For over fifty years, Sesame Street has aided millions of children in developing comprehension skills and advancing their knowledge and moral understanding. In addition, Sesame Street has been a monumental aid for parents as a trustworthy media source that will only provide the appropriate content for their children, also being something they can enjoy together. Every episode of Sesame Street provides a steady formula that introduces children to concepts that will help them tackle the world as they get older, teaching valuable lessons such as right from wrong, introductions to mathematics, learning how to treat others, and problem-solving skills.
Children are taught these skills by an amazing cast of colorful characters who make every episode of Sesame Street fun, easygoing, and kind-hearted so that children can learn in a safe environment. There have been some characters in Sesame Street that have been a part of the show for decades and have become staples in the show's roster. Here are the most iconic Sesame Street characters.
7 Bert
Bert is one-half of the life partners that have been on the show since its beginning. Most of the appearances by Bert and his partner Ernie have been separated into mathematical problems and learning how to deal with social issues without resulting in negative behaviors.
Bert is the somewhat maladjusted member of the duo who often comes off as moody, depressed, or irritable. Luckily, Ernie is always there to provide emotional support and rational thinking to pull Bert out of his pit. Two individuals have played Bert since his debut, Frank Oz and Eric Jacobson.
6 Ernie
Ernie is the second half of the life partners, Bert and Ernie. While Bert has a more cynical personality, Ernie is the glass-half-full type of character. Always optimistic, Ernie looks at the possibilities and silver linings of the day and avoids the negative.
Many times in Sesame Street, Ernie is met with a complicated issue that Bert and the viewers must help him solve. Bert and Ernie have been a dynamic duo for over fifty years. They have remained prominent cast members with worldwide appeal that give children an excellent feal that it takes different types of people to make the world a better place. Ernie has had several voice actors over the years, one of which being Jim Henson, the designer of most of the muppets still on television today.
5 Oscar, The Grouch
Oscar the Grouch was a curious case in terms of characters on Sesame Street. Living in a trash can, Oscar appeared to rain on a parade or ruffle Big Bird's feathers. Oscar is most often demonstrated as a loner who wishes to be left alone and enjoy his simple life, which leads a cast of characters and children to try and make Oscar see the brighter side of things and explore past the lid of his trash can.
Oscar the Grouch became a fan favorite for his charismatic exploits and disheveled demeanor. Both Carol Spinney and Eric Jacobson have voiced Oscar in various performances since 2015.
4 Cookie Monster
The popularity and charisma of Cookie Monster are hard to compete with. Since his original debut in 1969, the Cookie Monster won the hearts of children everywhere for his manic persona that drove him to the brink of obsession with cookies, something every child could understand.
However, Cookie Monster made an excellent example of the harms of Excess without being harsh. Many times over, Cookie Monster's appetite would cause the misfortune of his friends. This taught children to be considerate of others' feelings, not just their own. Cookie Monster has been voiced by both Franks Oz and David Rudman and continues to be a fan favorite among the original muppets.
3 Elmo
No other muppet has the following that Elmo has garnered over the years. The red ball of hope and compassion has warmed the hearts of children and adults alike for his indisputable innocence.
Elmo tackles the moral aspects of Sesame Street along with basic mathematics and social studies, which has made him one of the top-performing muppets, even landing him his own show. Elmo embodies childlike wonder and helps children deal with their decision-making skills by tackling serious issues in a lighthearted way. Kevin Clash voiced Elmo until Ryan Dillion took over in 2013.
2 Big Bird
A muppet that needs no introduction is Big Bird, also known as Roy in the current generation of muppets. Big Bird is a sunny and cheerful character who is always around to help those in need or who find themselves in a complicated situation.
Big Bird is seen as the elder muppet on Sesame Street, aside from the actual adults, because of his size and wisdom. Big Bird is a giant soft-spoken bird of genuine compassion that never leaves anyone behind. Both Carol Spinney and matt Vogal have voiced Big Bird since 1997.
1 Kermit The Frog
Kermit the Frog stands at the top of the most popular and most identifiable muppets in the history of Sesame Street. The green gentleman was one of the few adult muppets that had a mentor-like presence on the show. Kermit was a leading cast member on Sesame Street but also appeared in a string of other Jim Henson productions, including his own show.
Kermit is most notably identified as the better have of Mrs. Piggy. Kermit remains the ring leader in the group of whacky characters and the frontman of the franchise. Kermit was initially voiced by Jim Henson but has had several actors perform him in recent years.