of Cuban descent who works at both the bike shop and the Sesame Street's laundromat. Her brother and his husband were introduced in 2021.[69]
The Number Painter
(1972)
Paul BenedictA bowler-capped fellow in several short films, he would randomly pop up in places and paint his surroundings with big red numbers.[70]
Olivia Robinson
(1976–1988)
Alaina ReedGordon's sister and a professional photographer. Olivia was well known for her many musical performances on the show.[71]
Pirate Captain (2007)Tina FeyA "swashbuckling captain" of the Bookaneers, a group of pirates who love to read.[72]
Piri
(1984–1986)
Eddie CastrodadA teenager who worked at Hooper's Store.
Rafael
(1971–1972)
Raul JuliaA Puerto Rican man who was partnered with Luis in the L & R Fix-It Shop.[73]
Ruthie
(1993–2001)
Ruth BuzziThe enthusiastic proprietor of Sesame Street's thrift shop Finders Keepers; part of the "Around the Corner" expansion in the early 1990s. After her shop was removed from the set in 1998, she continued to make appearances in inserts for a few years.[74]
Sally
(1969)
A young girl who appeared in the first episode of Sesame Street.[75]
Savion
(1989–1995)
Savion GloverBrought on Sesame Street to provide viewers with a positive teen role model, Savion was a dancer whose character was based upon his portrayer. He and Gina, when they were teenagers, battled prejudice against interracial couples.[76]
SheldonSheldon WolfchildBuffy's husband and Cody's father; the family's appearance on the show was called "the first time Sesame Street has had a nuclear family."[77]
Susan Robinson
(1969–2016)
Loretta LongGordon's wife and Miles' mother, one of four regular characters that appeared on the show's premiere. She "evolved from housewife to nurse to working mother" over the years.[78]
Tarah
(1993–2001)
Tarah SchaefferThe first regularly appearing character on Sesame Street who used a wheelchair; served as a positive role model for children with disabilities.[79] [80]
Tom
(1970–1972)
Larry BlockWorked at Hooper's Store.
Trash Gordon
(2004–2007)
Roscoe OrmanSpoof of the 1930s superhero Flash Gordon.[81]
Mrs. Mae TrumpLoretta TupperPlayed by the radio performer of the 1930s and 1940s, she played the piano on Sesame Street.[82]
Uncle Wally
(1984–1992)[83]
Bill McCutcheonBob's eccentric uncle. A travelling salesman. The Los Angeles Times called Wally "a fun-loving, down-to-earth, endearing older gentleman."
Wanda Falbo (Word Fairy)
(1989–2000)
Andrea MartinPlayed by SCTV alum who won an Emmy for her work on Sesame Street.[84] [85]
Wally and Ralph
(1971–1974)
Paul Price and Joe PonazeckiA comedy team in the tradition of Laurel and Hardy who appeared during season 3.[86]
Willy
Kermit LoveHot dog vendor. He was played by the Muppet designer who co-created Big Bird and Mr. Snuffleupagus.[87]

See also

General and cited references

Notes and References

  1. Gladwell, p. 106
  2. Lesser, p. 99
  3. Lesser, p. 125
  4. Borgenicht, p. 15
  5. Davis, p. 172
  6. Davis, p. 167
  7. Book: "G" is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street. Fisch. Shalom M.. Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers. 2001. 0-8058-3395-1. Mahweh, New Jersey. 39. Bernstein. Lewis. Fisch. Shalom M.. Truglio. Rosemarie T.. Formative Research Revealed: Methodological and Process Issues in Formative Research. https://archive.org/details/gisforgrowingthi00shal/page/39.
  8. Gladwell, p. 105
  9. Web site: Who is the 'Sesame Street' 50th anniversary special actually for?. November 9, 2019. June 23, 2020. The Los Angeles Times.
  10. Web site: HBO Reveals Details About Sesame Street's 50th Anniversary Celebration. October 18, 2019. June 23, 2020. Cbr.com.
  11. Gikow, p. 81
  12. News: Wang. Frances Kai-Hwa. Frances Kai-Hwa Wang. From Broadway to Big Bird: Behind the Scenes With Sesame Street's Alan Muraoka. 19 August 2019. NBC News. 15 July 2015.
  13. Gikow, p. 83
  14. News: A Chameleon Onstage and on TV. Grode. Eric. 30 August 2013. The New York Times. 19 August 2019.
  15. Jane Tuesday World Broadcast Premiere. 29 April 2004. PR Web.com. https://web.archive.org/web/20140307214127/http://www.prweb.com/releases/2004/04/prweb121693.htm. dead. March 7, 2014. 19 August 2019.
  16. News: Butler . Bethonie . 'Sesame Street' says goodbye to Gordon, Bob and Luis. Fans are not happy. . 15 September 2019 . The Washington Post . 2 August 2016.
  17. Web site: Bob McGrath . Sesame Workshop.org . August 25, 2019.
  18. A Toddle Down 'Sesame Street'. 25. 3. January 1970. Ebony. 19 August 2019. 39.
  19. Davis, p. 236
  20. News: Ditchburn. Jennifer. Buffy Sainte-Marie to get Governor General's Award. 19 August 2019. Toronto Star. 29 April 2010.
  21. News: I is for Illegal: Acting on Sesame Street without a visa. Dailey. Kate. 24 November 2011. BBC News Magazine. 19 August 2019.
  22. News: Alban . Carlo . I Was Undocumented on "Sesame Street" . 25 August 2019 . Fox News Latino . 14 March 2011. https://web.archive.org/web/20110317092959/http://latino.foxnews.com/latino/lifestyle/2011/03/14/memoir-illegal-sesame-street/ . March 17, 2011 .
  23. Borgenicht, p. 127
  24. Gikow, pp. 62–63
  25. News: Chow. Andrew R.. Three Longtime 'Sesame Street' Cast Members Are Let Go. 19 August 2019. The New York Times. 28 July 2016.
  26. News: Christy Knowlings . 19 August 2019 . Eonline.com.
  27. Davis, pp. 229
  28. News: Northern Calloway, Actor, 41, on Stage And 'Sesame Street'. 13 January 1990. The New York Times. 1–33. 19 August 2019.
  29. Gikow, p. 125
  30. Kevin Clash, Principle Muppeteer, Jim Henson Productions. Clarke. Carolyn V.. February 1995. Black Enterprise. 19 August 2019. 95.
  31. Gikow, p. 122
  32. Book: "G" is for Growing: Thirty Years of Research on Children and Sesame Street. Truglio. Rosemarie T.. Lawrence Erlbaum Publishers. 2001. 0-8058-3395-1. Mahweh, New Jersey. 74. Lovelace. Valeria O.. Seqhi. Ivelisse. Scheiner. Scheiner. Fisch. Shalom M.. Truglio. Rosemarie T.. The Varied Role of Formative Research: Case Studies From 30 years. https://archive.org/details/gisforgrowingthi00shal/page/74.
  33. Davis, p. 291
  34. Gikow, p. 80
  35. News: Pesce. Nicole Lyn. 'Sesame Street' axes one, two, three favorite human characters. 15 October 2017. New York Daily News. 28 July 2016.
  36. Gikow, p. 72
  37. Davis, p. 168
  38. Davis, p. 182
  39. Davis, p. 178
  40. Davis, p. 284
  41. Gikow, p. 181
  42. Davis, p. 232
  43. News: Dulcy Singer: 22 Years on a Changing 'Street'. Lipton. Laura. 11 November 1990. Los Angeles Times. 20 August 2019.
  44. Book: Fearn-Banks, Kathleen. Historical Dictionary of African-American Television. Scarecrow Press. 2006. 0-8108-5335-3. Lanham, Maryland. 62.
  45. News: Young . Rachel . Artist profile: Jada Rowland of Greenport . 20 August 2019 . Northforker . 27 September 2014 . Long Island, New York.
  46. Episode 0001 (November 10, 1969), in Old School, Volume 1 (Disc 1) [DVD] (2006), Children's Television Workshop
  47. Gikow, p. 123
  48. News: Stardom Was a Catch-22 for Alan Arkin, but His Wife and a Guru Helped Beat the System. Lague. Louise. 26 March 1979. People Magazine. 25 August 2019. 11. 12.
  49. Episode 0131 (1970-11-1090), in Old School, Volume 1 (Disc 2) [DVD] (2006), Children's Television Workshop
  50. Gikow, p. 63
  51. News: A Life in the Theatre: Lillias White. Rothstein. Mervyn. 4 January 2010. Playbill. 25 August 2019.
  52. Book: Schuchmann. John S.. Hollywood Speaks: Deafness and the Film Entertainment Industry. 1979. Illini Books. Chicago. 0-252-01526-6. 138. Filmography.
  53. Davis, pp. 234—235
  54. Davis, p. 293
  55. Gikow, p. 207
  56. Gikow, p. 80, 217
  57. Web site: 44 years after joining the show, Sesame Street's Maria is retiring. 25 August 2019. A.V. Club.
  58. News: Bever. Lindsey. 'Maria,' surely the most-loved person on TV, is leaving 'Sesame Street'. 17 December 2017. The Washington Post. 25 August 2019.
  59. News: Artavia . David . 18 June 2021 . ‘Sesame Street’ Takes a Big Leap for LGBTQ Visibility, Introduces Gay Dads with a Daughter . Yahoo Entertainment . 19 April 2023.
  60. News: Firozi . Paulina . 21 June 2021 . Family with Two Dads Debuts on ‘Sesame Street’ during Pride Week . Washington Post . 19 April 2023.
  61. News: Begley . Sarah . Sesame Street's Gordon Looks Back on the Show's 45 Years of Impact . 27 August 2019 . Time . 10 November 2014.
  62. News: Artist Talk With R&B Artist Olamide Faison To Be Held Sunday At Lindsay Street Hall . 27 August 2019 . Chattanoogan.com . 6 August 2013.
  63. News: David Smyrl Dies at 80; Played Mr. Handford on 'Sesame Street'. 27 August 2019. The New York Times. Associated Press. 26 March 2016.
  64. News: Steinberg . Brian . 'Sesame Street' Will Revive 'Elmo's World' . 27 August 2019 . Variety . 17 October 2016.
  65. Gikow, p. 169
  66. News: Michael Jeter, 50, Dies; Won Acting Prizes. 27 August 2019. The New York Times. 2 April 2003.
  67. News: Heldenfels. Rich. TV Q&A: 'Sesame Street's' Mr. Noodle explained. 28 August 2019. Akron Beacon Journal. 19 July 2012.
  68. News: Steinberg. Brian. 'Sesame Street' Will Revive 'Elmo's World'. 24 December 2017. Variety. 17 October 2017.
  69. News: Reyes. Raul A.. Sesame Street Welcomes 'Nina,' a Young Latina, to 46th Season. 27 August 2019. NBC News.com. 15 January 2016.
  70. Web site: Paul Benedict, Jeffersons Neighbor & Sesame Street Painter, Found Dead. 4 December 2008. 27 August 2018. Eonline.com. Finn. Natalie.
  71. News: McLellan. Dennis. Alaina Reed Hall dies at 63; actress was Olivia Robinson on 'Sesame Street'. 28 August 2019. Los Angeles Times. 22 December 2008.
  72. News: Tina Fey Rocks Sesame Street's World (and Vice Versa). Walsh-Boyle. Megan. 13 August 2007. TV Guide.com. 28 August 2019.
  73. News: Curiel . Kamren . 10 Latino Characters Who Made Their Way to Sesame Street . 27 August 2019 . Latina . September 1, 2013.
  74. Davis, p. 320
  75. Davis, p. 193
  76. News: Schemo. Diane Jean. TELEVISION; 'Sesame Street,' Just a Few Steps From Broadway. 27 August 2019. The New York Times. 2 January 1994.
  77. News: Sesame Street Gets Family. 9 April 1977. The Times-News. 25 August 2019. Henderson, North Carolina.
  78. Web site: Loretta Long . Sesame Workshop.org . August 25, 2019.
  79. News: Plainville Girl Takes Her Own Magic To 'Sesame Street'. Tofig. Diana. 31 October 1993. Hartford Courant. 1 January 2018.
  80. News: Girl in Wheelchair Joins 'Sesame Street' Cast. Cook. Sally Williams. 17 January 1994. The Free Lance-Star. 1 January 2018. Fredericksburg, Virginia. Associated Press. B6.
  81. Gikow, p. 73
  82. News: Loretta Tupper, 84, A Radio Entertainer. 22 September 1990. The New York Times. 30 August 2019.
  83. News: McLellan. Dennis. Bill McCutcheon, 77; Comedic Actor. 1 January 2018. Los Angeles Times. 12 January 2012.
  84. Web site: Andrea in Film and Television. 30 August 2019. I am Andrea Martin.com.
  85. News: Funny Woman; 'Fiddler on the Roof' latest role for Maine native Andrea Martin . Anstead . Alicia . 3 March 2005 . Bangor Daily News . 30 August 2019 . C1 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20141103003813/http://archive.bangordailynews.com/2005/03/03/funny-woman-fiddler-on-the-roof-latest-role-for-maine-native-andrea-martin/ . November 3, 2014 . mdy-all .
  86. Gikow, p. 85
  87. News: Kermit Love, Costume Creator, Dies at 91. Hevesi. Dennis. 24 June 2008. The New York Times. 30 August 2019.