History of Caroll Spinney in Timeline
Caroll Edwin Spinney was an American puppeteer, cartoonist, author, artist, and speaker, best known for his iconic roles as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on the children's television program Sesame Street. He brought these beloved characters to life from the show's debut in 1969 until his retirement in 2018, leaving behind a legacy that continues to entertain and educate generations.
December 26, 1933: Caroll Spinney's Birth
Caroll Edwin Spinney was born on December 26, 1933.
1955: Relocation to Las Vegas and "Rascal Rabbit"
In 1955, Caroll Spinney moved to Las Vegas and took on a role in the show "Rascal Rabbit".
1958: Joining "The Judy and Goggle Show"
Caroll Spinney joined "The Judy and Goggle Show" in 1958 as the puppeteer "Goggle" alongside Judy Valentine.
1960: Marriage to Janice Spinney
Caroll Spinney married Janice Spinney in 1960.
1962: First Meeting with Jim Henson
Caroll Spinney first crossed paths with Jim Henson in 1962 at a puppeteering festival.
1969: Sesame Street Debut
Caroll Spinney began his iconic role as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street in 1969.
1969: Joining the Muppets
Caroll Spinney officially joined the Muppets full-time in late 1969 after a performance at a Puppeteers of America festival caught Jim Henson's attention.
1969: Near Departure and Continued Success on Sesame Street
Despite nearly leaving Sesame Street after its first season due to salary disputes, Caroll Spinney was persuaded by Kermit Love to stay, ultimately performing as Big Bird and Oscar in various countries and achieving significant recognition.
1971: Divorce from Janice Spinney
Caroll Spinney and Janice Spinney divorced in 1971.
1979: Marriage to Debra Jean Gilroy
Caroll Spinney married Debra Jean Gilroy, his second wife, in 1979.
1994: Hollywood Walk of Fame Star
Caroll Spinney received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame in 1994.
1996: Creation of "Luna Bird" Painting
Caroll Spinney painted "Luna Bird," depicting Big Bird on the Moon, in 1996.
1997: Creation of "Autumn" Painting
Caroll Spinney painted "Autumn," portraying Big Bird amidst fall leaves, in 1997.
2000: Library of Congress' Living Legend Award
Caroll Spinney was honored as a Library of Congress' Living Legend in 2000.
2003: Publication of "The Wisdom of Big Bird"
Caroll Spinney co-authored "The Wisdom of Big Bird (and the Dark Genius of Oscar the Grouch): Lessons from a Life in Feathers" with J. Milligan, published in 2003.
2006: Lifetime Achievement Award
Caroll Spinney was presented with the National Academy of Television Arts and Sciences' Lifetime Achievement Award at the 33rd Daytime Emmy Awards in 2006.
April 2014: Premiere of "I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story"
The documentary "I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story" premiered at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival in April 2014.
2015: Dystonia Diagnosis
Caroll Spinney was diagnosed with dystonia, a neurological movement disorder, in 2015.
2016: Eight Over Eighty Gala Honoree
Caroll Spinney was recognized as one of the honorees at The New Jewish Home's Eight Over Eighty Gala in 2016.
October 17, 2018: Retirement Announcement
Caroll Spinney publicly announced his retirement from Sesame Street on October 17, 2018, after an impressive 49 years.
2018: Retirement from Sesame Street
Caroll Spinney retired from his roles as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street in 2018 after an illustrious career spanning several decades.
December 8, 2019: Caroll Spinney's Death
Caroll Edwin Spinney passed away on December 8, 2019.
2020: Final Performances Aired
Caroll Spinney's last performances as Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch, recorded for Sesame Street's 50th season, were aired in 2020.