Telly Monster: Sesame Street Character Facts, History, and Trivia.

Telly Monster, usually called simply Telly, is one of the long-running characters and residents of Sesame Street. He is often described as a slightly anxious, well-meaning monster who lives at 123 Sesame Street and tends to worry about… well, almost everything.

Despite his nervous personality, Telly is friendly, curious, and deeply loyal to his friends on Sesame Street. Over the years he has become one of the show’s most recognizable monster characters. Telly, also known as Telly Monster, is one of the characters and residents of Sesame Street. He is described as a “slightly neurotic young monster who resides at 1304 Sesame Street”.

Telly first appeared in Season 10 of Sesame Street in Episode 1257, titled “Television Monster.” The character quickly evolved and eventually became a regular cast member starting in Season 12.

Telly has been performed by several puppeteers over the years. Bob Payne first played the character, followed by Brian Muehl from 1979 to 1984. Since 1984, Telly has been performed by Martin P. Robinson, who also performs characters such as Snuffy.

When Did Telly Monster First Appear?

Telly first appeared on Sesame Street in 1979 during Season 10 in Episode 1257, titled Television Monster. The original version of the character was obsessed with watching television, which is how he got his name.

Why Is His Name Telly?

When the character first appeared, Telly was obsessed with watching television. His original design even included spiraling eyes and an antenna on his head to emphasize the joke.

In his first appearance, Telly was so focused on television that he refused to leave the screen. When David and Olivia tried to invite him to play baseball in the park, Telly responded by asking which channel the game was on. When they explained it wasn’t on television, he wanted to watch anyway but realized his TV cord wasn’t long enough to reach the park.

After a few episodes, Sesame Street producers became concerned that the character might accidentally encourage children to watch too much television. Telly was temporarily written out of the show.

He returned the following season with a redesigned look. The antenna and spiral eyes were removed, and the character was gradually developed into the anxious but lovable monster fans know today.

Early versions of the character communicated mostly through grumbling sounds. Telly was eventually given speaking lines, and the character became more prominent on the show.

Telly’s Personality

Telly is best known for being a worrier. He frequently becomes anxious about small things and often imagines problems that might happen.

But that nervous personality is also what makes him relatable. Telly learns lessons about friendship, patience, and problem solving throughout many episodes.

He is often seen spending time with Oscar the Grouch and Count von Count, two other long-time Sesame Street characters. Telly is also a member of the Grouchketeers, Oscar’s fan club.

Telly and Baby Bear

One of Telly’s closest friends on Sesame Street is Baby Bear. The two characters appear together in many segments involving games, storytelling, camping trips, and everyday adventures.

Their friendship is one of the sweetest recurring relationships on the show. Telly also has a beloved pet hamster named Chuckie Sue.

Telly and His Favorite Toys

Like many children watching Sesame Street, Telly loves stuffed animals. He owns a doll that resembles him named Freddy. Before Freddy, he had a stuffed toy horse named Clark.

In one episode, Telly attends a sleepover at Big Bird’s nest and brings along a huge collection of stuffed toys, including Freddy. These small character details helped make Telly feel more relatable to young viewers.

Telly’s Love of Music (and Triangles)

Telly enjoys music and has played several instruments throughout the series, including the bassoon and tuba. But the instrument he loves most is the triangle.

Telly’s fascination with triangles began in Episode 2780, written by Lou Berger. According to Berger, the idea came from his own son, who also loved triangles.

In Episode 3124, “Telly Plays the Triangle,” Telly learns how to play the instrument while Bob conducts a band. The character’s love of triangles became a running joke and even led to the creation of a Triangle Lovers’ Club in a later episode.

Telly and His Pogo Stick

Another recurring gag involving Telly is his love of jumping on a pogo stick.

He first receives one from Mr. Handford in Episode 3115 and quickly becomes enthusiastic about it. In later episodes, he is often shown bouncing around Sesame Street on his pogo stick with other characters.

Telly’s Family

Telly’s family occasionally appears or is mentioned throughout the series. In Episode 1870, Telly learns he is about to have a younger sibling. Worried that the new baby might take over his bed, he even considers moving into Oscar’s trash can. Olivia helps him understand the situation, and he eventually becomes excited about the new baby.

Telly also has an older sister named Mona, who appeared in several seasons of the show. Various extended family members have also been mentioned, including his grandmother, Uncle Talbot, and several cousins.

In one memorable cameo, actor Dennis Quaid appeared as Telly’s “Uncle Tommy From Da Bronx,” teaching Telly about honesty and trusting his friends.

Other Sesame Street Appearances

In addition to appearing on Sesame Street, Telly Monster has appeared in several Sesame-related productions, including:

• Follow That Bird
• Big Bird in China
• Don’t Eat the Pictures
• Elmo Saves Christmas
• The Muppets Take Manhattan
• The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years
• Sesame Street Jam: A Musical Celebration

Telly has also appeared on several Sesame Street albums, including Sesame Road, A Sesame Street Christmas, and The Best of Elmo.

The character has even appeared in Sesame Street books such as The Sesame Street Circus of Opposites, One Rubber Duckie, and More Who’s Who on Sesame Street.

Telly Monster FAQs

Who plays Telly Monster on Sesame Street? Telly Monster has been performed by several puppeteers. Bob Payne originally played the character, followed by Brian Muehl from 1979 to 1984. Since 1984, Telly has been performed by Martin P. Robinson.

Why is Telly called Telly? When the character first appeared, he was obsessed with watching television. His name comes from the word “telly,” a slang term for television.

Who are Telly Monster’s friends? Telly is often seen with Baby Bear, Oscar the Grouch, and Count von Count. Baby Bear is usually considered his best friend.

Why does Telly worry so much? Telly’s anxious personality is part of his character. Many Sesame Street segments use his worries to teach children about problem solving and managing feelings.

What instrument does Telly play? Telly famously loves playing the triangle and even joined a “Triangle Lovers’ Club” in one episode.

Why Fans Love Telly Monster

Telly may worry about everything, but that’s part of what makes him such a lovable character.

His anxious personality, loyalty to his friends, and enthusiasm for things like triangles, stuffed animals, and pogo sticks make him one of Sesame Street’s most relatable monsters.

And for generations of fans, Telly Monster remains a memorable part of Sesame Street’s neighborhood.