RIP Carroll Spinney (aka Big Bird)

1933-2019

The puppeteer who brought to life Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch has died. Hard as it is to believe, Big Bird appeared on two television specials with Lucille Ball, although the two were not onscreen together. 

Both Lucy and Spinney were seen in “Bob Hope’s World of Comedy” on October 30, 1976.  Big Bird introduced Hope’s segment about animals.  

Lucy reminisces with Hope about their various collaborations together. 

With 98 others, Lucy and Spinney (as Big Bird) were part of the “Night of 100 Stars 2″ on March 11, 1985.

Big Bird (wearing a necktie!) and Carol Channing were onstage together.  Lucille Ball and Lucie Arnaz were also part of the evening at New York’s Radio City Music Hall.  

Spinney was 85 years old.