Best of Q: Caroll Spinney on being the 'soul' of Big Bird, Oscar
Spinney on bringing some of Sesame Street's greatest characters to life.
In a conversation from the Best of Q, Caroll Spinney speaks with Jian about being the subject of the new documentary film I Am Big Bird.
For almost 50 years, the now 80-year-old puppeteer has performed the roles of Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch and his dedication and inspiration have entertained and educated generations of children.
For almost 50 years, the now 80-year-old puppeteer has performed the roles of Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch and his dedication and inspiration have entertained and educated generations of children.
Spinney tells Jian about being less famous than the characters he portrays, what it's like to be "the soul" of two beloved children's puppets, and about the first moment he realized Big Bird was more than just an extension of himself.
"One time, Big Bird was literally attacked by a bunch of college students," he said.
Feathers were torn from the puppet's chest. One student tried to remove one of Big Bird's eyes.
"I realized how I'd felt about him. It was like my little boy had been attacked and wrecked," he said.
"One time, Big Bird was literally attacked by a bunch of college students," he said.
Feathers were torn from the puppet's chest. One student tried to remove one of Big Bird's eyes.
"I realized how I'd felt about him. It was like my little boy had been attacked and wrecked," he said.