Loretta Long facts for kids

Loretta Mae Long (born October 4, 1938) is an American actress. She is best known for playing Susan Robinson on the popular children's TV show Sesame Street. She was on the show from 1969 to 2016. Loretta Long also works as a speaker and advisor on topics like different cultures and education.

Loretta Long's Career

Loretta Long has had a long and interesting career. She started acting in musicals, like Guys and Dolls. She also appeared on The Flip Wilson Show with other actors from Sesame Street.

Before she joined Sesame Street, Loretta was a co-host for a TV show called Soul!. This show was on PBS and featured music, culture, and art. She also worked as a substitute teacher in New York City. Sometimes, students would be surprised to see her in their classroom after watching her on Sesame Street that very morning!

Her Role on Sesame Street

Loretta Long's most famous role is Susan Robinson on Sesame Street. Susan was the wife of Gordon Robinson. When the show first started, Susan was mainly a housewife. Later, her role grew, and she became a nurse. She also became the mother of an adopted son named Miles.

Loretta Long was one of the original actors on Sesame Street from its very first episode. She is the only non-puppeteer actor from that first episode who is still alive today. Other original cast members like Will Lee (Mr. Hooper), Matt Robinson (the first Gordon), and Bob McGrath (Bob) have passed away.

Besides playing Susan, Loretta also lent her voice to many Muppet characters. In the early years, she voiced characters like Suzetta Something and Roosevelt Franklin's mother. She was also one of the backup singers in the famous "Mahna Mahna" song.

Her Education Journey

While she was starring on Sesame Street, Loretta Long also went to college. She earned her Bachelor of Arts degree from Western Michigan University in 1960. Then, she continued her studies. She would travel to the University of Massachusetts on her days off from filming Sesame Street. In 1973, she earned her Ph.D. in urban education. Her special project for her Ph.D. was about Sesame Street itself. She studied how the show used new ways to teach kids.

Music and More

Loretta Long also has a talent for music! In 1970, she recorded an album called Susan Sings Songs from Sesame Street. This album included popular songs like the "ABC Song" and "If You're Happy and You Know It". The album was very popular and was even nominated for a Grammy Award in 1971.

Later, in 1975, she released a single song under her own name. The song was called "Rainy Day Friend."

Loretta Long's Personal Life

Loretta Long's father worked as a welder, and her mother sold cosmetics. In 2010, Loretta was in a car accident near her home in East Windsor, New Jersey. She suffered some head injuries but thankfully made a full recovery.

Filmography