In 2019, the United States Postal Service commemorated the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street, a landmark children’s television program, with a series of vibrant Forever stamps. Among the beloved characters honored was Guy Smiley, America’s quintessential game show host, capturing his energetic and enthusiastic persona in a commemorative stamp. This stamp is a tribute to Guy Smiley’s enduring contribution to early childhood education and entertainment, making it a sought-after piece for stamp collectors and Sesame Street enthusiasts alike.
This Guy Smiley stamp is part of a larger Sesame Street set, issued as a Commemorative stamp. Valued at the First Class Mail Rate (55¢ Forever at the time of issue), it was first released on June 22, 2019, in Detroit, Michigan. The stamp is one of 16 in the set, which collectively celebrate the show’s milestone anniversary. A substantial quantity of 62 million Guy Smiley stamps were printed by Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. using offset printing, in panes of 16. The stamp features nonphosphored type III, block tagging and was expertly designed by art director Derry Noyes, utilizing an existing photograph of Guy Smiley that perfectly encapsulates his lively character.
The issuance of the Guy Smiley stamp, and the entire Sesame Street set, was to mark the golden anniversary of the iconic show. Sesame Street has been a cornerstone of children’s education and entertainment for half a century, and this stamp set serves as a national salute to its cultural and educational impact. The First Day of Issue ceremony for the stamps was a significant event, held in Lafayette Park in Detroit as part of the “Sesame Street Road Trip.” This road trip was a celebratory tour across 10 cities in the US, bringing the joy of Sesame Street to fans nationwide.
The Sesame Street stamp set is a vibrant collection of 16 Forever stamps, each showcasing a different character from the show. Alongside Guy Smiley, the set includes iconic figures such as Big Bird, Ernie, Bert, Cookie Monster, Rosita, Count von Count, Oscar the Grouch, Abby Cadabby, Herry Monster, Julia, Snuffleupagus, Elmo, Telly, Grover, and Zoe. The inclusion of Guy Smiley in this set highlights his significant role within the Sesame Street universe. Guy Smiley is not just any character; he embodies the spirit of learning through fun and engagement, a core tenet of Sesame Street‘s educational philosophy.
Guy Smiley is famously known as “America’s favorite game show host” within the Sesame Street world. He brings an unmatched level of excitement and over-the-top enthusiasm to every segment he hosts. His signature segment, “Here is Your Life,” is a parody of biographical programs, humorously featuring inanimate objects like a tree, a loaf of bread, or even a sneaker as the guests of honor. These segments cleverly teach children about narrative structure and the concept of a life story in an accessible and entertaining way.
Beyond “Here is Your Life,” Guy Smiley has hosted numerous other segments that are equally memorable and educational. In “The Waiting Game,” he playfully teaches children the virtue of patience. A classic example features Cookie Monster, tempted by a cookie, learning to wait for Guy Smiley’s return to earn a reward of two cookies. Another popular segment, “Make it Fit,” introduces preschoolers to different shapes as contestants race against the clock to match shapes, promoting problem-solving and shape recognition skills.
Guy Smiley’s talents extend beyond game shows; he has also presided over events like the “Letter of the Day Pageant.” In this segment, letters compete, showcasing unique “skills” (like ‘S’ for swimming or ‘T’ for tap-dancing), culminating in Guy singing a celebratory song about the winning letter. This segment cleverly combines entertainment with early literacy, emphasizing letter recognition and sounds in a fun, memorable format. Guy Smiley’s own singing talents are also showcased through songs like “Air” and “They Can’t Take That Away From Me,” further demonstrating his versatile performance abilities.
Through his various roles on Sesame Street, Guy Smiley consistently encourages learning and curiosity. His games are designed to be not only fun and engaging but also subtly educational, prompting viewers to learn new things without even realizing they are being taught. The Guy Smiley Sesame Street stamp serves as a delightful reminder of this character’s impact on generations of children and the enduring legacy of Sesame Street in making learning an exciting adventure.
