Ralphie

PERFORMER	Martin P. Robinson
DEBUT	2002

Ralphie is Baby Bear's pet parrot, who debuted on Sesame Street in Episode 3985.

In that episode, Papa Bear tells his son that he can have a pet, but Baby Bear can't figure out what kind of a pet to have. Telly suggests a hamster, like Chuckie Sue. Elmo suggests a goldfish, like Dorothy. Old MacDonald and his animals suggest a cow or a pig. Even the Big Bad Wolf suggests himself as Baby Bear's pet. Finally, Papa Bear arrives with a parrot. Baby Bear excitedly names the bird Ralphie, and starts teaching him to talk.

Ralphie has made sporadic appearances over the years. In Episode 4042, Baby Bear sang to Ralphie about being different and the same. In Episode 4058, Baby Bear argued with Telly, Elmo, and Zoe about whose pet was the best in the world. Maria helped the monsters to see that each of their pets is special.

Ralphie has proven himself to be quite a talented bird. Besides mimicking what those around him say, Ralphie also rhymes, as revealed in Episode 4155. According to Baby Bear, he can also sing and dance.

Joey Mazzarino took over the character for the 2010 learning initiative video, Math Is Everywhere, and in Episode 4401, where it is revealed he can speak fluent Spanish and "hamster," and is very multitalented (he prepares fruit salad and identifies shapes). Martin Robinson performed the character once again for a named speaking appearance in episode 213 of The Not-Too-Late Show with Elmo, as well as an appearance in Episode 5328.

The puppet has been seen elsewhere on the show as an Anything Muppet parrot, such as in the spoof of Pirates of the Caribbean, for Cookie's Crumby Pictures and Episodes 4238, 4511, and 5026. The puppet would also make appearances in other international co-productions, including Plaza Sésamo and Sesamstrasse.

Book appearances

• Elmo Asks Why (2023)