Remember Maria From ‘Sesame Street?’ See Her Today

If you grew up watching “Sesame Street,” then yep; Maria was basically everyone’s TV big sister. Warm smile, calm energy, endless patience even when a grouchy green trash-can resident had something to say. It seems like a lot of us still carry that comfort around, which is why this new project from actress Sonia Manzano, feels so special. 

She’s opening up about her life, her career, and her time on the iconic kids’ show in the new documentary “Street Smart: Lessons from a TV Icon” by indie filmmaker Ernie Bustamante. The best part? It’s available for online screenings through November 30, 2025 via DOC NYC, plus a few in-person showings at select conventions and festivals.

Manzano doesn’t hold back in the doc, and honestly, we’re here for it. From her early years on the show to her behind-the-scenes experiences with the Muppets, she’s giving fans a heartfelt, funny, and thoughtful deep dive into the job that defined nearly half a century of her life.

Sonia Gets Real About Oscar & Jim Henson

Let’s get to the quote everyone’s talking about. In a chat with Page Six, Manzano said, “I really love Oscar,” after they brought up rumors she was in love with Oscar the Grouch who was portrayed by late Muppeteer Caroll Spinney and always had a joke at the ready.

Manzano doubled down with a joke of her own, saying: “He was my favorite Muppet character. I always kid around, saying, ‘I left the show because 44 years was long enough for me to wait for him to propose.’” It seems like that crush was more comedy than canon, but it’s adorable either way; and such a Maria thing to say.

Who Was Jim Henson, Really? She also opened up about Jim Henson, keeping things honest but positive. According to her, he wasn’t the easiest man to be around, but he also had this incredibly encouraging leadership style: “He never criticized the performers. He always said, ‘I think we can do that better.’ And kind of putting himself in that group that was going to do things better.” (Page Six)

And honestly? That little peek behind the curtain shows so much about the creative energy that kept “Sesame Street” evolving for decades.

What Sonia Manzano is Doing Now?

So what’s Manzano up to these days? A lot; and all of it is wholesome in that signature Maria way. She writes children’s books like “No Dogs Allowed!,” “A Box Full of Kittens,” and the bilingual “Alma’s Great Idea,” which is based on her animated TV series “Alma’s Way.” The show highlights family, culture, and curiosity through the eyes of a young girl from the Bronx… a mirror of Manzano’s own roots.

Her current work feels like a natural extension of everything she brought to “Sesame Street.” Like representation, warmth, joy, and stories that help kids understand the world a little better. It seems like she’s still teaching, still uplifting, and still reminding everyone (adults included) that kindness never goes out of style.

Sonia Manzano gave generations of kids a safe, friendly place to land. Now she’s doing it again through storytelling, one book (and one animated adventure) at a time.

Fans can catch current episodes of “Sesame Street” on its new streaming home, Netflix.

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