The actress who played Maria on Sesame Street, Sonia Manzano, has been on the show for a whopping 44 years. 44 YEARS! This means that not only did we grow up with her (as I’m assuming our readers are in my age demo,) but if you have kids, they likely watch her right now, and if your parents are a bit younger, they may have grown up with her as well! That’s crazy!

But of course, all good things must come to an end, and after joining the show in 1971 (but not becoming a full-time character until 1974,) Sonia has officially announced her retirement.

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Since her involvement on the iconic show, Sonia has won at least 15 Emmy Awards for her work as a scriptwriter, and was nominated for an Emmy for Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series twice. She will continue her speaking engagements throughout retirement, as well as promoting her memoir, Becoming Maria: Love And Chaos In The South Bronx.

Source: LifeIsTremendez