I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story
Review by Briege McGarrity
“I am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story” is an endearing documentary about the life of iconic puppeteer, animator and voice artistCaroll Spinney, who brought worldwide fame to Sesame Street characters Big Bird(and Oscar the Grouch).Eighty years old and still spry, Spinner is unstinting in his devotion to Big Bird. As the title suggests, the bird has become an extension of himself for more than 45 years now.
Directed with nostalgic affection by Dave LaMattinaand Chad Waker, the doc shows classic archival footage of Spinney hard at work on the set of PBS’s Sesame Street and highlights many of his career-defining moments. Spinney also contributed his own footage which helped to flesh out this fascinating story.
The catalyst for his extraordinary career was a puppet show that he watched as a child. He then bought a puppet at rummage sale for five cents and began entertaining children in the neighborhood. Later Spinney worked at The Judy and Goggle Show and then Bozo’s Big Top where he played Mr. Lion. A chance encounter at a puppet festival with Jim Henson, the genius puppeteer and creator of The Muppets, opened up a major door.Henson recognized his talent in spite of some technical snafus and told him “I liked what you were trying to do” and hired him for Sesame Street.
Defining life events were spending four years in the Air Force, meeting and marrying his supportive wifeDebra Jean Gilroy and raising their three children, his special relationship with Henson and touring China with the legendary Bob Hope.
The doc features a great supporting cast including, Judy Valentine, fellow performer Frank Oz, Sonia Monzano, Emilio Delgado and Jerry Nelson. The salient belief is that Spinney and Big Bird share distinct personality traits. “There is no question, Big Bird is him and he is Big Bird.” Spinney had a supportive mother who nurtured his talent but his childhood was marred by a tense relationship with his abusive father and being bullied by cruel peers for having big ears and looking “gay.”
Throughout the doc, Spinney’s love for Big Bird is apparent. He spoke of his devastation when the famous yellow feathered costume was badly destroyed by vandals, “it was like seeing my child raped, destroyed and thrown to the ground.” The film also touches on the human side of Big Bird: Mr. Hooper’s death showed Spinney’s talent for making Big Bird seem so real. Seeing the footage of the tribute performance of “Bein’ Green”at Henson’s funeral is still a tearjerker 14 years after his untimely death from streptococcal toxic shock syndrome.
The doc also reveals some of the practical challenges of puppeteering his overgrown 8 foot tall feathery friend. Wearing the heavy costume is hazardous and stressful on his neck and back. He controls Big Bird’s head with his left arm while the right hand controls the lip syncing. In addition, he cannot see through the costume, which is disorienting and has to watch other puppets for cues all while reading his script from a screen strapped to his chest! However the multi-tasking involved in this coordinated effort never deters from total job fulfillment. Talk about getting into character!
The plan for the future is set, he will continue performing the voice while his understudy, a young Puppeteer called Matt Vogel will handle all the mechanics. After all, the show only films three months in the year!
Overall this is a wonderful documentary about a talented man’s life, legacy and relationships. Spinney, through his unusual occupation, helped educate and entertain millions of families worldwide and made Big Bird a cultural icon – this recognition was long overdue.