Alphabet Characters



The Letters of the Alphabet have long been an important part of Sesame Street, not just as a collection of sounds or as concepts, but as a physical presence on the street. Though often included via superimposed titles, background signs, or large props, the Letters have also frequently functioned as characters in their own right. In early sketches, this was accomplished in a more simplistic fashion, as a foam, undecorated Letter W, operated on visible rods, would slowly sidle up to Kermit the Frog and begin to pummel him.

Later on, the Letters would become more than living props, but would gain faces, voices, and even personalities. Notable examples included the "Letter of the Day" pageant hosted by Guy Smiley (the winner was a teary-eyed Letter E), as well as several song sequences. Smokey Robinson once struggled with a Letter U in "U've Really Got a Hold on Me", while Patti Labelle lamented the loss of a Letter X in "How I Miss My X." Other times, letters would participate in various interviews or gameshows, including X yet again in a "Mystery Guest" skit.