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Oscar the Grouch facts for kids

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Oscar the Grouch
Sesame Street character
Caroll Spinney with Oscar the Grouch 2014.jpg
Oscar (left) with performer Caroll Spinney, who first played him, pictured in 2014.
First appearance November 10, 1969
Created by Jim Henson
Portrayed by Caroll Spinney (1969–2015)
Eric Jacobson (2015–present)
Voiced by Caroll Spinney (1969–2018)
Eric Jacobson (2015–present)
Information
Aliases Oskie (Grundgetta’s pet name for him)
Son (by his mother)
Mr. Oscar
Mr. Grouch
Species Grouch
Gender Male

Oscar the Grouch is a famous character from the TV show Sesame Street. He is known for being a grumpy, green monster who lives in a trash can. Unlike most people, Oscar absolutely loves trash and messy things! He even has a song called "I Love Trash" that shows how much he enjoys collecting all sorts of seemingly useless items. Oscar is not just a grouch by personality; he is also part of a special group of creatures called Grouches.

Who is Oscar the Grouch?

Oscar the Grouch is one of the most recognizable characters on Sesame Street. He is a furry, green monster with no visible nose. He lives in a cozy (to him!) trash can on Sesame Street. Oscar is famous for his grumpy attitude and his love for all things dirty and discarded. He often complains about things that others enjoy, like sunny days or happy songs.

Oscar's Personality and Habits

Oscar's main trait is being a "grouch." This means he often acts unhappy and prefers to be left alone. He loves things that most people find yucky, like mud, worms, and old newspapers. He even has a pet worm named Slimey! Oscar's trash can is like his own special home, full of interesting (to him) junk. Sometimes, he pops out of his can to share a grumpy thought or a funny, sarcastic comment.

Despite his grumpy ways, Oscar sometimes shows a softer side. He cares about his friends on Sesame Street, even if he doesn't always show it. He has a girlfriend named Grundgetta, who is also a Grouch, and they share a love for trash and being grumpy together.

The Grouch Species

Oscar is not just a grouch by personality; he belongs to a species called Grouches. These creatures are naturally grumpy and love living in messy, trash-filled places. They enjoy things that others find unpleasant, like loud noises and bad smells. Oscar's family members, like his mother and his girlfriend Grundgetta, are also Grouches, sharing his unique way of life.

Who Plays Oscar the Grouch?

Oscar the Grouch has been brought to life by talented performers over the years.

Caroll Spinney's Time as Oscar

For a very long time, from the first episode of Sesame Street in 1969 until 2018, Oscar the Grouch was performed by a puppeteer named Caroll Spinney. Caroll Spinney also played another famous Sesame Street character, Big Bird! He gave Oscar his unique voice and movements, making him a beloved character for generations of viewers.

Eric Jacobson Takes Over

Since 2015, another talented puppeteer named Eric Jacobson began working as an understudy for Oscar. This means he helped perform the character. After Caroll Spinney retired in 2018, Eric Jacobson fully took over the role of Oscar the Grouch. He continues to bring Oscar's grumpy, trash-loving personality to life for new audiences today.

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See also

Kids robot.svg In Spanish: Óscar el Gruñón para niños

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