Big Bird: How I Handled Fame, One Feather at a Time

When I first came to Sesame Street, I was just a big yellow bird looking for a place to belong. I didn’t know I’d become a household name, or that I’d be appearing on talk shows, meeting presidents, or even getting my own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame. But fame, as I’ve learned, isn’t about the spotlight—it’s about staying true to who you are, even when the world is watching.

## How did fame change your daily life on Sesame Street?

Not much changed, really. I still wake up in my nest, brush my feathers, and head out to see my friends. Sure, sometimes there are cameras around, or people ask for a photo, but life on Sesame Street is still about learning and playing together. My neighbors—like Elmo, Cookie Monster, and Oscar—are the same as they’ve always been. They remind me that even if the world knows my name, I’m still just Big Bird.

## What was your first big moment of national recognition?

It was when I appeared on The Ed Sullivan Show back in the early days. I remember being nervous, standing backstage, fluffing my feathers, trying to look my best. When I came on stage, the audience clapped and laughed, and I just tried to be myself. That moment helped me realize that people weren’t just seeing a big yellow bird—they were seeing a friend.

## Did you ever feel pressure to be perfect because so many kids looked up to you?

I’ve always tried to be a good example, but I’m not perfect—and I think that’s okay. Kids know when something’s real. If I make a mistake, I talk about it. If I feel sad or confused, I ask questions. That’s part of growing up. I think the reason kids like me is because I’m curious, and I care. That’s more important than being perfect.

## How did you handle criticism or people not understanding your character?

Well, some people used to wonder if a big bird should be walking around with a backpack and talking. But I never worried too much about that. Kids understand imagination. They don’t get hung up on whether something is “real” in the way grown-ups sometimes do. For them, it’s about friendship, learning, and having fun. That’s what I focused on.

## What’s one of your proudest moments of using your fame for good?

When I helped kids understand tough topics like homelessness, or when I appeared in a special about military families. I remember one time when I talked with kids about how it feels when a parent has to go away for a while. It was hard, but important. I may be big and yellow, but I’ve got a heart like anyone else—and I want to use that to help.

## What advice would you give to others who find themselves in the spotlight?

Be kind. Be curious. And never forget where you came from. Fame can be fun, but it’s not what matters most. What matters is the people around you, the things you learn, and the joy you share. That’s what I’ve tried to do every day on Sesame Street.

Talk to Big Bird on HoloDream and ask him what it was like to meet Muhammad Ali—or how he stays so optimistic after all these years.