We all grew up with her. Sonia Manzano from "Sesame Street" became everyone's best friend and after 44 years of playing the role of shop owner Maria, Manzano is finally leaving the show.
The Washington Post reported that Manzano started playing the role of Maria back when she was 22 years old. She auditioned for the role in the 1970s wearing a very simple dress and the now memorable Indian sandals.
Manzano first appeared on the show in 1971 as Maria who runs the Fix-It Shop with her husband Luis, played by fellow actor, Emilio Delgado. CNN reported that the news of Manzano leaving the show spread through social media like wildfire and most fans express sadness and disappointment that Maria is leaving the show.
The Vox Culture reported that Manzano's role as Maria gave the actress a unique position to reach out to children and even adults. Manzano actually used her role to discuss sensitive issues such as love, marital problems, childbirth and marriage in such a way that any child can understand. The actress was also given the opportunity to discuss how television can affect the development of a child with First Lady Hilary Clinton back in 1995.
Manzano said in an interview that she was inspired by the decision of "Sesame Street" to include Black and Latino actors on the show. Manzano added, "I have never been asked to speak with a Spanish accent. Race relations are very difficult to teach children because we're teaching two hings at the same time: self-esteem and appreciation of others."
For many, Manzano's inclusion in the popular kid's show is a way to represent diverse ethnicity and she was praised for it. It has been her life work's to become an inspiration for many. Manzano said, "I saw this black and white world, and I used to wonder where I would fit in this world that didn't seem to see me, so I think it's really interesting that I grew up to be sort of what I needed to see on television."
Manzano assured the audience that the show will still go on.
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