Date of Birth: December 26, 1933
Zodiac Sign: Capricorn
Date of Death: December 8, 2019
Biography
Caroll Edwin Spinney was an American puppeteer, cartoonist, author, and speaker, best known for his work on the iconic children’s television show “Sesame Street.” Born in Waltham, Massachusetts, Spinney developed an early interest in puppetry and cartooning. He is most famous for bringing to life two beloved characters: Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. Spinney’s career with “Sesame Street” spanned nearly five decades, from 1969 until his retirement in 2018. His performances as Big Bird and Oscar earned him widespread acclaim and several awards, including multiple Daytime Emmy Awards. Spinney also had a talent for drawing and published several cartoons and books. His autobiography, “The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch): Lessons from a Life in Feathers,” provides insights into his life and career. Spinney’s contributions to children’s television and his ability to engage and educate millions of young viewers have left an indelible mark on popular culture.
5 Interesting Facts about Caroll Spinney
1. Caroll Spinney was originally hired by Jim Henson after the two met at a puppetry festival in 1969.
2. He performed as Big Bird at several notable events, including the White House and the United Nations.
3. Spinney was the subject of the 2014 documentary “I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story.”
4. He was left-handed and often had to manipulate the right-handed Big Bird costume with his right hand.
5. Spinney received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
5 Most Interesting Quotes from Caroll Spinney
1. “I think most of my life has been spent trying to find the child within myself and keep it alive.”
2. “Big Bird is my child. He’s my alter ego. He’s who I would have been if I had had a nurturing life.”
3. “It’s not easy being green, but it’s worse pretending to be someone you’re not.”
4. “I have always thought that Oscar and Big Bird are two sides of the same coin. In a way, they represent the duality of human nature.”
5. “Playing Big Bird is one of the most joyous things I have ever done.”
Highest Net Worth Achieved
At the peak of his career, Caroll Spinney’s net worth was estimated to be around $8 million.
Children
Caroll Spinney had three children from his first marriage: a son named Ben and two daughters named Melissa and Jessica.
Relevant Links
1. [Caroll Spinney on Wikipedia](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Caroll_Spinney
2. [I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story](https://www.imdb.com/title/tt2358456/
4. [Caroll Spinney’s Hollywood Walk of Fame Star](http://www.walkoffame.com/caroll-spinney
5. [Sesame Street Official Website](https://www.sesamestreet.org
