Though he has not worn the Big Bird costume himself since 2015, when the physical demands of playing the character became difficult, he has continued to voice the character. “Playing Big Bird is one of the most joyous things of my life,” he said. Speaking with the Times, Spinney had nothing but praise for the classic children’s series.

Matt Vogel, who has previously inherited roles including Kermit the Frog and Count von Count, will succeed Spinney as Big Bird-but the actor’s exit still marks a huge milestone for fans who have come to know and love his performance as two of the show’s most memorable muppets. It’s understandable that Spinney, who is 84 years old, might want to retire a representative for Sesame Workshop told The New York Times that Spinney appeared in thousands of Sesame Street episodes throughout his run, although she did not have a precise number.

Caroll Spinney, who has played the beloved characters Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street since 1969, is leaving the show.