Meet the Man Behind Elmo

Every day, millions tune in to Sesame Street to see one of the world’s most adored and recognizable characters — a furry red monster named Elmo. Known by people around the world, Elmo is an international icon. But few people know the inspiring story of his creator, Kevin Clash.

As a kid growing up in Baltimore in the 1970s, Clash had a dream to be a puppeteer and work with his idol, Jim Henson. With a supportive family behind him every step of the way, Clash made those dreams come true — and his Elmo is one of the most beloved characters of all time. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg and directed by Constance Marks, Being Elmo: A Puppeteer’s Journey includes rare archival footage and interviews with Frank Oz, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney, and others, offering a unique look at Kevin Clash’s life on Sesame Street and at the Jim Henson Workshop.

AIRS Monday, April 9 at 9 p.m. on WCVE PBS/WHTJ PBS