This semi-beloved monster on Sesame Street was originally a supporting character but over time became a ROCK STAR in his own right on the show. 🎂
The sweet loveable character that appeals to young children is 3 ½ today. Wait wasn’t he the same age last year? Elmo is perpetually three and a half, kind of like Bart Simpson eh? He uses the third person to express his thoughts. When speaking of himself there isn’t a pronoun. Instead, he will say “Today is Elmo’s birthday. Elmo is three and a half today!” or “Elmo wants someone to tickle him”. ‘Cause Elmo loves getting tickled! ELMO’s Birthday is celebrated on February 3rd.
Back in the 1970s, Sesame Street studios had an old red puppet that used to just lie around. None of the puppeteers had any idea how to give the puppet any personality. In 1980 this red puppet was named Elmo and starred in a cute song presented in a short skit called “We Are All Monsters”. There was an attempt to give him personality but they failed.
In the beginning, Elmo didn’t talk and he was performed by different puppeteers. Brian Meuhl was the first Elmo puppeteer and his presence was that of a whisper. Richard Hunt was the next iteration that gave him a rough caveman-like personality. After one year, he disliked that version of Elmo so much that in a fit of frustration he threw the puppet. Kevin Clash then became a long-time lovable, curious, and caring puppet personality. Having voiced the puppet for 28 years, Clash received backlash for some very inappropriate behavior which couldn’t have any representation for a sweet lovable puppet. Clash had to step aside and retire because of his immoral behavior. Nevertheless, his high-pitched version stuck and was a success when Ryan Dillon took over in 2013.
Teachers and moms alike love Elmo because informative educational standards and lessons are taught to young children. The use of Elmo as a puppet has the ability to present content in a way that makes sense to children. They’re able to understand what the lessons are about and commit it to memory.
Some people aren’t fans of Elmo because he steals the spotlight from long-time Sesame Street puppets. I mean … where is Grover!? You were NEAR and now you’re FAR!
He’s the new puppet on the block and quickly became the #1 Sesame Street star. He received his own Sesame Street block called Elmo’s World. Elmo has made his rounds on all the talk shows and other primetime programs. He even made kid-friendly eggnog with Emeril Lagasse on a Christmas special.
Not sure how to LOVE the day? We’ve got a few interesting ideas to consider that may help get you started.
Here are some activities that you can do on ELMO’s Birthday!
Elmo’s Birthday Celebration is an annual event at SeaWorld’s Sesame Street Land usually held from January 29 until February 3. There’s a scavenger hunt for Elmo’s goldfish Dorothy, party parade, storytime, and photo opportunities with Elmo and his furry monster friends.
One of the best ways to honor the little red monster is to watch past and upcoming episodes of “Elmo’s World”, a portion devoted to all things Elmo on the Sesame Street TV series.
Make various treats that feature the lovable puppet including Elmo cookies, red & orange Rice Krispie Treats, or mini pretzel twists coated in red candy melts. Decorate his nose with an orange M&M peanut, eyes with one half of an oreo cookie, etc. A round, red, furry birthday cake is always popular!
Use social media posts with the hashtags #ElmosBirthday, #ElmosWorld, #HappyBirthday, #ArtsHolidays, #FebruaryHolidays, #Holiday, #FindADayToLOVE, #iHEARTdays to support the importance of celebrating, promoting, and sharing with the world why you ❤️ ELMO’s Birthday.
English actor & comedian best known for playing roles in Willow, Harry Potter, and the Ewok Wicket W Warrick in the Star Wars saga. Born 1970.
WARWICK DAVIS Quote
“People who are short, they’re often portrayed as the victim.”
American stage actor & writer best known for starring in films like The Birdcage, The Producers, The Lion King, and apparently movies beginning with the word “The”. Born 1956.
NATHAN LANE Quote
“Look, I’m 40, I’m single, and I work in musical theater – you do the math!”
Portuguese explorer & navigator in service of the Spanish empire best known for being the first to plan and lead an expedition to circumnavigate the globe by sailing from the Atlantic and crossing the Pacific oceans from 1519-1522. Sadly Magellan was killed in battle around what we would call the Philippines today just one year before completion. Born 1480.
FERDINAND MAGELLAN Quote
“The church says the earth is flat; but I have seen its shadow on the moon, and I have more confidence even in a shadow than in the church.”
“Go forth to meet the shadowy future without fear and with a manly heart.”
| Year | Date | Day of the Week |
|---|---|---|
| 2023 | February 3 | Friday |
| 2024 | February 3 | Saturday |
| 2025 | February 3 | Monday |
| 2026 | February 3 | Tuesday |
| 2027 | February 3 | Wednesday |
I 💙 COOKIE MONSTER. But it’s not his birthday — so no cookie cake this time.
While grating sometimes to adults, Elmo’s voice is warm and comforting to a child. This is similar to a parent. Children love the reassuring parent-type quality that Elmo has. Dr. Lauren Gardner, Administrative Director of Autism at John Hopkins Children’s Hospital finds that Elmo uses a high-pitch voice, dragged out vowel sounds, and exaggerated inflection. This is exactly how parents and caretakers have long been known to speak to their children. Children love this high-pitched, parental type reassurance of Elmo’s speaking.
Child development experts have said that children at an early age see bright colors best and Elmo is the only red-colored puppet on the show. By always speaking in the third-person, young toddlers can better relate to him and the world around them. Elmo is just like them – in an exploratory stage of life.
Elmo also is like a close childhood friend; he possesses the juvenile qualities of curiosity, which is something children can relate to. To young and old, Elmo is warm, lovable, caring, and sensitive; this appeals to most everyone. Elmo is a very special character of Sesame Street. This is why we wish you a big Happy 3½ year-old birthday.
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