NEW YORK – JUNE 25: Sesame Street’s Luis (R) and Muppet Rosita chat during the introduction of the “You Can Ask!” program June 25, 2003 in New York City. “You Can Ask!” is a program that aims to help identify and deal with stress in children ages 3 to 8, and was funded by FEMA in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001 terrorist attacks. (Photo by Chris Hondros/Getty Images)
Emilio Delgado, the actor who portrayed Luis Rodriguez on Sesame Street for 45 years, has passed away at the age of 81. But Luis lives on.
As the Boston Globe pointed out in their obituary, Luis was an example of authentic Latino representation on TV at a time when that wasn't a common thing. But that's what Sesame Street was all about, right? I've hand-picked a half-dozen of my favorite Luis moments from over the years. If you grew up at PBS kid, I bet you'll recognize a few.
Hola, Luis!
Luis came to Sesame Street in 1971 during the show's third season. And he debuted with Cookie Monster!
Agua
Luis taught us Spanish when we were all just little kids. How cool is that?
Canta
Luis could sing and play guitar! And is there a more iconic song from the Sesame Street catalog?
Luis and Maria
By the time Luis and Maria were married in 1988, I was 11 years old and had "aged out" of Sesame Street. But you know I still tuned in for this.
Luis and Elmo
Poor Luis! But hey, if Luis broke his arm and he's OK, I guess that means I'll be OK if I break my arm, right?
Adios, Luis
One of the best parts about being a parent was sharing Sesame Street with my kids when they were little. Luis had been there when I was a preschooler, and he was still there when my kids were in preschool. And he'll always be there in spirit.
