Welcome to the vibrant and heartwarming world of Sesame Street! It’s a place where every day is sunny and friendly, and that’s largely thanks to its incredible cast of characters. From furry monsters to feathered friends, and even a few humans, Sesame Street is populated by a diverse group who each bring something special to the neighborhood. While Oscar the Grouch might occasionally disagree, it’s a place where everyone truly belongs and contributes to a unique sense of community.
Have you ever wondered about the personalities behind those famous Sesame Street names? Perhaps you’re curious to know who’s the resident prankster or who Big Bird calls his best buddy. Maybe you’re even trying to recall who has a rather unusual hobby of collecting paper clips!
Join us as we delve into the delightful details of who’s who on this iconic street, exploring the unique traits and stories that make each of these Sesame Street characters so beloved.
Meet the Lovable Muppets and Humans of Sesame Street
Sesame Street is famous for its Muppet residents, created by the legendary Jim Henson. These characters, along with their human neighbors, form the heart of the show. Let’s get to know some of the key personalities that make Sesame Street so special:
Abby Cadabby
Abby Cadabby smiling cheerfully.
Abby Cadabby is a bright and bubbly 4-year-old fairy-in-training. As the daughter of the Fairy Godmother, Abby is learning the ropes of fairy magic at her after-school program. With her sparkling personality and boundless imagination, Abby brings a touch of fairy dust and wonder to Sesame Street, always eager to learn and play with her friends.
Snuffleupagus (“Snuffy”)
Snuffy with long eyelashes and trunk, looking friendly.
Aloysius Snuffleupagus, affectionately known as Snuffy, is Big Bird’s large and lovable best friend. These two pals are inseparable, embarking on countless adventures together on Sesame Street. Snuffy’s gentle nature and close bond with Big Bird highlight the importance of friendship and mutual support in navigating the world.
Baby Bear
Baby Bear in a blue shirt, holding a crayon and smiling.
Baby Bear, inspired by “The Three Bears” fairytale, is a curious and creative young cub. He channels his adventurous spirit and artistic talents into various activities on Sesame Street. Baby Bear represents the joys of exploration and self-expression for young viewers, often engaging in art projects and playful explorations.
Bert
Bert with a neutral expression, waving with both hands.
Bert is known for his love of paper clips and pigeons, and as the steadfast, though sometimes exasperated, best friend of Ernie. Bert’s personality is a study in contrasts to Ernie’s, providing a humorous dynamic built on their enduring friendship despite their differing personalities.
Big Bird
Big Bird smiling broadly, showcasing his yellow feathers.
Standing tall at 8’2”, Big Bird is a gentle and inquisitive 6 ½-year-old canary. As one of Sesame Street’s most iconic characters, Big Bird embodies childlike wonder and empathy, always learning about the world around him and sharing his discoveries with his friends.
Cookie Monster
Cookie Monster waving enthusiastically, with crumbs around his mouth.
Cookie Monster is famous for his insatiable appetite for cookies! This furry blue monster is a frenzied but ultimately cuddly character whose persistent quest for cookies brings humor and lightheartedness to Sesame Street. Despite his singular focus, Cookie Monster is a beloved member of the community.
Count Von Count
The Count with cape and monocle, waving with a smile.
Count Von Count, or simply The Count, has a delightful obsession with numbers. This friendly vampire enjoys counting everything he encounters, from bats to buttons. The Count’s passion for counting makes learning about mathematics fun and engaging for children.
Elmo
Elmo with a wide smile, reaching out for a hug.
Elmo is a cheerful and energetic 3½-year-old red monster. Known for his infectious giggle and positive attitude, Elmo is incredibly popular with young audiences. His segments often focus on simple, everyday experiences, making him relatable and endearing.
Ernie
Ernie smiling mischievously, with his signature striped shirt.
Ernie is the playful prankster of Sesame Street, often seen playing practical jokes on his pal Bert. His mischievous nature and fun-loving spirit create comedic moments and highlight the dynamics of friendship, even with its occasional frustrations.
Gabrielle
Gabrielle with hands on hips, posing confidently.
Gabrielle is a vibrant and inquisitive 6 and ¾-year-old girl. As a newer human character on Sesame Street, Gabrielle brings a fresh perspective and enthusiasm to the neighborhood, participating in various activities and friendships.
Grover
Grover dancing energetically, showcasing his blue fur.
Grover, Sesame Street’s gregarious blue monster, approaches every task with childlike exuberance. For over four decades, Grover’s humorous attempts to accomplish tasks, often with chaotic but good-natured results, have entertained generations of viewers.
Gonger
Gonger holding a wooden spoon, ready to cook.
Gonger is an adorable and energetic little pink monster. Known for his immense energy and passion for cooking alongside Cookie Monster in their food truck, Gonger adds culinary fun to Sesame Street.
Julia
Julia waving hello, with a friendly and gentle expression.
Julia is a bright and curious 4-year-old girl with autism. Her inclusion on Sesame Street is significant, promoting understanding and acceptance of autism. Julia’s character helps children learn about different perspectives and ways of experiencing the world.
Oscar the Grouch
Oscar peeking out of his trash can, looking grumpy as usual.
Oscar the Grouch is Sesame Street’s resident curmudgeon. Living in his trash can, Oscar famously dislikes all things “nice,” like happiness and sunshine. Despite his grumpiness, Oscar is a fixture of Sesame Street and, in his own way, contributes to the neighborhood’s unique charm by showing that it’s okay to be different and even a little grumpy sometimes.
Rosita
Rosita smiling playfully, showcasing her blue fur and pigtails.
Rosita, or Rosita la Monstrua de las Cuevas, is an optimistic and playful 5-year-old monster. Her full name, meaning “The Monster of the Caves,” adds a touch of mystery to her cheerful personality. Rosita is known for speaking Spanish and bringing a bilingual element to Sesame Street.
Rudy
Rudy looking curious, with bright orange fur and blue curls.
Rudy is Abby Cadabby’s energetic 3-year-old stepbrother. With bright orange fur and blue curls, Rudy is a newer Muppet on Sesame Street, adding to the playful dynamic and family themes explored on the show.
Tamir
Tamir looking directly at the camera with a friendly smile.
Tamir is an 8-year-old boy who lives on Sesame Street with his family. As a human character, Tamir represents the diverse children who watch Sesame Street, bringing everyday kid experiences to the forefront.
Tango
Elmo hugging Tango, a small and joyful puppy.
Tango is Elmo’s music-loving and energetic puppy. This small, furry friend brings even more joy and playful energy to Sesame Street, often seen exploring and learning alongside Elmo.
Telly Monster
Telly looking worried, with wide eyes and purple fur.
Telly Monster is an earnest and somewhat anxious monster who tends to worry. His character explores themes of anxiety and managing fears, relatable to many young children. Despite his worries, Telly is a loyal and caring friend.
Zoe
Zoe striking a dance pose, with orange fur and a tutu.
Zoe is an energetic 3-year-old monster who loves to dance and sing. With her bright orange fur and a can-do attitude, Zoe brings enthusiasm and a love for performance to Sesame Street.
Gabrielle with two adults and a child, representing community.
Sesame Street’s Enduring Impact
Beyond the delightful characters, Sesame Street, through Sesame Workshop, has a significant global impact. As a non-profit organization, Sesame Workshop extends its mission far beyond television, aiming to help children everywhere grow smarter, stronger, and kinder through various educational initiatives.
Learn More About Sesame Workshop’s Impact
Explore More of the Sesame Street World
Want to spend more time with your Sesame Street friends? There are many ways to connect with them beyond the main show:
The Sesame Street Muppets in a large group photo, cheerful and diverse.
Visit Sesame Street Official Website
Mecha Elmo, Mecha Cookie, and Mecha Abby as superheroes, ready for action.
Discover Mecha Builders
Elmo as a talk show host behind a desk, looking professional.
Watch The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo
