Sesame Street is losing one of its most celebrated residents, Maria Figueroa. After 44 years, Sesame Street's beloved Maria is moving on to greener climates as Sonia Manzano is retiring.

Maria is the perfect example of a justified evolution. She is described as “a first crush, a best friend, and a babysitter,” in the eyes of longtime viewers, on Sesame Street’s website.

Calling “Sesame Street” children’s programming is like calling “Saturday Night Live” a sketch comedy show or “The Simpsons” a cartoon ... who has played Maria on the show since ...

After a 44-year run, the beloved Maria, played by Sonia Manzano, said goodbye to Sesame Street. She opens up about her new memoir and her favorite memories of the show. Sonia Manzano, the beloved ...

It’s time to say goodbye to Sesame Street‘s Maria. It was announced at the American Library Association Annual Conference that Sonia Manzano would be leaving the children’s series.

NEW YORK (CBSNewYork/AP) - It's the end of an era for Sesame Street. Actress Sonia Manzano, who has played Maria on the beloved children's show for 45 years, announced she will be leaving the show.

UNIDENTIFIED CHILD: (As Character) Yeah. MARTIN: Sonia Manzano has played Maria on "Sesame Street" for more than 40 years. Yesterday, she announced that she is retiring. NPR's Andrew Limbong takes ...

For the last 44 years, you could ask Maria how to get to Sesame Street, but not any more. Sonia Manzano, the actress who has played the character since 1971, is retiring and won't be part of the ...

Sonia Manzano never got to be a household name. But her face, and character, Maria, on “Sesame Street” occupied a special place in American homes for almost half a century. Manzano ...

NEW YORK (AP) — “Sesame Street” is about to be less A-OK. Sonia Manzano, who has played the role of Maria on the groundbreaking kid show since 1971, is retiring. Manzano, 65, broke the news ...

NEW YORK — “Sesame Street” is about to be less A-OK. Sonia Manzano, who has played the role of Maria on the groundbreaking kid show since 1971, is retiring. Manzano, 65, broke the news ...

“Sesame Street” is about to be less A-OK. Sonia Manzano, who has played the role of Maria on the groundbreaking kid show since 1971, is retiring. Manzano, 65, broke the news earlier this week ...