I Am Big Bird

Artists on Film: Caroll Spinney

Sunday, January 3, 2021 - 12:00am
Monday, January 4, 2021 - 12:00am
Tuesday, January 5, 2021 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 6, 2021 - 12:00am
Thursday, January 7, 2021 - 12:00am
Friday, January 8, 2021 - 12:00am
Saturday, January 9, 2021 - 12:00am
Sunday, January 10, 2021 - 12:00am
Monday, January 11, 2021 - 12:00am
Tuesday, January 12, 2021 - 12:00am
Wednesday, January 13, 2021 - 12:00am
  • Virtual Event -- Access Info Below
Stream the award-winning documentary I Am Big Bird: The Life and Career of Puppet Performer Caroll Spinney

This heartwarming documentary chronicles the life of Caroll Spinney, the man who was Sesame Street's Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch from its 1969 inception until 2018. For over four decades, Caroll's characters have been cherished by generations of children. I Am Big Bird features incredible footage of Spinney's earliest collaborations with Jim Henson as it traces Caroll's journey from bullied child to celebrated performer. This loving portrait peels away the instances that inspired his creation of Big Bird and as the yellow feathers give way to gray hair, it is the man, not the puppet, who will steal your heart.

Winner! Audience Award for Best Feature at the Philadelphia Film Festival, and an Official Selection at the Hot Docs Canadian International Documentary Festival.

Stream the 87-minute film at the link above. Log on to Kanopy to watch for free with your library card.

Run Time: 

87 minutes
The kind of heartwarming, sentimental tale of a gentle soul that the PBS show's iconic character would love.
The Los Angeles Times

About Artists on Film

An ongoing documentary film series at the Bud Werner Memorial Library that focuses on the life and work of creatives. See films that put the lens on all genres of artists,  from painters, photographers and sculptors to fashion designers, musicians, architects, movie makers, dancers, choreographers, authors and more. Learn about the legacies, lives and enduring work of individuals who have worked (or are still working) in a broad range of creative endeavors.

Bud's Watch Parties

During this time while we're staying safer at home, Bud Werner Memorial Library is organizing special opportunities to share films you might have seen in Library Hall. Instead, we're watching them online, virtually together at home. The library hopes that you'll enjoy streaming these inspired films, and come together for community conversations to share the experiences.