Big Bird

Big Bird was first concieved by Muppet-master Jim Henson as a humorously goofy adult. But during Sesame Street's first season, puppeteer Carroll Spinney realized that the show would be better served in Big Bird were a child. "As with most art, creation comes from the soul," the 62-year-old vetern puppeteer expains. "I saw Big Bird as a wide-eyed six-year-old discovering the world." Inside the puppet, Spinney manipulates Big Bird's beak with one arm stretched above his head; he speaks Big Bird's lines into a wirless microphoneand watches his performance on a miniature color monitor attached to his chest.

Big Bird Facts: He is 8 feet, 2 inches tall Shares his nest with Radar, his teddy bear He is six years old His best friend is Snuffleupagus Loves birdseed milkshakes from Mr. Hooper's store

In 1985, Big Bird got a starring role in his own movie. "Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird" was the first Sesame Street movie. It tells the story of a meddling social worker who is convinced Big Bird wold be happier with his "own kind." Convincing Big Bird of this, he travels to Oceanview, Illinios to meet his new family, "The Dodos." But Big Bird doesn't fit in, and is so lonesome and homesick, he sets off on foot for Sesame Street. That's when all of his friends jump in, and start the search for Big Bird.

Big Bird with puppeteer Carroll Spinney

In 1999, Big Bird got his own stamp. He is a representative for all of Sesame Street.