Sesame Street pays tribute to Emilio Delgado’s ‘warmth and humor’ after his death

Sesame Street paid tribute to longtime cast member Emilio Delgado, who played Fix-it shop owner Luis Rodriguez on the show for 45 years, after he passed away aged 81.

His star “proudly claims the record for the longest acting role for a Mexican-American in a television series,” the show said.

A statement from Sesame Workshop, the nonprofit educational organization behind Sesame Street, said: “Sesame Workshop mourns the passing of Emilio Delgado, who is internationally known for his role as Luis on Sesame Street.

“A beloved member of the Sesame family for over 50 years, his warmth and humor invited the children to share a friendship that has reverberated through generations.

“First in representation, Emilio is proud to announce ‘the record for longest acting role for a Mexican-American in a television series’.

“We are grateful that he shared his talent with us and with the world.”

Delgado joined Sesame Street as Luis in the third series in 1971.

His character Luis married the show’s other prominent Latin star, Maria Figueroa, played by Sonia Manzano, in a ceremony on the show in 1988.

Video of the day

He took a hiatus from the show that same year before returning to the show, where he remained until 2016.

He continued to appear with the cast at public events after leaving and returning to participate in Sesame Street’s 50th anniversary celebrations in 2019.