Telly Monster - Sesame Street

Telly Monster is a character from the long-running children's television show "Sesame Street." Telly is a furry, blue monster with a long, pointed nose and a love of television. He has been a part of the show since the early 1980s and is known for his boundless energy, zaniness, and enthusiasm.

Telly has gone through various characterizations throughout his tenure on the show. Initially, he was depicted as a worrywart, constantly fretting about everything from losing his socks to getting a haircut. Later on, he became more adventurous and curious, exploring his interests and hobbies.

Origins of the Telly Monster

The Telly Monster was created by Jim Henson and his team of puppeteers for the children's television show "Sesame Street." Telly first appeared on the show in 1979, during its tenth season.

Originally, Telly was known as "Television Monster" and was designed to represent a child's perspective on television. He was created to teach kids about moderation in watching TV and to encourage them to engage in other activities as well.

The character was initially performed by Brian Muehl, who provided Telly's voice and puppetry for several years. Since then, Telly has been performed by several other puppeteers, including Kevin Clash, Martin P. Robinson, and Ryan Dillon.

Over the years, Telly has evolved into a more complex character, with a range of interests and personality traits. 

Telly Monster's First Appearance

The Telly Monster made his first appearance on "Sesame Street" during the show's tenth season, in Episode 1186, which aired on December 29, 1979.

In that episode, Telly was initially introduced as the "Television Monster" and was portrayed as being obsessed with watching TV. He was so focused on his favorite programs that he neglected other activities, such as playing with his friends or going outside.

Throughout the episode, various characters try to convince Telly to do other things besides watching TV, such as reading a book or playing a game. Eventually, Telly realizes that there is more to life than television and begins to explore other interests.

Telly Monster's Performers

Brian Muehl (1979-1984)

Martin P. Robinson (1984-2012)

Kevin Clash (1986-2012)

David Rudman (1992-present)

Joey Mazzarino (1994-2015)

Matt Vogel (1996-present)

Eric Jacobson (2000-present)

Ryan Dillon (2013-present)

It's worth noting that multiple performers have often worked on a single puppet to bring the character to life, with one puppeteer controlling the head and mouth movements while others manipulate the arms and hands.

Telly Monster Through the Years

Early years: When Telly was first introduced on the show in 1979, he was known as the "Television Monster" and was obsessed with watching TV. He was often depicted as a worrywart, constantly fretting about various things.

More adventurous: In later years, Telly became more adventurous and curious. He developed new interests, such as playing music and sports, and became more confident in himself.

Relationships: Telly has developed close friendships with several other characters on the show, including Baby Bear, Rosita, and Elmo. He has also had romantic interests over the years, including a crush on a triangle named Triangela.

Honors: In 2002, Telly was given his own star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame, becoming the first fictional character from a children's television show to receive this honor.

Special appearances: Telly has made appearances in various "Sesame Street" specials and spin-offs, including the movies "Follow That Bird" and "Elmo in Grouchland" and the TV series "Play with Me Sesame."

Personality of Telly Monster

Telly Monster is a lovable and energetic character on "Sesame Street" known for his quirky personality and funny antics. Here are some of the key personality traits of Telly:

• Enthusiastic: Telly is known for his boundless energy and enthusiasm. Whether he's watching TV or trying out a new activity, he throws himself into everything with gusto.

• Worrier: Telly is also known for being a bit of a worrier, often getting anxious or scared about various things. However, he is usually able to overcome his fears with the help of his friends and a bit of encouragement.

• Creative: Telly is a creative and imaginative character, always coming up with new ideas and inventions. He loves to play music, create art, and use his imagination to explore new worlds.

• Loyal: Telly is a loyal friend and always there to help out his pals when they need him. He values his relationships and will go to great lengths to keep them strong.

• Curious: Telly is a naturally curious character, always eager to learn and discover new things. He loves to explore his environment and ask questions to satisfy his inquisitive mind.

What Does Telly Monster Likes and Dislikes?

Likes:

• Watching TV: Telly's love of television is one of his defining characteristics. He can often be found watching his favorite shows, and his knowledge of pop culture is impressive.

• Music: Telly is a big fan of music and loves to play instruments, sing, and dance.

• His friends: Telly values his relationships with his friends on "Sesame Street" and is always eager to spend time with them.

• Learning: Telly is a curious monster who loves to learn new things and explore his environment.

Dislikes:

• Change: Telly can be a bit resistant to change and sometimes finds it hard to adapt to new situations.

• Scary things: Telly can get easily scared by things like thunderstorms, monsters, and loud noises.

• Being left out: Telly doesn't like feeling left out or excluded from group activities.

• Disappointing others: Telly is a people-pleaser at heart and doesn't like to let his friends down or disappoint them in any way.

Telly Monster's Family

Mommy and Daddy: In a 2004 episode of "Sesame Street," Telly mentioned that his parents were coming to visit him. However, they were never shown on screen.

Baby Monster: In a few episodes of the show, Telly has taken care of his baby cousin, Baby Monster. Baby Monster is a small, purple monster who looks up to Telly and loves to play with him.

Uncle Louie: In a 1997 episode of "Sesame Street," Telly mentioned his Uncle Louie, who was coming to visit him. However, Uncle Louie was never shown on screen either.

What Are the Facts About Telly Monster?

• Telly Monster first appeared on "Sesame Street" in 1979, and has been a recurring character on the show ever since.

• Telly was originally designed to be a generic monster character, but quickly developed his own personality and quirks.

• Telly's full name is Telly Monster, although he is sometimes referred to as just "Telly."

• Telly is known for his love of television, and can often be found watching his favorite shows on the "Monster Channel."

• Telly's favorite food is ice cream, and he has been known to get excited about trying new flavors.

• Telly has a pet hamster named Chuckie Sue, who he cares for and loves deeply.

• Telly is a worrier, and can get anxious or scared about various things. However, he is usually able to overcome his fears with the help of his friends.

• Telly has been performed by several different puppeteers over the years, including Brian Muehl, Martin P. Robinson, and Peter Linz.

• Telly has a talent for music, and enjoys playing instruments like the triangle and the kazoo.

• Telly is a loyal friend and values his relationships with his friends on "Sesame Street" above all else.

What does Telly Monster Say?

"Oh, boy!": Telly uses this expression to show excitement or anticipation about something.

"I'm so worried!": Telly is a worrier by nature, and can often be heard expressing his anxieties about various things.

"That's amazing!": Telly is easily impressed and often uses this phrase to show his awe or admiration for something.

"What am I going to do?": Telly can get overwhelmed by situations and will sometimes express his frustration or helplessness.

"I love it!": Telly is an enthusiastic character who is quick to express his love for things he enjoys, such as ice cream or his favorite TV shows.

"Hiya, pal!": Telly is friendly and outgoing, and often greets his friends with this cheerful phrase.

"Gee, I don't know.": Telly can be indecisive at times and may express uncertainty or confusion when faced with a decision.

Who is Telly Monster's Best Friend?

Telly Monster has several close friends on "Sesame Street," but his best friend is often considered to be Baby Bear. Telly and Baby Bear first met when Baby Bear was just a cub, and they quickly bonded over their shared love of porridge and their appreciation for each other's company.

Since then, Telly and Baby Bear have had many adventures together on "Sesame Street." They have played together, learned together, and helped each other overcome their fears and worries. Telly often turns to Baby Bear for advice or support when he is feeling anxious or uncertain about something, and Baby Bear is always there to offer a listening ear and a reassuring word.

Telly Monster in Popular Culture

Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade: Telly has been a regular fixture in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade since 1994. Every year, a giant Telly Monster balloon is flown down the streets of New York City, much to the delight of parade-goers and viewers at home.

"The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland": In this 1999 feature film, Telly played a supporting role as one of Elmo's friends who helps him rescue his beloved blanket from the clutches of the villainous Huxley. Telly was played by actor Martin P. Robinson, who has performed the character on "Sesame Street" since 1984.

"A Muppet Family Christmas": Telly made a brief cameo appearance in this 1987 television special, which featured characters from both "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show." In the special, Telly joins the rest of the "Sesame Street" gang and the Muppets for a festive holiday celebration.

Video games: Telly has appeared as a character in several "Sesame Street"-themed video games, including "Elmo's Letter Adventure," "Elmo's Number Journey," and "Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster." In these games, players can interact with Telly and other familiar "Sesame Street" characters as they learn about letters, numbers, and other educational concepts.

"The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo": Telly is a recurring character on this recent "Sesame Street" spinoff series, which airs on HBO Max. On the show, Telly serves as Elmo's co-host and sidekick, helping him conduct interviews and perform musical numbers with celebrity guests.

Telly Monster's Filmography

"Sesame Street" (1969-present): Telly Monster has been a regular character on "Sesame Street" since the show's first season in 1969. He has appeared in countless episodes over the years, educating children about letters, numbers, and other important concepts.

"Christmas Eve on Sesame Street" (1978): Telly Monster appeared in this holiday special, which features the "Sesame Street" gang preparing for Christmas Eve.

"Don't Eat the Pictures" (1983): Telly Monster had a supporting role in this special, which sees the "Sesame Street" characters spending the night in the Metropolitan Museum of Art.

"A Muppet Family Christmas" (1987): Telly Monster made a brief cameo appearance in this holiday special, which features characters from both "Sesame Street" and "The Muppet Show."

"Elmopalooza!" (1998): Telly Monster was featured in this musical special, which celebrates the 30th anniversary of "Sesame Street."

"The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland" (1999): Telly had a supporting role in this feature film, in which he helps Elmo on his quest to retrieve his beloved blanket from the clutches of the villainous Huxley.

"Sesame Street Presents: The Street We Live On" (2004): Telly Monster was featured in this special, which celebrates the 35th anniversary of "Sesame Street."

"Elmo's Christmas Countdown" (2007): Telly had a supporting role in this holiday special, in which he helps Elmo save Christmas by finding the missing numbers from Santa's countdown.

"Sesame Street: Once Upon a Monster" (2011): Telly appeared as a character in this video game, in which players help the "Sesame Street" gang navigate through a storybook world.

"The Furchester Hotel" (2014-2015): Telly Monster was a recurring character on this "Sesame Street" spinoff series, in which he and his friends run a hotel for monsters.

"The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo" (2020-present): Telly is a recurring character on this recent "Sesame Street" spinoff series, in which he serves as Elmo's co-host and sidekick.

Favorite Songs of Telly Monster

"Telly Tut": Telly puts on an Egyptian headdress and dances while singing about the joys of wearing a tutu. The song is a fun and silly celebration of dress-up and imagination.

"Happy, Happy, Joy, Joy": In this segment about emotions and feelings, Telly and Elmo sing a catchy tune about expressing happiness and joy in healthy ways. The song encourages children to celebrate their positive emotions and find constructive ways to express them.

"I Can Do It Myself": Telly sings an empowering anthem about independence and self-reliance. The song encourages children to take pride in their own abilities and to believe in themselves.

"Don't Be a Bully": Telly sings this important song about bullying prevention, in which he encourages children to be kind and respectful to others. The song emphasizes the importance of empathy and compassion and helps children understand the harmful effects of bullying.

"Monster in the Mirror": Telly joins with Grover and other "Sesame Street" characters in this upbeat tune about self-esteem and self-confidence. The song encourages children to embrace their unique qualities and love themselves for who they are.

"The Opposite Song": Telly sings this fun song about opposites, helping children learn about concepts such as big and small, up and down, and hot and cold.

"It's a Circle": In this song, Telly sings about the shapes all around us and how they can be found in nature and everyday objects.

"The Honker-Duckie-Dinger Jamboree": Telly joins Ernie and other Muppet friends in this lively musical number featuring the sounds of honkers, duckies, and dingers. The song is a fun celebration of the unique qualities and talents of different characters.

"Wiggle Your Fingers": Telly sings and dances with a group of kids in this upbeat song about using your hands and fingers to express yourself.

"Ten Tiny Turtles on the Telephone": Telly sings this catchy counting song about ten tiny turtles who call each other on the telephone. The song is a fun way for kids to practice counting and learn about communication.