Yinan Shentu is a puppeteer who began working for Sesame Street in 2022, starting with assisting roles for digital projects and performing the character TJ (who debuted in 2023).
He has worked as a character performer, including as a stiltwalker and puppeteer, for various attractions at Universal Orlando and Walt Disney World (including The Muppets Present… Great Moments in American History). He has also performed with the Puppet Up! Uncensored troupe during their month-long stay at Knott's Scary Farm in October 2021.[1]
Shentu has received puppetry training from The Muppets Studio, The Jim Henson Company, and Sesame Workshop,[2] as well as voiceover training from Bob Bergen.[3]