Remembering Emilio Delgado, Luis of Sesame Street
Emilio Delgado, known for his role as Fix-It Shop owner Luis on Sesame Street died on March 10
On Thursday, March 10, Sesame Street mourned the death of one of its longtime actors in the show, Emilio Delgado. He’s known for playing the role of FitIt Shop owner Luis, and died after battling myeloma, a type of blood cancer. He was 81 years old.
“Sesame Workshop mourns the death of Emilio Delgado, known the world over for his role as Luis on Sesame Street. A beloved member of the Sesame family for over 50 years, his warmth and humor invited children to share a friendship that has echoed through generations,” Sesame Workshops said in a statement.
“At the forefront of representation, Emilio proudly laid claim to the “record for the longest-running role for a Mexican-American in a TV series. We are so grateful he shared his talents with us and with the world.”
Joining Sesame Street
Emilio Delgado joined the show in 1971 two years after the show’s broadcast. In an interview aired on ABC News, Delgado said that when he got the role of Luis, he was excited but knew it was a job.
“Maybe it lasts a year, maybe two years. Maybe not even that long, ” he said. “But it was great. I had a job on television.”
His role of Luis lasted for 44 years. Luis and Maria, played by Sonia Manzano were paired together in the show as the producers explored the topics of love, marriage, and family. Thousands of children grew up with the storyline that people actually thought they were really a couple in real life.
More than Luis
Aside from his role as Luis, Delgado also acted in several shows such as Quincy, Hawaii Five-O, Falcon Crest, House of Cards, The Michael J. Fox Show, and appearances on the Law and Order franchise.
Delgado also appeared on stage in several theater performances such as Don Quixote in 2018. He also performed at the Carnegie Hall in New York.
In 2019, then New York mayor Bill de Blasio honored Delgado with October 15 declared as “Emilio Delgado Day.” De Blasio said that Delgado deserved the award for being a “trailblazing Mexican-American artist.”
Thank you for the memories!
Sesame Street fans around the world join in remembering Emilio Delgado for his contribution to children’s television and showbiz. Luis will always be part of our childhood and no one will ever replace him on the show.
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