Sesame Street Star Caroll Spinney Retiring After 49 Years

Caroll Spinney is saying goodbye to Sesame Street. 

The puppeteer, who has been part of the TV series since its premiere in 1969, has announced she is retiring. 

He plays Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch. 

"Big Bird brought me so many places, opened my mind and nurtured my soul. And I plan to be an ambassador for Sesame Workshop for many years to come," Spinney said of his decision to exit the show, adding:

"After all, we’re a family! But now it’s time for two performers that I have worked with and respected — and actually hand-picked for the guardianship of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch — to take my alter-egos into their hands and continue to give them life."

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"Before I came to Sesame Street, I didn’t feel like what I was doing was very important. Big Bird helped me find my purpose," he continued.

"Even as I step down from my roles, I feel I will always be Big Bird. And even Oscar, once in a while! They have given me great joy, led me to my true calling — and my wonderful wife! — and created a lifetime of memories that I will cherish forever.”

It has since been revealed that Matt Vogel will assume the role of Big Bird, while Eric Jacobsen will take on the role of Oscar. 

Both puppeteers have worked with Spinney for over 20 years, so we think it's fair to say they will be the perfect replacements. 

“Caroll has been one of the leading lights of Sesame Street from the very beginning,” said Joan Ganz Cooney, co-founder of the Sesame Workshop.

“His genius and his talent made Big Bird the most beloved yellow-feathered friend across the globe. But the sheer artistry of Caroll is that he also brought Oscar to life and made him the most lovable Grouch in the world.”

Shortly after the announcement dropped, a video rounding up some of Spinney's best moments on the series was released. 

You can watch it below.