Kermit Love, the costume designer who helped Jim Henson create Big Bird, has died at age 91. He is survived by his partner of 50 years, Christopher Lyall.
Love built the Big Bird costume based on designs by Henson, and also helped design costumes and puppets for Snuffleupagus, Oscar the Grouch and Cookie Monster, among others. The New York Times has more.
Big Bird has always been one of my favorite Sesame Street characters. He is to me the emotional heart of the show, everyone’s sympathetic friend. Actor Carroll Spinney deserves credit for bringing Big Bird to life, but Love gave him an appearance that made him an instantly recognizable icon.
What’s your favorite Big Bird skit or song?