Happy 40th Birthday to our favourite characters on Sesame Street.

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November 10th marked the 40th anniversary of America’s longest running children’s TV show, Sesame Street. Alicia Keys, Oprah, Serena Williams are just a few of the famous names that have made an appearance on the show. Even the first ladies of America including Barbara Bush, Laura Bush and Hilary Clinton have featured in episodes. Most recently Michelle Obama made a special appearance to help mark its 40th Birthday.

Memorable moments include;
1. Cookie Monster going on a diet to promote a Healthy Habits for life initiative.
2. In 2002 Whoopi Goldberg appeared in the South African edition Takalani Sesame, alongside the first HIV-positive Muppet Kami. Her name comes from the word Kamogelo, which means acceptance in several African languages.
3. Sesame Street also addressed the 9/11 tragedy by having the New York fire fighters appear on the show, during a fire that started at Hooper’s store. During the episode they were shown helping children to develop coping strategies when dealing with loss and fear.
4. They also addressed the subject of bereavement, when the actor who played Mr Hooper died unexpectedly.
5. They even released an album Sesame Street Fever in 1978 that parodied the hit film Saturday Night Fever.
6. In 1985, Sesame Street tackled the issue of adoption when they introduced the character of Miles, son of Gordon and Susan.

Here’s what your favourite character says about you.

Big Bird is a control freak in rose tinted glasses. But because he sugar coats it you will never know his true intentions.

Bert & Ernie are in reality stuck in a co-dependent relationship. Bert has a depressive personality; he's a classic glass-is-half-empty person.
Ernie is indecisive and has a tendency to live vicariously through others. Although he can be creative, he lacks the ability to put things into action.

Cookie Monster is all about me me me. His insatiable appetite for more cookies could just mean that his hungry for more experience, hungry for attention or just plain greedy.

Count Von Count displays OCD tendencies with his need to recount things; this is often brought about through stress and anxiety.

Elmo is actually a well-balanced character, even though he likes to refer to himself in the third person. His emotionally secure and loves to surround himself with his many friends.

Grover can be quite emotional but also very compassionate; who sometimes has trouble understanding the world around him. He is a determined character with the ability to pick himself up, every time as Super Grover, when he falls from the sky.

Telly Monster is focused but he can lack emotional direction and can be seen as being unfeeling.

Snuffleupagus is Big Birds best friend. He often gives up easily and needs to be encouraged to take on difficult tasks.

Oscar is even more of a depressive than Bert. He is a permanent grouch, the ultimate pessimist who hates anything nice or sweet. He’s only happy when he’s miserable and yelling at people.