Telly Monster, often simply known as Telly, is a cherished resident of Sesame Street and one of its most relatable characters. Described as a “slightly neurotic young monster,” Telly lives at 1304 Sesame Street and has captured the hearts of audiences for decades with his anxieties, passions, and endearing personality.
telly from sesame street with elmo and zoe
Telly made his debut in Episode 1257 of Season 10, aptly titled “Television Monster.” Initially conceived as a character obsessed with television, Telly quickly evolved into a much more nuanced and beloved personality on Sesame Street. While his first appearance marked the beginning of his journey, it was in the 12th season that Telly became a main character, solidifying his place in the Sesame Street ensemble.
The character was originally brought to life by Bob Payne. Brian Muehl took over the role from 1979 to 1984, and since 1984, Martin P. Robinson has been the puppeteer behind Telly, providing his voice and movements for generations of viewers.
In his initial portrayal, Telly was visually distinct with spiraling eyes and an antenna, reflecting his television obsession. He was often seen glued to the screen, watching TV from an extremely close distance. His introductory episode highlighted this fixation: when David and Olivia invited him to play baseball, Telly’s immediate question was, “which channel is that?” mistaking the invitation for a television program. Upon learning it was at a park four blocks away, his desire to watch was only limited by the length of his TV cord.
However, the creators of Sesame Street, concerned about potential negative influence on children’s viewing habits, temporarily retired Telly after his initial episodes. They worried that children might misinterpret his obsession and develop unhealthy television viewing habits themselves.
But Telly’s appeal was undeniable, and he returned to Sesame Street in a subsequent season with a revised look. Gone were the spiraling eyes and antenna, and Telly re-emerged as a more broadly relatable character. Initially communicating mainly through grumbles, Telly was given his first speaking lines in Episode 1387, further developing his personality. An unexpected opportunity arose later when the actor for Big Bird was injured and unable to record. This situation allowed Telly to take on a more prominent role, with Brian Muehl, then playing Telly, giving him a distinctive low, gruff voice that became part of his charm.
Delving Deeper into Telly Monster’s World
Telly Monster’s birthday is September 29th, and as established, he moved into 1304 Sesame Street in 1979. His defining characteristic is his anxious and worrying nature, which often leads him to humorous and heartwarming situations. This anxiety also connects him to another iconic Sesame Street resident, Oscar the Grouch, and they are frequently seen together, an unlikely but entertaining pairing. Telly is even a card-carrying member of the Grouchketeers, Oscar’s fan club, showcasing his quirky friendships.
Their shared screen time extends beyond casual appearances. Telly and Oscar have co-starred in various sketches, including “Ask Oscar,” “Sneak Peek Previews,” and a skit in 2010 focused on words starting with the letter B. Beyond his grumpy pal, Telly also takes on a journalistic role as a reporter for “Monster on the Spot,” demonstrating his versatility within Sesame Street’s comedic and educational segments.
Perhaps Telly’s most significant friendship is with Baby Bear. Their bond is a cornerstone of many Sesame Street episodes, depicting the joys of companionship through camping trips, collaborative storytelling, shared meals, and playful adventures. Adding to his circle of affection, Telly is devoted to his pet hamster, Chuckie Sue, further highlighting his caring nature.
Telly’s fondness isn’t limited to living beings; he also has a deep attachment to stuffed toys. Freddy, a doll resembling Telly himself, is a constant companion. Before Freddy, there was Clark, a stuffed horse. In one memorable episode, Telly’s attendance at a sleepover at Big Bird’s nest is marked by the arrival of a whole entourage of stuffed animals, with Freddy prominently among them.
Music is another facet of Telly’s personality. He plays several instruments, including the triangle, bassoon, and tuba. His passion for the triangle was introduced in Episode 2780, inspired by writer Lou Berger’s son’s own fascination with the instrument. Telly’s musical journey with the triangle culminates in Episode 3124, “Telly Plays the Triangle,” where he learns to play under Bob’s guidance in a student band setting. This love for the triangle became a recurring and humorous trait, even leading Telly to join a Triangle Lovers’ Club, featured in Episode 4144.
Adding to his energetic side, Telly is also an avid pogo stick enthusiast. He learned to pogo stick in Episode 3115 when Mr. Handford gifted him one. Pogo sticking then became another regular activity for Telly, often seen enjoying it with other Sesame Street characters, showcasing his playful and active side.
Telly’s Family Ties
Telly’s family has also made appearances throughout Sesame Street, enriching his character and providing further context to his personality. His mother was first mentioned in Episode 1870, where the news of a forthcoming sibling triggers Telly’s anxieties about sharing his space, leading him to consider moving in with Oscar. Olivia steps in to help Telly understand and embrace the situation, resulting in a happy resolution and anticipation for the new baby.
Beyond the sibling introduced in Episode 1870, Telly has an older sister named Mona, who made brief appearances in Seasons 13, 14, and 18. Episode 207 brought Dennis Quaid to Sesame Street as Telly’s “Uncle Tommy From Da Bronx.” In this episode, Uncle Tommy imparts valuable lessons about honesty and trust in friendships, adding depth to Telly’s family relationships.
Further expanding the Monster family tree, Telly’s grandmother, Uncle Talbot, cousin Bully, cousin Tammy, cousin Izzy, and cousin Potto have all made appearances, creating a rich and relatable family dynamic for this beloved Sesame Street character.
Telly’s Broader Appearances
Beyond the main Sesame Street show, Telly’s popularity has led to appearances in numerous Sesame Street productions, including:
- Big Bird in China
- The Muppets Take Manhattan
- Follow That Bird
- Don’t Eat the Pictures
- The Muppets: A celebration of 30 years
- Sesame Street Jam: A Musical Celebration
- Elmo Saves Christmas
- Imagine That
He has also contributed to several Sesame Street albums, such as:
- Sesame Road
- A Sesame Street Christmas
- The Best of Elmo
- Sesame Road
Telly Monster’s presence extends to the literary world with appearances in books like:
- City
- The Sesame Street Circus of Opposites
- One Rubber Duckie
- More Who’s Who on Sesame Street
Telly Monster remains a fan-favorite Sesame Street character, loved for his relatable anxieties, endearing friendships, and quirky passions. His evolution from a TV-obsessed monster to a multifaceted personality demonstrates the depth and creativity behind Sesame Street’s character development, ensuring Telly’s continued relevance and appeal for generations to come.
