Academy Honors Caroll Spinney

The National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences officially announced today that Caroll Spinney (Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street) will receive of this year’s Lifetime Achievement Award at the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards. Spinney was chosen for his work entertaining and educating children since Sesame Street debut in 1969. Caroll have performed seen on more than 4,000 episodes, as well as countless television specials, films, guest spots, and live performances. His work on Sesame Street has garnered him four Emmy Awards.

"Caroll Spinney has distinguished himself in entertaining and inspiring generations of children worldwide in his dual roles as the sweet and compassionate Big Bird and the distinctively different Oscar the Grouch," said Peter Price, President, National Television Academy. "The Academy is proud to honor the man who has dedicated his career to creating and sustaining for four decades two of the most-loved and respected children’s television characters."

"I am elated and amazed to receive this honor from those who are committed to the best of what television and media have to offer, for doing what I’ve always wanted to do," said Caroll.

Spinney will be presented the award during the 33rd Annual Daytime Emmy Awards ceremony on Friday, April 28, 2006 broadcast live (8:00-11:00 PM, ET) on ABC.