Man Behind Big Bird Gets Autobiography - Sitcoms Online Message Boards

Brett Ferino · 04-29-2003, 02:09 PM

LOS ANGELES - The man behind Big Bird is unmasking to tell fans — to paraphrase the show's theme song — how he got to "Sesame Street."

Carroll Spinney, who has portrayed the lofty lemon-feathered puppet for 34 years on the children's public television show, chronicles his rise to bird-dom Tuesday in a new autobiography, "The Wisdom of Big Bird."

He said he was reluctant to step outside the costume, but after all this time, he figured older fans would be interested in learning the behind-the-scenes history of the show.

"For years I've kind of hidden from the public because I've seen disappointed kids," Spinney, 69, said in a phone interview from his Connecticut home.

Some friends once introduced him to a 9-year-old neighbor who was a fan. "He comes running in ... and said, 'Wow, where's Big Bird?'" he recalled. "And they said, 'Well, this is the fellow who's in it.' He looked at me and you've never seen such a crestfallen face."

Spinney, who also performs as the show's green garbage-can dweller, Oscar the Grouch, said that character's scratchy voice was inspired by a foul-mouthed cab driver from the Bronx.

Portraying such opposites on "Sesame Street," Spinney said, lets him showcase the happy and cantankerous elements of his own personality.

"Some people have asked which am I most like, Big Bird or Oscar?" he said. "And my wife says mostly I'm like Big Bird. But if anything can get me sounding like Oscar, it's frustrating drivers."

Dude111 · 07-12-2025, 12:22 PM

He did such a good job and after 34 years its hard getting someone else in there because the voice is different and frankly they dont do as well!!

I remember all my favourite cartoons with the same voices for years and now they have different voices and to me its aweful,I cant watch them!

God bless Mr Spinney!!

JO Sweet Heart · 07-12-2025, 01:02 PM

I could be wrong, but the only voice person left may be Frank Oz who gave us Bert, Grover, Cookie Monster, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Animal, and Sam the Eagle.

God bless you and him always!!!

Holly

P.S. I can understand why the show has continued, but to me, the characters should be retired when those who give them their voices are not here anymore.

Dude111 · 07-12-2025, 01:38 PM

Yes I totally agree...........

Give them the respect and dignity!!

04-29-2003, 02:09 PM	#1
Brett Ferino Member Forum 3000 Club Member Join Date: Jul 18, 2000 Location: PA Posts: 3,782	Man Behind Big Bird Gets Autobiography LOS ANGELES - The man behind Big Bird is unmasking to tell fans — to paraphrase the show's theme song — how he got to "Sesame Street." Carroll Spinney, who has portrayed the lofty lemon-feathered puppet for 34 years on the children's public television show, chronicles his rise to bird-dom Tuesday in a new autobiography, "The Wisdom of Big Bird." He said he was reluctant to step outside the costume, but after all this time, he figured older fans would be interested in learning the behind-the-scenes history of the show. "For years I've kind of hidden from the public because I've seen disappointed kids," Spinney, 69, said in a phone interview from his Connecticut home. Some friends once introduced him to a 9-year-old neighbor who was a fan. "He comes running in ... and said, 'Wow, where's Big Bird?'" he recalled. "And they said, 'Well, this is the fellow who's in it.' He looked at me and you've never seen such a crestfallen face." Spinney, who also performs as the show's green garbage-can dweller, Oscar the Grouch, said that character's scratchy voice was inspired by a foul-mouthed cab driver from the Bronx. Portraying such opposites on "Sesame Street," Spinney said, lets him showcase the happy and cantankerous elements of his own personality. "Some people have asked which am I most like, Big Bird or Oscar?" he said. "And my wife says mostly I'm like Big Bird. But if anything can get me sounding like Oscar, it's frustrating drivers."

07-12-2025, 01:02 PM	#3
JO Sweet Heart Member Forum Veteran Join Date: Mar 11, 2012 Location: East Tennessee Posts: 7,847	I could be wrong, but the only voice person left may be Frank Oz who gave us Bert, Grover, Cookie Monster, Fozzie, Miss Piggy, Animal, and Sam the Eagle. God bless you and him always!!! Holly P.S. I can understand why the show has continued, but to me, the characters should be retired when those who give them their voices are not here anymore.
	__________________ Go here to check out my most favorite singer, James Otto, when you can!

07-12-2025, 12:22 PM	#2
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 35,981	He did such a good job and after 34 years its hard getting someone else in there because the voice is different and frankly they dont do as well!! I remember all my favourite cartoons with the same voices for years and now they have different voices and to me its aweful,I cant watch them! God bless Mr Spinney!!

07-12-2025, 01:38 PM	#4
Dude111 Forum Legend Join Date: Nov 05, 2013 Posts: 35,981	Yes I totally agree........... Give them the respect and dignity!!