The man responsible for bringing to life one of the most beloved children’s TV characters, Sesame Street’s “Big Bird” as well as Oscar the Grouch, has passed away at the age of 85. His name was Caroll Spinney, and most folks may not know who he is, but they all will recognize his “handy” work. Spinney died after battling Dystonia for many years, a disease according to Wikipedia, which is “a neurological movement disorder syndrome in which sustained or repetitive muscle contractions result in twisting and repetitive movements or abnormal fixed postures.” The Sesame Workshop confirmed the news of his death.
Caroll was a whole-body puppeteer who worked on Sesame Street for many years. In fact, it was with the show since its inception in 1969 and officially retired last year. He also put his talents to use to perform for Sesame Street in live concerts as well as at the White House, and in many records and films. Caroll Edwin Spinney was born in Waltham, Massachusetts, on December 26, 1933. His mother was a significant influence, encouraging the young boy’s interest in drawing and puppets from an early age. By the time he turned 12, he had 70 puppets. Many of them were handmade by his mother, even though his father did not approve of his hobby.
Caroll would later attend the Art Institute of Boston but then dropped out to join the Airforce. After ten years of service, he was discharged and worked in Boston on Bozo’s Big Top. He met Jim Henson in 1969 and joined a new experimental children’s program called Sesame Street.
When speaking about his success on the show, Caroll always said that the secret was his ability to think like a child. Caroll controlled not only the puppet costumes of Big Bird but also Oscar the Grouch, along with many others. Plus, he also added his voice to the characters. He once said, “I think most people completely forget what it was like being a kid by the time they grow up. But I never got over it. It was almost a problem for me, in fact, trying to grow up enough, even when I went into the Air Force.”
While the character of Big Bird had more of a child’s mind, Oscar the Grouch came off more like a grumpy adult. Caroll said his inspiration for the character came from rude restaurant waiters as well as crabby taxi drivers. He also played other puppets such as Granny Bird, Bruno the Trash Man, and even Elmo from time to time as he traveled around the world playing these different characters.
By 2015, the physical requirements of playing his beloved characters became too physically demanding, and he only started providing the voices. However, by 2018, Caroll would retire for good. Matt Vogel, his apprentice since 1996, took over for Caroll. In an interview talking about his retirement, Caroll said: I always thought, ‘How fortunate for me that I got to play the two best Muppets.’ Playing Big Bird is one of the most joyous things of my life.”
Caroll and his first wife, Janice, had three children together. They divorced in 1971. He later married to Debra Jean Gilroy in 1979. He is survived by his wife Debra, his three children, and four grandchildren.
May you rest in peace, Caroll, think you for bringing so much magic into all of our lives and the lives of many generations to come. Well done!
Source: Do You Remember
