Stephanie D’Abruzzo has been an integral part of the Sesame Street family since Season 25, bringing to life a wide array of beloved Muppet characters. While she is known for her roles as Cookie Monster’s mom and niece, and Grover’s mommy, it’s her portrayal of Prairie Dawn, the optimistic and aspiring journalist, that truly highlights her talent and versatility within the Sesame Street Muppets ensemble.
Taking over the role of Prairie Dawn in 2015 after the retirement of Fran Brill, D’Abruzzo seamlessly embodied the character, adding her own nuances while maintaining the essence of this classic Sesame Street figure. Her ability to step into such an iconic role underscores her deep understanding of the Muppet ethos and her commitment to preserving the legacy of Sesame Street. Beyond Prairie Dawn, D’Abruzzo also took on the role of Elmo’s mom, Mae, further expanding her contributions to the Sesame Street universe.
Sesame Street Muppets including Prairie Dawn, Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Big Bird gather for a group photo celebrating the show's legacy.
Her vocal performance in R.E.M.’s “Furry Happy Monsters” is a testament to her musical talent and remains a career highlight for many fans. D’Abruzzo’s work extends beyond the main show, encompassing numerous Sesame Street home videos and specials. She even ventured to Grouchland to play Grizzy in The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, showcasing her ability to adapt her puppetry skills across different formats and narratives within the Sesame Street franchise.
Furthermore, D’Abruzzo stars as Cody in Helpsters, a Sesame Workshop production for Apple TV+, demonstrating her continued collaboration with Sesame Workshop in creating engaging and educational content for a new generation. Her performance as Cody in Helpsters Help You, filmed during the COVID-19 quarantine, earned Emmy nominations, recognizing her dedication and creativity even in challenging circumstances.
D’Abruzzo’s puppetry expertise extends far beyond Sesame Street. She has contributed her talents to projects like Muppets Mayhem, Donkey Hodie, and Julie’s Greenroom, demonstrating her broad appeal and skill across various Muppet and puppet-centric productions. Her voice acting credits are equally impressive, with roles in Nature Cat, Bug Diaries, Welcome to the Wayne, and many more animated series. Interestingly, she also lends her puppetry skills to more adult-oriented shows like Last Week Tonight with John Oliver, showcasing the breadth of her abilities.
Big Bird, a towering yellow Sesame Street Muppet, assists a child on a playground slide, highlighting Sesame Workshop's commitment to early childhood education.
Before joining Sesame Street, D’Abruzzo achieved Broadway acclaim, receiving Tony and Drama Desk Award nominations for her original roles in Avenue Q. Her stage presence has been felt across New York in numerous productions and prestigious venues like Carnegie Hall and the Hollywood Bowl. Her roles in I Love You Because and Knuffle Bunny: A Cautionary Musical are immortalized in original cast recordings, solidifying her impact on the musical theatre world.
In conclusion, Stephanie D’Abruzzo’s career is a vibrant tapestry of puppetry, voice acting, and stage performance. Her portrayal of Prairie Dawn on Sesame Street is just one facet of her multifaceted talent. From her work with Sesame Street Muppets to her broader contributions across television and theatre, D’Abruzzo’s dedication and skill have made her a celebrated and influential performer in the entertainment industry.
