NY1 VIDEO: Queens residents got a sneak peek at a new documentary exploring the man behind some of Sesame Street's most beloved characters. Big Bird has captured the hearts of generations of viewers on Sesame Street. Now fans are getting an inside look at the life of Caroll Spinney, the man who brought Big Bird and Oscar the Grouch to life. A new documentary, “I Am Big Bird,” brings the puppeteer's story to the big screen. NY1's Clodagh McGowan filed a report.