A look back at the man behind Big Bird, as he turns 82.
/ 11 PHOTOS
Famous address
Caroll Spinney joined "Sesame Street" in 1969.
— Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
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From the beginning
"Sesame Street" cast members pose on the set with some of the puppet characters in 1969, the year it premiered. Left to right: Will Lee, Matt Robinson, Bob McGrath and Loretta Long with Big Bird, Cookie Monster, Grover, Ernie, Bert and Oscar the Grouch.
— Getty Images
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Peck on the beak
TODAY's Jenna Bush Hager gives Big Bird a quick kiss.
— Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
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Double duty
In addition to portraying Big Bird, Spinney voices Oscar the Grouch.
— Reed Saxon / AP
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Trash talking
Spinney pays a visit to Oscar the Grouch's residence.
— Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
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Behind the scenes
Before donning the 8-foot-tall costume, Spinney is equipped with a chest monitor and ear pieces so he can coordinate his movements.
— Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
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Avid artist
Spinney sketched this piece as a baby gift for Jenna, when she was expecting her second child.
— Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
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The original birdman
Spinney is seen walking around the set as half man, half bird.
— Samantha Okazaki / TODAY
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By the book
Big Bird reads to Connor Scott and Tiffany Jiao during a taping of Sesame Street in 2008.
— AP
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Comforting voice
Spinney, as Big Bird, sings "It's Not Easy Being Green" during the memorial service for Jim Henson in 1990.
— AP
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Not-so-empty next
Big Bird, who is portrayed as a 6-year-old, hangs out in his colorful digs.
