Sesame Street Retired Characters: A Journey Through Time

Introduction

Sesame Street, a culturally significant children's television show that has been broadcast since 1969, has seen numerous beloved characters come and go. This article explores some of the characters that have been retired over the years, along with the reasons behind their departure. From Muppets no longer featured on the show to actors who have moved on, we take a look at the evolving landscape of Sesame Street.

Retired Muppets and Characters

Muppets and characters that are no longer seen in current episodes of Sesame Street include:

Beautiful Day Monster: A beloved character from the show's early days, the Beautiful Day Monster has not been seen on the Street in recent years. Harvey Kneeslapper: Another character from the early shows, Harvey's antics were no longer a fit for the curriculum and Frank Oz found the voice difficult. Baby Monster: Multiple characters with this name have been retired, as the show simplified its representation of young monsters. Alice Snuffleupagus: A character who was rarely seen on the show, Alice was not a regular presence and her retirement made sense with the show's evolving storyline. Sam the Robot: Sam was a prominent character in the early years but was retired due to curriculum changes and puppeteer changes. Fuzzyface Grover: An early version of Grover, Fuzzyface was gradually phased out as Grover became more relatable and evolved into a mom character. Forgetful Jones: Known for his forgetfulness, Forgetful Jones became less relevant as the show evolved its themes and characters. Buster the Horse: A character with only a few appearances, Buster was retired due to his limited role.

Actors who have moved on

Several actors who were once an integral part of Sesame Street have left the show, either due to personal choices or changes in the show's direction:

Matt Robinson: A talented puppeteer and dancer, Matt Robinson created the character of Guy Smiley. He passed away in 1992, leaving a significant legacy in the world of Sesame Street. Hal Miller: Hal Miller played Gordon for two years in the early 1970s, contributing to the show's successful development. Emilio Delgado: A renowned actor, Emilio Delgado was known for his outstanding performance as the actor behind Guy Smiley and Rowlf the Dog. He passed away in March 2022. Savion Glover: A highly accomplished tap dancer, Savion Glover appeared in the Dance Along special in the 1990s. Savion Glover: A highly accomplished tap dancer, Savion Glover appeared in the Dance Along special in the 1990s. Mike was another character from this special, a normal teen guy, but his character did not persist on the show for long.

Famous Retired Characters from the 1970s

In the 1970s, some famous characters who have been retired are:

Sam the Robot: Retired due to curriculum changes and the evolution of puppet design. Harvey Kneeslapper: Run out of ideas for this character and the voice was rough on Frank Oz. Bruno the Trashman: Not a regular character, but occasionally seen in the background. Roosevelt Franklin: Not a regular character, but occasionally seen in the background. Grundgetta: Retired from regular appearances on the show. Don Music: Retired but possibly seen in altered form as Guy Smiley. Kermit the Frog: While not originally a Sesame Street character, Kermit's presence on the show was limited and he was effectively retired from it.

Conclusion

The evolution of Sesame Street is a testament to how a popular cultural institution adapts to new ideas and changes in its target audience. From Sam the Robot to Bruno the Trashman, the show has seen its share of retired characters and actors. These changes reflect the show's commitment to staying relevant and engaging for young viewers across different decades. While some characters may no longer be seen on the show, their legacy remains a part of Sesame Street's rich history.