Big Bird, one of "Sesame Street's" most recognizable characters, has captivated audiences for decades with his towering presence and gentle demeanor. Designed by Jim Henson and built by Kermit Love in 1969, the character's initial concept was inspired by a seven-foot-tall dragon Henson had previously created for a La Choy advertising campaign. The intricate design and demanding operation of the Big Bird costume have evolved over the years, reflecting
both technological advancements and the physical challenges faced by its performers, most notably Caroll Spinney, who originated the role.
From his first appearance on November 10, 1969, Big Bird's look and personality underwent gradual changes. Initially, he had fewer feathers on the top of his head, and his body feathers appeared more shaggy and unkempt. Over time, his head gained more feathers, giving it a rounder appearance, and a blaze-like crest of lighter yellow feathers developed above his eyes. His body feathers also became fluffier, rounder, and more groomed. Similarly, his personality evolved from a more "bird-brained" and dopey character into the gentle, childlike innocent known today, psychologically written to represent a six-year-old, despite the Muppet characters technically being ageless.
The Mechanics of Performance
Performing Big Bird is a physically demanding task, as the puppeteer is entirely enclosed within the costume. The performer extends their right hand over their head to operate the puppet's head and neck. The left hand of the puppeteer serves as Big Bird's left wing. The right wing, however, is stuffed and hangs loosely, connected by a fishing line that runs through a loop under the neck and attaches to the wrist of the puppeteer's left hand. This setup means the right hand does the opposite of the left: as the left hand moves down, the right hand is pulled up by the fishing line. Eyelid movements are controlled by a trigger operated by the puppeteer's pinky finger.The costume itself is substantial, with the body suit weighing ten pounds and the head four pounds. The heat inside the suit is described as "unbearable," and holding Big Bird's head for extended periods is extraordinarily difficult. In scenes where Big Bird needs to use both wings or hold something in his right wing, a secondary puppeteer is required. The feathers for the costume are primarily tail feathers from turkeys, partially assembled by American Plume & Fancy Feather. Sesame Workshop is known to reject approximately 90 percent of the feathers selected, ensuring only the highest quality for the iconic character.
