Caroll Spinney, puppeteer behind Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, dead at 85

Caroll Spinney, the legendary puppeteer known for bringing Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch to life, has died.

The news of his passing was confirmed via a press release from the Sesame Workshop website on Sunday morning.

Caroll Spinney, the legendary puppeteer behind beloved Sesame Street characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, died today, December 8th 2019, at age 85 at his home in Connecticut, after living with Dystonia for some time. https://t.co/q7FVDul5WT pic.twitter.com/CvWBD0NQyp

— Sesame Street (@sesamestreet) December 8, 2019

Spinney was 85-years-old and had been suffering from Dystonia, a movement disorder in which a person's muscles contract uncontrollably, for several years. He passed away at his home in Connecticut.

The adored voice actor had been a part of the Sesame Street cast since 1969 and over the course of five decades, he and Big Bird had the opportunity to do some incredible things including having their legacy commemorated with a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame.

“Caroll Spinney’s contributions to Sesame Street are countless. He not only gave us Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, he gave so much of himself as well,” said Sesame Street co-founder Joan Ganz Cooney.

“We at Sesame Workshop mourn his passing and feel an immense gratitude for all he has given to Sesame Street and to children around the world.”

Spinney retired from Sesame Street in the fall of 2018.