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Caroll Spinney has been a mainstay of television since 1969, but his face has rarely appeared.
Disguised as a bright yellow feather dress and an orange beak, the puppeteer of "Sesame Street" was the heart and soul of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch since the show's premiere almost 50 years ago.
At the age of 84, Spinney told the New York Times that he was retiring from "Sesame Street" after nearly half a century of playing the most iconic characters in the series. Coming on Thursday, Spinney will be entering the Sesame Street Studios in Astoria, Queens for the last time before leaving the roles behind forever.
"Before coming to Sesame Street, I did not think that what I was doing was very important. Big Bird has helped me find my goal, "Spinney said in a statement. "Even if I leave my roles, I feel like I'll always be Big Bird. And even Oscar, from time to time! They gave me great joy, led me to my true calling – and to my wonderful wife! – and created a life of memories that I will cherish forever. "
Spinney said the physical demands for the show have become increasingly difficult in recent years. As of 2015, he came out of the Big Bird costume after developing a balance problem in the costume and has since provided only voice to the character. His latest voice recordings will be used at the upcoming 50th Anniversary of HBO next year.
Long-time pioneers Matt Vogel, performer of Kermit the Frog, and Eric Jacobson, Miss Piggy, take on the roles of Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch.
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