Big Bird is one of the most iconic and beloved characters on Sesame Street. Standing at 8 feet 2 inches tall, Big Bird is impossible to miss with his bright yellow feathers and orange legs. But what many fans may not know is that operating the Big Bird costume is an intricate process that requires a trained puppeteer with excellent physical stamina and coordination.
The Big Bird Suit
The Big Bird suit is large and cumbersome, weighing approximately 5 pounds. Made primarily of turkey feathers that are dyed yellow, the suit contains an opening in the back for the puppeteer to enter and over 1000 feathers for flexibility. Inside the suit, the puppeteer wears a harness attached to the interior that distributes the weight across their body. This allows them to move and control Big Bird for long periods without strain or fatigue. The puppeteer’s arm sleeves end in gloves that act as Big Bird’s hands. Wires run from the gloves to above the puppeteer’s head where they connect to Big Bird’s head and beak apparatus.
Operating Big Bird’s Head and Facial Expressions
Big Bird’s head contains a series of mechanics that allow the puppeteer precise control over the character’s head movements and facial expressions. The beak itself is controlled through a lever under the puppeteer’s right arm. When the lever is pressed down, Big Bird’s mouth opens. Releasing the lever closes his mouth. The eyes are controlled through a series of cables and rods connected to the interior of the head. Pulling these cables moves the character’s eyes from side to side to create expressive reactions.
On top of the head is a red velvet cap. Underneath this cap is a small video monitor connected to a camera hidden inside Big Bird’s chest area. This camera allows the puppeteer to navigate their surroundings clearly when inside the suit. The cap also contains a microphone to pick up vocalizations from the puppeteer that are then broadcast through a speaker in Big Bird’s mouth. This allows Big Bird’s voice to sound natural despite the layers surrounding the puppeteer.
Controlling Big Bird’s Body Movements
To make Big Bird’s body movements appear natural and fluid, the puppeteer relies on their own motions to give the character life. Arm sleeves allow the puppeteer’s arms to move Big Bird’s wings. The puppeteer’s legs similarly maneuver Big Bird’s bright orange legs. Subtle steps, twists, and turns all translate into the signature hopping, bobbing gait that defines Big Bird’s lovable walk and mannerisms. For broader gestures, interior levers connect to control rods that manipulate the character’s shoulders, elbows, and wrists. This level of articulation allows Big Bird to wave, point, and gesticulate dynamically.
Additionally, the bottom portion of the suit contains an extending pole the puppeteer can grip to support and steady Big Bird during movement. This pole can retract when not needed. The pole also helps the puppeteer achieve Big Bird’s full height of over 8 feet tall. Without it, Big Bird would appear much shorter.
Challenges of Puppeteering Big Bird
Despite the ingenious engineering of the Big Bird suit, operating the character still poses significant physical challenges. Big Bird is very front-heavy, placing strain on the puppeteer’s back and legs. Maintaining stamina is crucial, as episodes can take many hours to film. Changing camera angles requires the puppeteer to constantly adjust their positioning to keep Big Bird appropriately framed within each shot. Performers must also have excellent spatial awareness to avoid obstacles, stay on their marks, and navigate safely on set.
Additionally, television production moves swiftly, leaving little time between takes. This means the performer must scramble quickly back into position after cut is called, ready to bring Big Bird back to life on cue. The suit also limits peripheral vision and ventilation, adding to the complexity of piloting Big Bird through a busy studio or outdoor location. These factors make playing Big Bird an athletic endeavor requiring flexibility, balance, and vocal resilience in addition to masterful puppeteering artistry.
The Evolution of Big Bird’s Design
While Big Bird’s basic design has remained consistent over the decades, small tweaks and upgrades have been made to improve puppeteer comfort and costume durability. In Season 1, the eyes were controlled by external wires rather than the internal lever system developed later. This made eye focus unreliable and eye movements jagged. The beak also extended far out, obstructing the performer’s vision. It was soon trimmed back to improve sight lines.
The body fabric evolved from felt to durable parachute cloth that allows greater movement. The interior harness became more supportive and less restrictive as well. New gloves provided better tactile control over the hands and fingers. Layers of protective padding were also added to the knees and bottom of the feet to prevent wear and tear during active scenes. These changes allowed puppeteers to perform safely and comfortably within Big Bird for extended periods.
Notable Big Bird Performers
Only a handful of gifted puppeteers have had the honor of bringing Big Bird to life over the past 50+ years. Each has brought their own unique performing talents to the role. Below are some of the most iconic performers inside the feathered suit:
Caroll Spinney (1969-2018)
As Big Bird’s original puppeteer, Caroll Spinney was instrumental in developing the character’s personality, voice, and mannerisms. He played Big Bird for nearly 50 years before retiring in 2018.
Matt Vogel (1998-present)
Matt Vogel began as Spinney’s apprentice before becoming Big Bird’s primary puppeteer. He learned to mimic Spinney’s Big Bird precisely before evolving the character with his own style.
Rick Lyon (1981-1987)
During a period when Spinney was focusing more on Oscar the Grouch, Rick Lyon took over as Big Bird periodically. His athleticism brought increased energy to Big Bird’s movements.
Pam Arciero (1984-1985)
Pam Arciero was the first woman to portray Big Bird. She did extensive work with Jim Henson, including characters on Fraggle Rock.
| Puppeteer | Years as Big Bird |
|---|---|
| Caroll Spinney | 1969-2018 |
| Matt Vogel | 1998-present |
| Rick Lyon | 1981-1987 |
| Pam Arciero | 1984-1985 |
Conclusion
Portraying Big Bird is an enormous undertaking that demands exceptional stamina, coordination, and puppeteering artistry. The intricate mechanics built into the suit allow for nuanced facial expressions and fluid, lifelike movement. While challenging, the role is incredibly rewarding for performers able to bring this iconic character to life. Big Bird has captured the hearts of generations of children and adults thanks to the talents of the gifted artists inside the feathers. Their masterful and thoughtful puppeteering continues to make Big Bird one of the most beloved residents of Sesame Street.
