to big bird s overflowing heart. he did both. big bird s costume was massive and making big bird work from the inside out was no small thing. it took energy and strength and resilience. spinney did this until just a few years ago is remark table t. we had the opportunity to see him on the job a few times. big bird, good to see you. his care and concern and dedication were always more than abundant. it takes a special person to become the caretaker of something or someone so treasured. i m a lucky man. i m a lucky bird too. that special person was caroll spinney. that is our broadcast for a monday night as we start a new week. thank you so much for being here with us and good night from our nbc headquarters here in new york.
that s right. la, la, la. reporter: spinney himself was a gentle man who loved his craft and took pride in his creation. well, kids, are you all set for a little christmas story? reporter: he knew quite well that big bird had a big influence on a tender audience. he knew his bird would never betray them, make fun of them, trick them. just awfully nice to be able to have a job where you re doing just what you want to do when you re a child, and that s what i do for a living. reporter: on the other hand, spinney was also the hand and voice that sprang from a garbage can. oscar? i m not home. reporter: oscar the grouch was a comically cross curmudgeon who complained and contradicted many a happy moment on sesame street. oscar s kind of cool. it s fun to play somebody very different than oneself. reporter: he was the glass half empty to big bird s overflowing heart.