Banshees Scream 110 Posted November 6, 2006 I dreamt 'A Big Yellow Bird' had died. Caroll Spinney who has played the part of Sesame Street's, 'Big Bird' is now 73 years old and his biography claims 'In recent years Spinney has had to minimize his time performing Big Bird, due to his age. The literally heavy responsibility of performing Big Bird has gone to Matt Vogel, who performs the character in the regular "Journey to Ernie" segment, and to a very limited extent, Rick Lyon' - Over his career he performed the characters in Australia, China, Japan, and across Europe. visited the White House multiple times. conducted orchestras across the US and Canada, including the Boston Pops. starred in the theatrically-released movie Follow that Bird, with a high-billing in Elmo in Grouchland. served as a recording artist on dozens of albums. Will this bird turn from yellow to blue soon? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
BrunoBrimley 86 Posted November 7, 2006 Look at it this way Jasper, if Spinney flies the coop, spinneys off into the afterwards, starts molting without replacements, you'll be able to say that you dreamed it and therefore it were or was...or was it really merely a pinhole in the curtain of night? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phantom 2,534 Posted November 7, 2006 I dreamt 'A Big Yellow Bird' had died. Caroll Spinney who has played the part of Sesame Street's, 'Big Bird' is now 73 years old and his biography claims 'In recent years Spinney has had to minimize his time performing Big Bird, due to his age. The literally heavy responsibility of performing Big Bird has gone to Matt Vogel, who performs the character in the regular "Journey to Ernie" segment, and to a very limited extent, Rick Lyon' - Over his career he performed the characters in Australia, China, Japan, and across Europe. visited the White House multiple times. conducted orchestras across the US and Canada, including the Boston Pops. starred in the theatrically-released movie Follow that Bird, with a high-billing in Elmo in Grouchland. served as a recording artist on dozens of albums. Will this bird turn from yellow to blue soon? The main question would be "would he earn a UK obit"? He falls into the same sort of category as Thurl Ravenscroft (voice of Tony the Tiger from the Kellogs Frosties ads). Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Tempus Fugit 214 Posted November 7, 2006 Surely the main question is, will he be buried/cremated in the Big Bird costume? If buried he wouldn't need a coffin the costume would act as a very eye catching shroud. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Phantom 2,534 Posted November 7, 2006 Surely the main question is, will he be buried/cremated in the Big Bird costume? If buried he wouldn't need a coffin the costume would act as a very eye catching shroud. It would take a lot to make a coffin to accomodate the costume What about Mr Snuffleupagus? Or how about the actor who plays Oscar the Grouch.. would he get buried in his trash can? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Magere Hein 1,400 Posted November 7, 2006 'The literally heavy responsibility of performing Big Bird has gone to Matt Vogel, who performs the character in the regular "Journey to Ernie" segment, and to a very limited extent, Rick Lyon' - Mr Vogel has an apt name for that job, considering that "Vogel" means "Bird" in German and Dutch. regards, Hein Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Banshees Scream 110 Posted November 7, 2006 The main question would be "would he earn a UK obit"? He falls into the same sort of category as Thurl Ravenscroft (voice of Tony the Tiger from the Kellogs Frosties ads). Yes. I think he would. And Thurl Ravenscroft was once of my own list, the year he decided to croak. But Deathlist left him off that year... Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Banshees Scream 110 Posted November 7, 2006 'The literally heavy responsibility of performing Big Bird has gone to Matt Vogel, who performs the character in the regular "Journey to Ernie" segment, and to a very limited extent, Rick Lyon' - Mr Vogel has an apt name for that job, considering that "Vogel" means "Bird" in German and Dutch. regards, Hein Interesting. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 21,062 Posted October 18, 2018 On 17/10/2018 at 14:37, Spade_Cooley said: Caroll Spinney, who has played Oscar the Grouch and Big Bird on Sesame Street since its inception, is to retire. 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
YoungWillz 21,062 Posted December 26, 2018 Caroll Spinney is 85 today! 3 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death Impends 7,985 Posted November 9, 2019 November 8 was declared "Caroll Spinney Day" in New York City, ahead of Sesame Street's 50th anniversary. Here's Spinney reunited with Big Bird, but looking frail: 2 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,070 Posted November 9, 2019 2 hours ago, Death Impends said: November 8 was declared "Caroll Spinney Day" in New York City, ahead of Sesame Street's 50th anniversary. Here's Spinney reunited with Big Bird, but looking frail: So which one is Spinney then? Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
JeffreyTheSuperSnail 66 Posted November 9, 2019 He acknowledged his declining health earlier this year. Keep in mind he was diagnosed with dystonia in 2015, so he could only perform the voices for Big Bird and Oscar from then until he retired last year. https://facebook.com/story.php?story_fbid=290742564928522 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Spade_Cooley 9,538 Posted December 8, 2019 Dead. 14 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Drewsky1211 4,757 Posted December 8, 2019 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gxlj4Tk83xQ Just gonna post this fitting Sesame Street scene here. 1 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cant Wait 93 Posted December 8, 2019 You’re in a better place now Caroll. RIP. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Deathtreat23 189 Posted December 8, 2019 RIP to the man who gave us this Oscar the Grouch classic! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rxgWHzMvXOY 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
John Robinson 71 Posted December 8, 2019 Sad news... He was a part of many people's childhood. RIP Caroll Spinney. Here's him singing "Bein' Green" as Big Bird at Jim Henson's memorial in 1990...https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lrZyMptC2eQ 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
mollyafox 459 Posted December 8, 2019 I'm happy that before he passed, he was able to see the 50th anniversary of Sesame Street. RIP 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
markb4 902 Posted December 8, 2019 1 hour ago, John Robinson said: Sad news... He was a part of many people's childhood. RIP Caroll Spinney. Here's him singing "Bein' Green" as Big Bird at Jim Henson's memorial in 1990...https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lrZyMptC2eQ This is one of the saddest things to watch on YouTube. I sure hope there is a filmed memorial service for Caroll Spinney with a fitting tribute like this as well! 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Death Impends 7,985 Posted December 8, 2019 1 hour ago, John Robinson said: Sad news... He was a part of many people's childhood. RIP Caroll Spinney. Here's him singing "Bein' Green" as Big Bird at Jim Henson's memorial in 1990...https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=lrZyMptC2eQ Big Bird looking up at the sky and saying "Thank you, Kermit" gives me goosebumps every time RIP Caroll and thanks for the many happy memories. 1 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Lewd_Squirrel 331 Posted December 8, 2019 RIP he's hit #20 for me. Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Sir Creep 7,070 Posted December 9, 2019 RIP Big Bird Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Bibliogryphon 9,588 Posted December 9, 2019 Please note to avoid confusion for British posters this thread is not about our current Prime Minister 6 Share this post Link to post Share on other sites