Joseph Mazzarino (/mæzəˈriːnoʊ/; born June 4, 1968) is an American puppeteer, writer, director and actor. He is best known for his roles on Sesame Street as Murray Monster, Stinky the Stinkweed and other Muppets,[1] and being Head Writer and Director on Sesame Street, winning 22 Emmy Awards for his work.
When Mazzarino auditioned for Sesame Street, he wrote a sketch called "Colambo" and soon found himself cast in the title role. Afterwards, he became a prominent member of the Sesame Street cast, performing Horatio the Elephant, Ingrid, Murray Monster, Papa Bear, Stinky the Stinkweed, and various characters until 2015, when he resigned after completing work on season 46, following changes to the show's format.
Mazzarino spent the next few years as a writer/producer on the Showtime original series Kidding starring Jim Carrey. He directed all 13 episodes of the Netflix series Julie's Greenroom starring Julie Andrews, where he also served as a writer. Mazzarino spent over 20 years on Sesame Street in multiple roles: Head Writer, Director, Lyricist and Muppet performer. He received 25 Emmy Awards for his work in multiple categories (Outstanding Original Song, Outstanding Writing, Outstanding Direction and Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series).
Mazzarino is currently a writer for the PBS puppet series Donkey Hodie and was also a writer for the animated series Nature Cat.
Personal life
Mazzarino is married to actress Kerry Butler.[3] They have two adopted daughters, one named Segi for whom he wrote the Sesame Street song "I Love My Hair". The Muppet who sang the song was also named Segi.[4]
Filmography
Film
A Sesame Street Christmas Carol – Joe Marley, Joey Dickens
Elmo's World – Big Foot, Brown Bunny (in "Elmo Has Two! Hands, Ears & Feet"), The Cheese, Papa Bear, Ingrid, Stinky the Stinkweed, Old McDonald, The Two Headed Monster (left-head)
