Quick Facts
Biography
Joseph Mazzarino (born June 4, 1968) is an American puppeteer, actor, writer and director. He is best known for his roles on Sesame Street as Murray Monster, Stinky the Stinkweed and other Muppets. Mazzarino was also the head writer for the show in 1992.
Career
Former Muppet performer Camille Bonora influenced Mazzarino when she taught an improvisation class at his university, and eventually introduced him to Jim Henson. Mazzarino later became the head writer for Sesame Street and also worked on The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland, Muppets From Space, and Kermit's Swamp Years.
When Mazzarino auditioned for Sesame Street, he wrote a sketch called "Colambo" and soon found himself cast in the title role. Since then, he had been a prominent member of the Sesame Street cast where he performed Horatio the Elephant, Murray Monster, Papa Bear, Stinky the Stinkweed, and various characters until 2015, when he resigned.
Personal life
Mazzarino is married to actress Kerry Butler. They have two adoptive daughters, one named Segi for whom he wrote the Sesame Street song "I Love My Hair." The Muppet who sang the song was also named Segi.
Crew work
- Bear in the Big Blue House – Writer ("The Yard Sale" episode)
- Elmo's Christmas Countdown – Writer
- Elmopalooza – Writer
- Julie's Greenroom – Director/Writer/Co-Producer
- Kermit's Swamp Years – Screenplay Co-Writer
- Muppets from Space – Screenplay Co-Writer
- Sesame Street – Writer/Director
- Sheep in the Big City – Writer
- The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland – Screenplay Co-Writer
- The Upside Down Show – Writer
- Kidding – Writer