Welcome to Sesame Street, a landmark neighborhood celebrated for its vibrant community and heartwarming characters! Since its inception, Sesame Street has been a global beacon of friendship and learning, largely thanks to its cast of unforgettable Muppets. These furry, feathery, and sometimes grouchy residents have captivated audiences for generations, teaching valuable life lessons while bringing laughter into homes worldwide. Let’s explore the personalities that make this street so special and discover who’s who amongst the Sesame Street Muppets.
Abby Cadabby flying with her arms outstretched.
Abby Cadabby
Abby Cadabby, a delightful 4-year-old fairy-in-training, brings a sprinkle of magic to Sesame Street. As the daughter of the Fairy Godmother, Abby is learning to use her powers for good, often with hilarious and unpredictable results. Her imaginative spirit and playful nature make her a cherished friend to everyone on the street, embodying the wonder of childhood and the magic of believing.
Snuffleupagus smiling with his trunk raised.
Snuffleupagus (“Snuffy”)
Aloysius Snuffleupagus, affectionately known as Snuffy, is Big Bird’s gentle giant of a best friend. For years, Snuffy was Sesame Street’s lovable “invisible” friend, adding an element of mystery and imagination. Now a fully visible member of the community, Snuffy’s kind heart and playful spirit are always present as he and Big Bird navigate the world together, showcasing the beauty of friendship and understanding.
Baby Bear holding a crayon and smiling.
Baby Bear
Baby Bear, a charming character inspired by “The Three Bears,” brings a touch of classic fairytale charm to Sesame Street. With his adventurous spirit and budding artistic talents, Baby Bear represents the curiosity and creativity of young children. He’s constantly learning and exploring, often with his family, the Three Bears, reinforcing family values and the joy of discovery.
Bert with a neutral expression waving.
Bert
Bert, the endearingly stoic and somewhat fussy roommate of Ernie, is a beloved contrast in the dynamic duo. Known for his love of paperclips, pigeons, and the letter B, Bert’s dry wit and meticulous nature are perfectly balanced by Ernie’s playful antics. Their enduring friendship highlights the beauty of accepting differences and finding harmony in contrasting personalities.
Big Bird with a wide smile.
Big Bird
Standing tall at 8’2”, Big Bird is the iconic, eternally curious 6 ½-year-old yellow bird who embodies innocence and wonder. As one of the original Sesame Street Muppets, Big Bird’s journey of learning and growing has resonated with generations. His big heart and compassionate nature make him a friend to all, representing the potential for growth and understanding in everyone.
Cookie Monster with cookies in both hands waving.
Cookie Monster
Cookie Monster, the lovable blue glutton with an insatiable appetite for cookies, is a comedic staple of Sesame Street. His frantic energy and single-minded focus on cookies are endlessly entertaining, but beneath the cookie cravings lies a character who also learns about self-control and sharing. Cookie Monster’s antics provide humorous lessons in moderation and the joy of simple pleasures.
Count Von Count holding up fingers to count.
Count Von Count
The Count, or Count Von Count, is Sesame Street’s charmingly eccentric vampire obsessed with numbers. With his signature cape and castle, The Count finds joy in counting everything around him, from bats to rubber duckies. He makes learning about numbers fun and engaging, showcasing the magic and patterns hidden within mathematics.
Elmo smiling and pointing forward.
Elmo
Elmo, the eternally optimistic 3½-year-old red monster, is arguably the most globally recognized Sesame Street Muppet. His infectious giggle and cheerful demeanor have made him a symbol of joy and positivity for children worldwide. Elmo’s segments often focus on simple, everyday experiences, teaching emotional intelligence and social skills in an accessible way.
Ernie with a mischievous smile.
Ernie
Ernie, the playful prankster and best friend of Bert, is known for his mischievous spirit and love of practical jokes. Often seen with his Rubber Duckie, Ernie’s lighthearted approach to life and unwavering optimism are a perfect foil to Bert’s more serious nature. Their friendship demonstrates how different personalities can complement each other in humorous and heartwarming ways.
Gabrielle smiling with hands on hips in a confident pose.
Gabrielle
Gabrielle, a vibrant and curious 6 and 3/4-year-old girl, is a newer addition to Sesame Street, representing the experiences of young girls today. Her energetic personality and thirst for knowledge make her a role model for curiosity and self-expression. Gabrielle’s storylines often touch upon contemporary themes, ensuring Sesame Street remains relevant and reflective of its audience.
Grover in a superhero pose mid-dance.
Grover
Grover, Sesame Street’s gregarious and often clumsy blue monster, has been making audiences laugh for over four decades. Whether he’s Super Grover, the well-meaning but often inept superhero, or a helpful waiter, Grover’s enthusiastic approach to life and childlike exuberance are infectious. His segments are filled with physical comedy and gentle lessons about perseverance.
Gonger holding a spoon and smiling widely.
Gonger
Gonger, the energetic pink monster and Cookie Monster’s cooking partner, brings a burst of enthusiasm to the kitchen on Sesame Street. Working alongside Cookie Monster in their food truck, Gonger’s boundless energy and passion for cooking (and sometimes eating) create fun and chaotic culinary adventures, teaching about teamwork and healthy eating habits – even with Cookie Monster around.
Julia waving with a warm smile.
Julia
Julia is a groundbreaking Sesame Street Muppet who represents children with autism. As a bright and curious four-year-old, Julia helps to promote understanding and acceptance of autism spectrum disorder. Her inclusion on Sesame Street is a significant step in representation, showcasing that everyone belongs and learns in their own unique way.
Oscar the Grouch peeking out of his trash can with a grumpy expression.
Oscar the Grouch
Oscar the Grouch, Sesame Street’s resident curmudgeon, lives in a trash can and famously dislikes anything “nice.” Despite his grumpy exterior, Oscar is a beloved character who teaches valuable lessons about accepting different personalities and finding humor in negativity. His unique perspective adds a layer of comedic realism to the utopian street.
Rosita playing the guitar and smiling.
Rosita
Rosita, a cheerful and playful 5-year-old monster from Mexico, is bilingual and proudly embraces her heritage. Her full name, Rosita la Monstrua de las Cuevas, meaning “The Monster of the Caves,” reflects her vibrant personality and cultural background. Rosita brings diversity and representation to Sesame Street, celebrating multiculturalism and the richness of different languages.
Rudy with a surprised expression.
Rudy
Rudy, Abby Cadabby’s energetic three-year-old step-brother, is a recent addition to the Sesame Street family. With his bright orange fur and mop of blue curls, Rudy brings youthful exuberance and sibling dynamics to the street. His relationship with Abby highlights the joys and challenges of blended families and the importance of brotherly love.
Tamir smiling and looking directly at the camera.
Tamir
Tamir, an 8-year-old human resident of Sesame Street, represents the diverse children who watch and learn from the show. Living with his family, Tamir brings real-world experiences and perspectives to the Muppet-filled street. His presence reinforces the idea that Sesame Street is a reflection of the real world, encompassing all kinds of families and individuals.
Elmo hugging Tango the puppy.
Tango
Tango, Elmo’s music-loving and endlessly curious puppy, is a bundle of joy and energy on Sesame Street. As Elmo’s pet, Tango represents the bond between children and animals, adding a layer of playful companionship to the neighborhood. Her love for music and exploration brings a fresh, energetic dynamic to the Muppet ensemble.
Telly Monster looking worried and concerned.
Telly Monster
Telly Monster, the anxious and earnest monster, worries about everything, from triangles to whether his shoelaces are tied. Despite his anxieties, Telly’s heart is always in the right place, and he learns to overcome his fears with the help of his friends. Telly’s character helps children understand and manage their own anxieties in a relatable and comforting way.
Zoe dancing with a big smile.
Zoe
Zoe, an energetic 3-year-old orange monster, loves to dance, sing, and express herself creatively. Her vibrant personality and love for performing arts bring a spark of joyful expression to Sesame Street. Zoe’s enthusiasm encourages children to embrace their own creativity and find joy in movement and music.
Gabrielle interacting with two adult human characters and a child character.
Sesame Street’s Muppets are more than just characters; they are icons of children’s television, embodying the values of friendship, learning, and community. Through their diverse personalities and relatable experiences, the Sesame Street Muppets continue to educate and entertain, making the world a kinder and smarter place, one episode at a time. They remain a testament to the power of inclusive storytelling and the enduring legacy of Jim Henson’s vision.
