Sesame Street Cameos to Make You Feel Like a Kid Again
Sesame Street, the show we all know and love, is celebrating its 45th anniversary today! Since the show began in 1969, it has featured over 600 celebrity appearances, including actors, politicians, athletes, and musicians. Whether they're teaching the puppets about reading and writing, sharing inspiring lessons about diversity, or just joining characters in fun sing-alongs, the star-studded celebrity moments are always something special. And they never fail to leave us with huge smiles on our faces and sweet songs in our hearts. In honor of the show that's taught us all so much over the years, we've highlighted our 19 favorite celebrity visits on Sesame Street. Source: PBS
Usher, 2013
Usher's version of the ABCs is so good, he should put it on his next album.
Jake Gyllenhaal, 2009
Jake Gyllenhaal explains the word "separate" while having an octopus stuck to his head — and it's exactly what you think.
Julia Roberts, 1990
While trying to scare Julia Roberts, Elmo can't help but bring out her famous grin instead.
*NSYNC, 2000
We can't decide what makes us smile more: the boys of *NSYNC explaining how to be yourself or Justin Timberlake's bucket hat.
Robin Williams, 2012
Robin Williams made several cameos on the show over the years, and in the final segment before his death in 2014, the comedian helped teach a two-headed Muppet monster the meaning of the word "conflict."
Lupita Nyong'o, 2014
The same year she won the best supporting actress Academy Award, Lupita Nyong'o marked another milestone with her first appearance on Sesame Street. The gorgeous star talked with Elmo about loving your skin, no matter how ticklish or smooth or black or brown or white or tan it is.
Katy Perry, 2010
Katy Perry's Sesame Street visit wasn't without its controversy — the video was pulled from its original episode because parents thought the singer was showing too much cleavage — but the duet of "Hot N Cold" that she performed with Elmo is still too cute for words.
Michelle Obama, 2009
While promoting her Partnership For a Healthier America campaign, Michelle Obama went down to Sesame Street to teach Elmo and friends how to plant their own vegetable garden; cuteness obviously ensues.
Ryan Reynolds, 2010
While joining Sesame Street's finest to perform the A-Team theme, Ryan Reynolds makes the perfect letter A — and Telly channels Mr. T to a T.
Ellen DeGeneres, 1995
Ellen DeGeneres shows off her famous dance moves while teaching Elmo what it means to take turns.
Jennifer Garner, 2010
Jennifer Garner and Elmo show off their most effective stretches in this sweet clip.
Rosie O'Donnell, 1993
Rosie O'Donnell rapping with Elmo — that's all you need to know; just press play.
David Beckham, 2008
David Beckham appeared on the show to teach Elmo what it means to be "persistent." Turns out, he kind of already knew.
Natalie Portman, 2003
Natalie Portman may actually be the most enthusiastic celebrity to ever appear on the show. This clip of her and Elmo playing a game of The Princess and the Elephant is guaranteed to warm your heart.
Sarah Jessica Parker, 2010
Sarah Jessica Parker gives a subtle nod to Carrie Bradshaw and Sex and the City as she "waits for Big" on Sesame Street.
Emma Stone, 2011
Emma Stone brings her stellar comedic timing and physical comedy skill while demonstrating "balance."
Destiny's Child, 2002
Though the original version of "A New Way to Walk" premiered in the '80s and was performed by The Oinker Sisters, Destiny's Child stopped by the Street to modernize the popular song with Grover, Elmo, and Zoe.
Neil Patrick Harris, 2008
Neil Patrick Harris brings his signature charm and Tony Award-winning moves to this adorable appearance as the "Fairy Shoeperson."
James Gandolfini, 2002
Before his passing in July 2013, James Gandolfini made an appearance on the show to talk about feeling scared. In the truly endearing clip, James admits to being afraid of the dark and sleeping with a night-light.