iVillage

12 Most Memorable 'Sesame Street' Milestones

From Mr. Hooper's death to Cookie Monster quitting cookies, check out these unforgettable moments from 40 years of Sesame Street (13 Photos)

Ali Gray and Christine Petrozzo on Sep 24, 2010 at 1:08PM

1 chime

Single View
View All

9 of 13

12 Most Memorable 'Sesame Street' Milestones

Elmo Joins the Cast

Believe it or not, Elmo wasn’t always such a recognizable Muppet. When he first debuted on Sesame Street in 1979, Elmo was known simply as “Little Monster.” The giggly, optimistic puppet blossomed into the famed character we have all grown to love in 1984, thanks to puppeteer extraordinaire Kevin Clash.