Big Bird puppeteer to retire at nearly 50 years

Veteran US puppeteer Caroll Spinney, who has nearly 50 years playing Big Bird, is to retire from Sesame Street at the age of 84.

Spinney joined the Children’s Television Workshop in 1969 and whilst he retired from the physical demands of the role in 2015, he has continued to voice the character, along with Oscar the Grouch.

“I always thought, how fortunate for me that I got to play the two best Muppets?” he said.

His last performances as Big Bird and Oscar were recorded as part of the series’ landmark 50th season, which will air next year.

His apprentice, Matt Vogel, will succeed him in the Big Bird role. He also plays Kermit the Frog.

Source: Hollywood Reporter