Skip to main content
Open this photo in gallery:

In this April 10, 2008, file photo puppeteer Caroll Spinney is interviewed during a break from taping an episode of Sesame Street in New York.MARK LENNIHAN/The Associated Press

The puppeteer who has played Big Bird on “Sesame Street” is retiring after nearly 50 years on the show.

Caroll Spinney tells the New York Times that Thursday will be his last day on the program, which he joined from the start in 1969. In addition to Big Bird, the 84-year-old was also Oscar the Grouch.

From the archives: Beneath the feathers: the man who gives wing to Big Bird

Spinney says “I always thought, how fortunate for me that I got to play the two best Muppets?”

Spinney says the physical requirements of performing the characters had become difficult and he developed problems with his balance. He stopped doing the puppeteering for Big Bird in 2015 and now only provides the voices for him and Oscar.

His apprentice, Matt Vogel, will succeed him in the Big Bird role. He also plays Kermit the Frog.

Follow related authors and topics

Authors and topics you follow will be added to your personal news feed in Following.

Interact with The Globe