Cookie Monster

:This article is about the Sesame Street character. For other uses of the term, see Cookie Monster (disambiguation).

History and evolution

Cookie Monster has a deep, growly voice, and speaks with a simplistic diction (e.g., "Me want cookie!"). He is at his most gentrified when presenting Monsterpiece Theater, a reference to the real-life Masterpiece Theatre, as "Alistair Cookie", a reference to broadcaster Alistair Cooke. Cookie Monster has been performed from his earliest appearances until 2000 by Frank Oz and in Oz's absence by David Rudman. Cookie Monster's voice is similar to the Star Wars character Yoda also voiced by Oz, although the voice of Grover (also by Oz) is closer.

Related Topics:
Voice - Monsterpiece Theater - Masterpiece Theatre - Alistair Cooke - Frank Oz - David Rudman - Star Wars - Yoda - Grover

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Since Sesame Street's major reformat in 2002–2003, Cookie Monster has hosted a regular segment called "Letter of the Day". In each episode he is presented with a cookie, upon which is written the letter of the day, in icing. Despite his best intentions, and various implausible schemes, he always succumbs to temptation.

Related Topics:
2002 - 2003 - Icing

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To counter concerns that the character encourages poor eating habits, there are a number of Healthy Habits for Life segments and plotlines in which Cookie encourages viewers to have a balanced diet, albeit that cookies continue to form Cookie Monster's staple foodstuff. An April 7, 2005 Associated Press article noted that Cookie Monster may be eating more healthy cookies, as opposed to chocolate chip. On April 15, 2005, Sesame Street producers announced that Cookie Monster will be eating healthy foods and advocating "cookies are a sometimes food". However, the idea of Cookie Monster setting a good example for children with respect to their eating habits has been used since the 1970s with public service announcements and individual sketches.

Related Topics:
Healthy Habits for Life - April 7 - 2005 - Associated Press - Chocolate chip - April 15 - 1970s - Public service announcement

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