Sesame Street's Little Girl: A Passion for Puppetry

For many of us, Sesame Street is more than just a children's show - it's a cultural icon that has been a part of our childhoods and continues to bring joy to new generations. But have you ever wondered what goes into creating those beloved Muppets? Meet Megan Piphus Peace, the talented puppeteer who brings Gabrielle, a 6-year-old girl on Sesame Street, to life.

Megan's journey with puppetry began at a young age. Growing up, she was fascinated by ventriloquism and the art of bringing characters to life through puppetry. She credits Shari Lewis, a legendary ventriloquist, for inspiring her to pursue this unique skill. 'I had never seen a ventriloquist before,' Megan recalls. 'She went home and told her parents she wanted to learn ventriloquism.' This sparked Megan's own interest in the art form.

As a child, Megan would often watch puppet shows with Lamb Chop, Shari Lewis' iconic puppet character. She was captivated by the way Shari brought Lamb Chop to life through ventriloquism and storytelling. 'I always dreamed of working in television,' Megan says, 'but I never imagined myself being at Sesame Street.'

Megan's passion for puppetry led her to attend a puppetry conference where she first learned about the art form. She was hooked from that moment on. After years of honing her skills, Megan landed her dream role as Gabrielle, a 6-year-old girl on Sesame Street.

In September 2021, Sesame Street made history by introducing its first full-time Black female puppeteer, Megan Piphus Peace. It's a milestone that she is proud to be a part of. 'I'm so glad I had the opportunity to be on Sesame Street and encourage other kids to dream as big as their imaginations will allow,' she tells NPR's Weekend Edition.

As Megan marks one year working with Sesame Street, she has decided to dedicate her career to entertainment. She hopes to inspire young girls around the world to pursue their passions, just as Shari Lewis inspired her. 'I'm so grateful for the opportunity to be a part of this iconic show and to share my talents with children everywhere,' Megan says.

In conclusion, Megan Piphus Peace is a shining example of what it means to follow your dreams and pursue your passion. From ventriloquism to puppetry, she has brought joy and imagination to countless children through her work on Sesame Street. As the show continues to evolve and grow, we can't wait to see what the future holds for this talented young puppeteer.

Sesame street little girl