Hi Anderson, I grew up on Sesame Street too. I started school a year early, didn’t have many friends, and was sort of an outcast. In Sesame Street, I found friends in Big Bird, Grover, Elmo, and all the other characters. The show was a refuge for me...it made me learn and laugh at the same time. What a difference Joan Ganz Cooney has made to kids everywhere! I’m so thankful for her! And what an honor for you to be part of the event last night.

See you later,
Lilibeth
Edmonds, Washington

Hey Anderson,
That is really sweet. Children all around the world need something positive in their lives. Of course I am envious that you got to mee Elmo and Grover. . . WAY COOL!
Actualy I could see you appearing on Sesame Street. I think you would be REAL and REAL good with kids.
FYI: I grew up in Houston and I watched this kid's show on a local station called Romper Room.
My Mother got me on the program when I was about 4 years old. They put a chocolate cupcake in front of me and I completely lost control, I gobbled it down and left a pile of chocolate smeared all over my face throughout the whole show. Good thing all my family and friends were watching, NOT!~ Yeah, kind of embarrassing!
Anywho, thanks for the report. VERY NICE!

Anderson, this post is useless without pictures!! Or at least show us some pictures from the event on tonight's program.

I remember Sesame Street, but found it boring after kindergarten- as I was an "early reader" at age 4. I preferred other PBS programs such as "Mister Rogers Neighborhood" and "The Electric Company". Ok, I admit "The Electric Company" was in reruns by the time I was old enough to enjoy it, but I still like to watch occasional reruns of old PBS programs.

It sounds like you had a great time co-hosting with the cute-as-a-button Elmo! You are the envy of AC360 viewers who were/still are fans of Sesame Street.

Aaaaaw, I envy you!
I was born and raised in Europe and I grew up with Sesame Street,too. There was no Elmo, though! Don't know if I'd learned anything, but I recall crying my eyes out when I wasn't allowed to watch an episode as a punishment for cutting up a dress I didn't want to wear.
We also had another educational show for kids, which had a huge impact on me. I did learn a lot from that one.
I wish more children had access to education, whether through school or at least TV. The lack of education is the root of all evil, I believe.
So cool that you co-hosted . An honor indeed.
ps: how do you manage to host a gala and do your show in the same evening and still have your wits together?

Anderson,

Thanks for giving us a break from politics! I saw photos from your appearance with Elmo and company from last night’s event, you looked like you were having a wonderful time, but it was great to read your feelings about appearing with them.

Sesame Street has been an important part of so many of our lives and I am glad that its popularity continues to grow and that more and more children around the world have been able to benefit from it.

Although you try and act innocent I think that plucking a feather from Big Bird sounds like something you might do!

I am sure that Elmo, Grover and the guests at the gala were honored to have you there!

Jo Ann
North Royalton, Ohio

Anderson,
I bet that was cool getting to hang with Elmo and the others! And it was for a great cause!

I used to sneak downstairs every morning just so I could watch Sesame Street! I loved it! I can't believe that it is still going strong and is all over the world now.

I wish that you'd have Elmo on 360 to promote the Sesame Street Workshop's cause of trying to teach kids all over the world. That would be great! Or you could have him do the guest announcer bit! He'd wins hands down I am sure!

Oh and I loved the pics of the event. You looked like you had fun. My fav is when you had to scratch Grovers head. You were cracking up! Too funny! Wish there was a video of that! LOL

C-Ya Tonight!!

Cindy...Ga.

Hi, Anderson. I asked previously on the blog the other night – would you be able to have Elmo on your program some evening to talk about the Sesame Street Workshop?

Elmo would be honored.

Never mind about the pictures, I wrote my original post when there was no picture.

The shot with Grover is cute, but dId you get a picture with Elmo?

Thanks for sharing this, Anderson! Sesame Street was truly a great idea of combining fun and education for children around the world. Glad you had fun!

Hi Anderson, You are so cool. Sesame Street is such a great program. Both of my kids LOVE it! It's educational for them, and I also enjoy watching it. When I was a kid, I didn't have a chance to watch it, so I'm making up for it now. Mr. Rogers is great also, my kids love it and truthfully, so do I. If I remember correctly, weren't you on Sesame Street a while ago? It was a cute little news reporter piece. I got a kick out of it, very cute. Anyway, thought it was you. Have a good day, see you later.

Hello Anderson!!
I agree with you too!! That is my favorite show Sesame Street to watch! Yes, I was little girl only watch Sesame Street since 1976 to now. that will be fun to learn to watch grow up. Only way to remember words and abc's too. Tonight I will join AC360 blog and program. See you there tonight! xoxo.........
Megan D.
Shoreline,Wa

Though I wasn't part of the Sesame Street generation my friends' children were/are and I must say they really love it and have learned a lot. Elmo has been and will always be my favorite and is a perpetual 3 year old, so couldn't you keeping him up past his bed time be called contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

Hi Anderson,
Yes it's a good cause. I hear Plucking a feather from Big Bird carries quite a fine. It's community service and one year 24/7 of listening to Miss Piggy tell you how great she is...Steep sentence for a feather! But you merely "found" the feather, so I think you'll be absolved. If not, get the earplugs out, Miss Piggy will be arriving soon.

Lorie Ann, Buellton, Calif.

Anderson, you make me so happy!
Sesame Street dominated my childhood, and I love that the branches of it in so many countries are doing such a great job to helping children worldwide understand what goes on in the world they live in.
Plus, you're amazing with Muppets as cohosts... I seem to recall you in a garbage bin a while ago with Oscar and Dan Rather-Not.
-Christianna

Anderson, Sesame Street is a treasure–its impact on children cannot be underestimated and it's good to know that kids all over the world are also benefitting from it.

BTW, I saw some of the pics of the event last night–Elmo cleans up real nice.

I, too, grew up watching Sesame Street. One of the great equalizers to our generation. I don't care how rich or poor you were, if you are black or white, lived in the city or out here in suburbia, if you're 30 something, you were there. (The Count was my personal favorite.)

Thanks, Anderson, for reminding us what is really important – kids and their education.

Hi Anderson. Sounds like you and Elmo did a great job. My sons and I have fond memories of Sesame Street, as do millions of others, because of it's universal appeal to all families. That's funny about the feather. Kids are very keen on found objects from hiking or the beach. They have ended up on many a collage. Anyhow, hopefully Sesame Street will always be a part of childhood.

Anderson,
I remember watching Sesame Street when I was young. I learned how to count to 10 in Spanish and I think the repetition of letters and sounds helped me be a better reader. I see now as an educator the impact Sesame Street has on kids today. I would love to see Sesame Street in person- how great for you to honor the program!

Anderson:
I love Big Bird because he taught children it was okay to be awkward, but also colorful! Every child viewer could relate to a character on Sesame Street whether it was Elmo, Grover or the Grouch.

I am pleased that Sesame Street has gone global. Maybe now we can all learn to get along.

Sesame Street played such an important part in the lives of so many people. You are very lucky you got to honor it in the way you did last night. You are right about Sesame Street being global. Not that many would call Canada international but we love it up here as well.

What an awesome field trip your class took. I don't remember taking any super cool field trips like that. Your memories and mementos are awesome.

So are you and Elmo BFF????

Glad to see you on the blog two days in a row BTW

Sesame Street made learning so much fun. As a child, I didn't like school very much but looked forward to the show and enjoyed all the characters. Oscar the Grouch was my favorite.

I'm so jealous, AC! I love Sesame Street. It brings out the child in us all. My kids loved watching, and we sang all of the songs together. It is fun, educational and should be world wide. it is must see TV! I agree that we need more pictures.

I was part of that first generation to see Sesame Street, too. I think I drove my parents nuts having to listen to the Sesame Street album all the time (Sing, sing a song...). Grover will always be my favorite because he is just so Grover. Thanks to goddaughters, nieces and nephews I have an excuse to watch once again. I think Sesame Street is an awesome show that does amazing things for kids worldwide and helps them in more ways than adults get. And just think of the leverage you have with little ones in your personal world because you've hung out with Elmo and the gang. What a gig!

Anderson,
Thanks for the upbeat blog. I was part of the first generation of Sesame Street too. I loved it then and still love to watch it with my nieces and nephew. I love that you kept one of Big Bird's feathers-great story. Glad you got to have a little fun and a trip down memory lane as well!

I'm of the generation when Sesame Street got started, it's programming has maintained the same the values , same teaching traditions , With all of the garbage on the tube today , it's refreshing to see old values , family , decency and education remain on the air. Plus good old Grover is just tooo precious. Anderson your just as cute.

Maritza

Hey Anderson, that picture is sooooo cute, Maybe Elmo could be a guest on your show.....It would sure lighten things up a bit.
Sesame Street Rocks!!! So much junk on TV these days....

It is incredibly important for the kids!! You should hilight the cause on you show....

I loved Sesame Street and a show called Electric Company that were on PBS when I was a child. Whatever happened to Electric Company? Hmmmmmmm Oscar was my favorite...........

And, do you still have that feather, Anderson?

Big Bird was my favorite! Probably because he was goofy and always made me laugh. Closest I got to meeting a childhood character was Bozo the Clown and it wasn't even the real Bozo, it was stand in! I didn't realize that Sesame Street was so global either. Very impressive. I'm glad kids around the world are learning from the Sesame Street characters. Joan Ganz Cooney should be very proud. Thanks for sharing your experience. Sounds like you enjoyed it.

Jolene, St. Joseph, MI

Anderson

How cool! I remember Sesame Street from the beginning and it has always been such a great educational tool for small children. Besides the help you mentioned on reading, I found that it helped with social skills as well and also in respecting the diversity of people If there was a lesson to be taught Sesame Street dealt with it.

Elmo and Grover are cool but my favorite was always Cookie Monster. I don't guess he was at the benefit though – he probably would have eaten the tables. Thanks for sharing your experience with us; I'm sure it was a thrill for you

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

I grew uo watching Sesame Street too. Actually I used to watch it three times a day. Elmo is by far my favorite character on there. You were so lucky Anderson, to be able to co-host the event with Elmo.

I offer a quote:

"Equality has an organ: free and compulsory education ... They right to the alphabet, we must begin by that... From identical schools spring an equal society. Yes, education! Light!" (Les Misérables – Hugo)

and this:

Sesame Street has impacted so many lives... I watched it, my older sister watched it, basically everyone I know. Apparently it helped me so much that I started reading when I was around three... Odd considering I'm dyslexic also...
I remember my little cousin, who's seven now, started watching it when he was a baby. He would start dancing as soon as the heard the theme song. We never figured out if his first word was either "Grouch!" or "Snuffleupagus"..... weird and kind of a mouthful but.... very amusing

congratulations for getting to co-host, glad you had a good time!

Anderson, you've just put a smile on my face and I just keep on grinning! Almost everybody grew up with Sesame Street! You never cease to amaze me. Sunny day...can you tell me how to get to Sesame Street? Thanks Anderson, you brought back a whole lot of great memories of my childhood!

Anderson is just way too cute. This past weekend I actually saw the clip on Anderson filling in for Oscar the Grouch on Sesame Street (with Walter Cranky & Dan Rather Not) not too long ago. He was reporting on the letter "G." It was all so cute!

Glad you had fun last night Anderson. Sesame Street is a classic. Don't you just tear up when you hear the Sesame Street song?

Anderson

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. What fun to co-host with Elmo. I've always loved Sesame Street and had a particular soft spot for Cookie Monster. He was always eating things he shouldn't.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Anderson, good to see you with such intelligent people. The kids all thank you.

Anderson

Thanks so much for sharing this with us. What fun to co-host with Elmo. I've always loved Sesame Street and had a particular soft spot for Cookie Monster. He was always eating things he shouldn't.

Annie Kate
Birmingham AL

Aawwww, how cute...Elmo is. And you, too Anderson LOL!
I too, am a first generation Sesame Streeter. I adored everything about it. In fact, it was a dream of mine to become part of the cast. Good for you for lending a hand.

Did you ever see that special that A&E did on Sesame Street? Now that'll make you cry.

They talked about how they shoot all the scenes and the people they find to do the voices (with great memories of Jim Henson). Also, it talked about the memorable episodes including the one where one of the cast members died and they had to explain it to Big Bird.

I had never seen Sesame Street behind the scenes, so I thought it was very interesting.

Aging myself, I grew up on Howdy Doody Time, the Mickey Mouse Club, and the local S.F. Mayor Art Show with Ding-a-ling! Sesame Street is a great show, and the original Muppets (the Swedish cook and Ms. Piggy especially) gave great joy to my aged dad so it spans all generations. Thanks for something lighthearted and good. You are too cute Anderson!

Speaking of being a part first generation Sesame Streeter as I was, somebody has a birthday coming up, yeah?

FYI: Just remembering back in the day: Because I was uh.... say, a little pleasantly plump and considered the dramatic one in the family, they called me Miss Piggy. Although I love and still love Miss Piggy, I never liked being called Miss Piggy. But I'm all over it now.

Wow, Anderson! Thank you for enlightening us...of course, I'm aware of the impact on this country- but the global news is atounding. The fact that the show isn't merely translated into the other languages- taking such initiative to customize the issues to each countries needs and cultures- inspiring, to say the least.
..and now I have the image of a white haired six year old in a well tailored suit (short pants, naturally) picking up a large yellow feather with wide blue eyes sparkling in awe

What a wonderful event. You are a busy person. Was this before the show last night??

I remember the Count and Bert & Ernie: with his rubber ducky. I didn't like Oscar the Grouch.

click to read the rest of the entry – of course i'm going to click to read the rest of your writing. If you wrote books, I'd read a lot more.

I remember watching it only once – I was always outside.

When I was a kid, and always going to church, one palm sunday I brought a palm home and put it under my mattress. Even after a new bed I still have the palm under my mattress. What did you do with the feather?

I can't tell in this picture who is more thrilled to meet each
other , Anderson or Grover .

Sesame Street has fond memories for me as well, not only did I watch Street Street, but my 1st grade class ( by the way
I'm in my 30's) put on a Sesame Street production. I was one of the Sesame Street singers and we had various classmates portray the characters. We even had a classmate in a tub with bubbles and a rubber duckie.

It's great that it is still going strong and helping educate kids all over the world.

That's such a special story and you are truly a special person. What an adorable memory. I wish I was a kid again.

Well, now we know where that yellow Big Bird feather went to, and what happened to it - "a minor" and the records are sealed... The minor is 40 years old now, so, in the name of veracity, it's time to open the records again!
Peter Treviño
New York, NY

Can someone tell me when Sesame Street first aired? I always wondered why I had "missed it" growing up. I remember it vaguely but it wasn't part of a daily routine as I know it was (and is) for many kids.

Anderson,
I also grew up watching Sesame Street and it helped me learn to read. At the end of each show they would tell you what the "word for tomorrow" was and I remember being frustrated because I couldn't read yet and thus didn't know the word. Because of Sesame Street I was motivated to learn to read so that I could figure out what that mystery word was. And I love it that Sesame Street is still going strong after all these years but don't you long for the days when Snuffleupagus was still "invisible" to all but Big Bird?!

@Genevieve – if you look on Getty Images website and type in "Anderson Cooper" you will see lots of great shots with AC and Elmo and Grover. Very cute!

Anderson,
Hi! I saw yesterday–on a daily listing of New York events–that you were co-hosting the Sesame Street benefit. It's great to see your writing about it this evening, as I've noticed photographs from the event on several websites today. It's wonderful all the work you do–apart from and including your own program.
I look forward to seeing you tonight.

Aww...you are so lucky! They are the celebrities that my two and a half year old niece would love to meet. Elmo is her favourite.
I think watching Elmo and Sesame Street everyday while she was recovering in the hospital after her liver transplant transformed her.
There's so much spark and joy within her now, and way too intelligent.
Nah...no complains really, she's a beauty.
Isn't it nice to meet your childhood heroes?

Did you get to see Miss Piggy?

Anderson, your sentiments about Sesame Street are very touching. Are there any good causes out there that you are NOT involved with?

Okay, now it's time for me to get back to AC 360...

Anderson, thanks for being a serious honest impartial journalist. But also thanks for your ability to laugh and have fun. You make our days and nights better because you are real. Although your pals from Sesame are not real in one sense they are real and should be experienced by children of all ages. In the world of wars, corruption,economic problems, global perils and disasters, we all need fun sometimes. Thanks for everything you do.

Good job Anderson. You are the one reason I still watch CNN. You do not promote one candidate over another. That's refreshing! (But I'm still glad you really want Hillary!) But I won't tell anyone. Keep up the good job and congrats on your time with Sesame Street. I fully believe it has helped a lot of children through the years.

Oh Andy! I hope you don't mind me calling you Andy. I absolutely love Sesame Street! I could read before I was 6 years old and I think it was all due to watching Sesame Street. I ended up being in spelling Bees at school and graduating college Magna Cum Lade. One of my favorite characters was" The Count." It is funny because I am a bit of a "Blood Sucker" myself. I have been working for some of the best cancer doctors in the country now as a Lab Tech doing blood work and research on cancer patients for years. This year was my 20 year anniversary working for them – almost half of my life. Sesame Street really influenced me to learn and I do not think I would have done as well if I did not have it as a kid growing up.

Anderson, will you tell me how to get – how to get to Sesame Street?

Anderson-

Thanks for the wonderful break from EVERYTHING. It brought a smile to my face. It 'made my day'. But then you make all our days better, simply by being you! Elmo matches your eyes! LOL>

Dear Anderson,

I had no idea that Sesame Street was all across the world!.That's fantastic! It would sure be interesting to see some clips from Sesame Street in other countries teaching about the meaningful things children there need to learn that are different from what we see here in the US.

My almost five year old loves Sesame Street and refuses to watch most other programing meant for children her age. I'm thrilled that she's still so interested in such an innocent program and hope to keep it that way for a long time.

Thanks for everything you do!

Abra Cooper
Eugene, Oregon

Deborah-
Elmo matches his eyes, and the cookie monster's trash can matches his hair! Awesome!
I was pretty deflated when I first heard the horrible rumors that the "cookie monster's" name had been changed to the "veggie monster"...what is that garbage? I was genuinely upset about it. Thankfully it was a rumor...
I grew up in a house where the television literally did not come on on school nights unless it was the tar heels or the bosox, so I never watched this or other educational programs, but when I took care of neighbors' children, they LOVED Sesame Street. I personally don't see the hype, but as long as they are watching something educational, whats the harm.

Anderson,

You guys look so cute! My son always loved Super Grover (I'm not sure how to type Super Grover, so you can hear that high-pitched voice while saying it)

Anderson,
You look truly happy to be with your pals from Sesame Street. As a former teacher, many children learn to read and write by watching the characters sound out words phonetically, which is the way my generation learned to read. It is good of you to show your appreciation and "give back" in this small way.

Anderson -

What an amazing opportunity. I have had the chance to meet Oscar (as have you) but would love the opportunity to meet the other members of the Sesame Street. I too grew up with the characters from the show and what was so amazing for me was seeing individuals with disabilities on the show. Growing up with a ohusical disability before the passage of the Americans with Disabilities Act, there were few opportunities to see educated individuals with disabilities. Sesame street showed me that having a disability was nothing to be ashamed of and should not hinder me. Now with a Masters degree and a great professional career, I can look back and appreciate the opportunity that Sesame Street created for me.

Congratulation on your opportunity to co-host with Elmo! I hope your night was memorable!

~ Krista

P.S. I can't believe that you plucked a feather from Big Bird and they let you come back. Next thing we know you will be adding clumps of red and blue fur to add to your collection!

Hi Anderson,

It was refreshing to read your view so soon after your previous post, just yesterday. It must have been cool to have co-hosted the event along with Elmo. I must say that's a great honor and you were so sweet and modest to play a "small role" in the event.
Since I grew up in India I never really had the experience of growing up with the Sesame Street gang, but luckily my children have had the joy of watching the endearing show and me along with them.
Its nice to know that Sesame Street has had such a great impact in different parts of the world.
You are just as endearing as Elmo or Grover and your show with Oscar on Sesame Street (popping out of the garbage bin) was unforgettable. I hope you appear on the show again sometime soon.
I'm sure your fans will be looking forward to it just as much as me.
Take care!
I think I should start watching Elmo again, now that my children are grown and all that. That would make me feel like a child again and lighten all my worries!

Aw, Anderson. That's really cute.

Did you get to meet Kermi? Kermit was a good reporter. CNN should consider replacing Lou Dobbs with Kermit the Frog at 7pm.

=] I never realized that Sesame Street made such an impact in other countries. It seems neat how it has been adapted for the different countries....

As I read this, though, I was a little surprised you didn't mention your previous appearance on Sesame Street Good ol' Dan RatherNot and Walter Cranky!

As a young mother whose husband was in the military- Sesame Street was heaven sent. Good priniciples, clever presentation that entertained my daughter and me. I just love Grover and Elmo, Bert and Ernie. The swedish chef, Professor Bunsen and his assistant Beaker. I've forgotten the name of the rock drummer and guitar player. These characters became your family, and my daughter learned so much while being entertains. She had a huge Cookie Monster stuffed animal and adored it, getting blue fuzz everywhere! What a marvelous bond everyone who has followed the show all these years has to share. Thank your for lending your time to such a worthy cause. What does Miss Piggy look like without makeup?

My husband's mildly dyslexic and he learned to read from Sesame Street too. He still sings their songs.

Elmo's a big hit with the two-year-old across the street. I got her Elmo's best-selling book, "Potty Time with Elmo", complete with sound buttons (she loved pushing the "flush" sound button).

Elmo's a pretty influential guy, Anderson. Did you feel a little nervous talking to such an important public figure?

Dear Anderson

Congratulations on the benefit for the Sesame workshop.

I found Sesame Street helped me go from home to school with growing knowledge.

I believe you grew up wanting to learn and have achieved a lot.

You inspire many people.

Thank you and keep up the good work.

Lisa L
Sydney, Australia

Anderson, I understand Elmo is a superdelegate. Did you get a sense of who he was going to endorse?

Hi Anderson!

Here in Brazil Sesame Street was called "Vila Sesamo", had brazilian actors and was broadcasted in the 70's.
Last year a new version of the show returned to television bringing joy and education to our homes again.

Take care!

Flavia
Campinas, SP BRASIL

Nice pics Anderson... How could you let ELMO out GQ you.
Did you at least get the name of his stylist .
Nice tux ELMO .. Something about a muppet in a tux
that just makes a girl swoon.

Hi Anderson,

What a great story and a great memory! I have to confess to a fondness for Elmo and Grover but my favorite is the Cookie Monster. His lack of restraint and control around those cookies still makes me laugh.

I was nice to hear a "fun" story. Keep up your good work!!

Anderson,

How awesome are you! The pictures of you and Elmo and grover are ADORABLE! I watched Sesame Street when I was young too! I still love it as an adult! That is so cool your class got to go see the set when you were younger! Too bad Oscar wasn't there to thank you for being a corespondent on his GNN show, but then again, it is so like Oscar not to admit that you are better at news then he is!! LOL!

Great Job as ALWAYS!
Can't wait 4 the show tonight!!!!
360 fan & viewer
Michelle (-:

My youngest granddaughter's first word was ELMO ..

I'm also a first-generation Sesame Streeter, having watched it when it first started airing here in Canada in 1971. I'm always happy to see that the show is still running - it is almost as old as I am - though I have to confess I'm not an Elmo fan. No character should dominate Sesame Street and it always seems to be Elmo this and Elmo that. Thankfully Sesame Workshop has put some of the older episodes on DVD for us to watch - even if we have to sit through unintentionally hilarious disclaimers basically warning us not to show it to our kids!

Anderson – Sesame Street has taught millions to read, something more important than ever and the very thing our schools are failing to do in many places around the country. Keep up the great work!