Two of the most beloved characters on Sesame Street are Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch. People around the world know the characters, but most don't even know the name of the man who brings them to life. Since Sesame Street began in 1969, puppeteer Caroll Spinney has performed Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
Spinney began making and working puppets during his childhood. Jim Henson was impressed and hired him to join a new TV show: Sesame Street. Children everywhere love his characters, and the people that love him share about his life.
Like most kids, I grew up watching (and loving) Sesame Street. Big Bird and Oscar hold a special place in my heart, I even had a Big Bird that read children's books. Sesame Street has been around for over 40 years, and making a documentary about a beloved character that has been around from the beginning could be risky.
But Caroll Spinney has a sunny personality and just exudes joy. Clearly the people involved think Spinney is great, and lovingly show his life. It also shows some of the inner-workings of the Muppets, especially in the TV show Sesame Street. It is remarkable the kind of work it takes to perform as Big Bird (it's more physically demanding than it looks).
An interesting documentary about an interesting man.
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story (2014) 90 minutes
Director: Dave LaMattina & Chad N. Walker
Starring: Caroll Spinney
Debra Spinney
Matt Vogel
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