For decades, Ernie and Bert, the inseparable roommates from “Sesame Street,” have charmed audiences young and old with their contrasting personalities and heartwarming friendship. Bert, the pragmatic planner, and Ernie, the whimsical prankster, embody a bond that has resonated across generations. But beyond their well-loved dynamic, a question has lingered in the cultural zeitgeist: are Ernie and Bert more than just friends?
This question gained renewed traction when Mark Saltzman, a former writer for “Sesame Street,” shared his perspective in an interview, suggesting he wrote the characters as a couple. Saltzman’s insights opened up a conversation that Sesame Workshop, the show’s production company, has consistently addressed with a firm stance. Let’s delve into the evolving discussion surrounding Ernie and Bert’s relationship and explore why this query continues to captivate audiences.
The Writer’s Perspective: Bert and Ernie as a Reflection of Real Life
In an exclusive interview with Queerty, Mark Saltzman, who contributed to “Sesame Street” from 1981 to 1990, revealed that his vision of Bert and Ernie was deeply influenced by his personal life. Saltzman explained, “I always felt that without a huge agenda, when I was writing Bert and Ernie, they were [a couple].” He further elaborated that he contextualized their interactions through the lens of his own relationship with his partner, film editor Arnold Glassman. Saltzman even noted that people around him would refer to him and Glassman as “Bert and Ernie,” cementing the connection in his mind.
Saltzman painted a vivid picture of how his own dynamic with Glassman mirrored the beloved puppet duo. “I was Ernie,” Saltzman stated, “I look more Bert-ish. And Arnie, as a film editor — if you thought of Bert with a job in the world, wouldn’t that be perfect? Bert with his paper clips and organization? And I was the jokester.” This personal connection fueled his writing and shaped the nuanced relationship between Bert and Ernie as viewers came to know them.
Sesame Workshop’s Stance: “Best Friends” and Puppets, Not Sexual Orientation
Despite Saltzman’s interpretation, Sesame Workshop has consistently maintained that Bert and Ernie are not a couple, and do not possess a sexual orientation. In a statement released to NBC News, Sesame Workshop clarified their position: “As we have always said, Bert and Ernie are best friends. They were created to teach preschoolers that people can be good friends with those who are very different from themselves.”
The workshop further emphasized the nature of the characters, stating, “Even though they are identified as male characters and possess many human traits and characteristics (as most Sesame Street Muppets™ do), they remain puppets, and do not have a sexual orientation.” This statement underscores Sesame Workshop’s intention to present Bert and Ernie as embodiments of friendship and acceptance, designed for a preschool audience, rather than as representations of romantic partnerships.
A Long-Standing Question: Public Perception and Cultural Impact
The ambiguity surrounding Bert and Ernie’s relationship is not a recent phenomenon. For years, viewers have interpreted their dynamic in various ways, with many seeing a deeper connection beyond simple friendship. This public perception is evidenced by a 2011 petition advocating for Bert and Ernie to get married on “Sesame Street,” which garnered nearly 11,000 signatures.
Further highlighting the cultural resonance of this question, Bert and Ernie graced the cover of The New Yorker in 2013. This cover depicted the pair cuddling while watching television coverage of the Supreme Court’s decision deeming the Defense of Marriage Act unconstitutional. This symbolic image, published during a pivotal moment for marriage equality, further cemented Bert and Ernie’s place in the ongoing conversation about relationships and representation. While Saltzman acknowledged the significance of “The New Yorker” cover as “kind of vindication,” he also pointed out the absence of a “Bert & Ernie float in the Pride Parade,” indicating the complex and sometimes contradictory nature of their representation in popular culture.
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Bert and Ernie’s Relationship
Whether viewed as best friends, a couple, or something in between, Ernie and Bert’s relationship continues to spark discussion and interpretation. Their enduring appeal lies in their relatable dynamic and the open-ended nature of their bond. While Sesame Workshop maintains their stance on the puppets’ platonic nature, the perspectives of writers like Mark Saltzman and the interpretations of countless viewers demonstrate the rich and multifaceted legacy of these iconic “Sesame Street” characters. Ernie and Bert remain a powerful symbol of friendship and connection, prompting audiences to reflect on the diverse forms relationships can take and the enduring power of love and companionship in all its forms.
