Sesame Street Icon Sonia Manzano Shares Memories of Robin Williams and Other Celeb Guests

In a recent interview, Sonia Manzano, the beloved actress who played Maria on Sesame Street from 1971 to 2015, is sharing her memories of some of the show's most iconic celebrity guests over the years. Manzano, who is being featured in a new documentary called "STREET SMART: Lessons From a TV Icon," particularly recalls the time Robin Williams appeared on the show in 1991.

Manzano says it was "thrilling" to have Williams on set, and she even wrote some of the skits he appeared in. "I happen to have written one of the Robin Williams bits, and so when it's aired, I'm very proud to say, you know, 'I wrote that bit,' and take credit," Manzano says with a laugh. She fondly remembers Williams using a stick as a makeshift mustache, a nod to film critic Gene Shalit's famous facial hair.

In addition to Williams, Manzano also has warm memories of other legendary musicians who graced the Sesame Street stage, including Stevie Wonder, Ray Charles, and Tony Bennett. She recalls how Wonder's performance of "Very Superstitious" had everyone, regardless of age or background, "rocking" along. Manzano says she knew it was time to leave the show when she started failing to recognize the celebrity guests, like when she called her daughter to ask about a "really cute guy" named Bruno Mars.

Manzano's reflections on Sesame Street's enduring legacy and evolving celebrity cameos offer a unique insider's perspective on the beloved children's program. Her stories highlight the show's ability to captivate audiences of all ages and backgrounds through its blend of education, entertainment, and star power.