Hey, It’s Photo Friday!

One of the reasons I started writing this blog some [mumble mumble] years ago was to call attention to PBS’ pop culture connection. I’m constantly amazed at where I’ll see a reference to something public broadcasting has aired, whether it’s a personalized license plate or a major motion picture. For instance, take this Elvis Elmo. Yes, I said “Elvis Elmo.” I saw this little guy at a place where I volunteer on weekends. And, no, neither Elvis nor Elmo have anything to do with the charity in question – it’s just kinda cool. I’m told the Big E dances but needed batteries so all I saw was this swaggering pose. Thank yew, thank yew verra much.

RIP Emilio Delgado (1940-2022)

I just saw the sad news that actor Emilio Delgado has passed away at the age of 81. He died in New York City two years after he was diagnosed with blood cancer multiple myeloma.

Now I think you can be forgiven if you do not immediately recognize the name but Delgado played Luis on SESAME STREET from 1971 to 2017 (over 400 episodes!). He was one of the human characters on the beloved children’s series and thus became a daily staple to several generations of PBS Kids.

Delgado was a television, film and stage actor, voiceover artist and singer. He joined SESAME STREET a few years after the series started and his character of Luis (the first human character to join the original cast) was a handyman who ran the Fix-It Shop. The character’s arc saw him romance and marry Maria (Sonia Manzano) and the couple eventually had a baby named Gabriela (Gabi) who grew up on the show.

In addition to appearing regularly on SESAME STREET, during his six decade career Delgado guested on shows like HAWAII 5-O, FALCON CREST, HOUSE OF CARDS and LAW & ORDER. He also had a recurring role on the Ed Asner series LOU GRANT. Certainly a successful and impressive career.

In a statement confirming the actor’s passing, the Sesame Workshop said Delgado was, “a beloved member of the Sesame family for over 50 years, adding “his warmth and humor invited children to share a friendship that has echoed through generations.”