Emilio Delgado

Emilio Delgado was an American actor best known for his role as “Luis” on Sesame Street from 1971 to 2015. He was notable for being the longest-running Mexican American actor on U.S. television.

Personal and Family Life

Emilio Delgado was born on May 8, 1940, in Calexico, California. He grew up in a large family and lived part of his childhood in Mexicali, Mexico. He married Carole Delgado in 1990 and they had one child together. He also had two other children from previous marriages.

Career Highlights

Delgado began his acting career in 1968 with the PBS series Cancion De La Raza. His role on Sesame Street was groundbreaking as it provided a positive image of a Mexican American character. Over the years, he appeared in various television shows and films, including roles in Lou Grant, Law & Order, and performing in the theatre production of Quixote Nuevo.

Death and Legacy

Emilio Delgado passed away from multiple myeloma on March 10, 2022, in Manhattan, New York City, at the age of 81. He left a lasting legacy as a beloved figure in children’s television and was honored for his contributions to the arts and advocacy work, including a proclamation from New York City recognizing his contributions to Hispanic heritage.

Filmography

Title Release Date Character
Sesame Street: C Is for Cookie Monster 2010-10-19
I Will Fight No More Forever 1975-04-13 Ollokot
A Case of You 2013-11-06 Roberto
Sesame Street: Elmopalooza! 1998-02-20 Luis
I Am Big Bird: The Caroll Spinney Story 2015-05-06 Self
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland 1999-10-01 Luis
iGilbert 2021-03-14 Rodolfo Gonzalez
Reggie’s Prayer 1996-08-01 Stadium Announcer
Sesame Street: Put Down the Duckie: An All-Star Musical Special 1988-10-05 Luis
Sesame Street: 50th Anniversary Celebration! 2019-11-09 Luis
Follow That Bird 1985-08-02 Luis
Luz Marina 2019-08-25 Carlos
Sesame Street ‘A Is for Asthma’ 1998-04-01 Luis
Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street 2021-04-23 Self
Sesame Street All-Star 25th Birthday: Stars and Street Forever! 1994-05-18 Luis
A Walking Tour of Sesame Street 1979-03-01 Luis (archive footage) (uncredited)
Sesame Street: Learning About Letters 1986-05-12 Luis Rodriguez
Sesame Street: Elmo Saves Christmas 1996-12-24 Luis
Sesame Street: Sing Along 1987-01-01 Luis
Sesame Street: Friends to the Rescue 2010-01-05 Luis
Sesame Street: 40 Years of Sunny Days 2010-01-05 Luis (uncredited) (archive footage)
Jim Henson Idea Man 2024-05-18 Luis (archive footage)
Quincy, M.E. 1976-10-03
Law & Order: Criminal Intent 2001-09-30 Ari Hernandez
Sesame Unpaved 1969-11-10
Falcon Crest 1981-12-04
Lou Grant 1977-09-20
Sesame Street 1969-11-10 Luis Rodriguez
Hawaii Five-O 1968-09-20 Vic Salazar
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 1999-09-20 Enrique Diaz
Cannon 1971-09-14
Cupid 2009-03-24
Law & Order: Special Victims Unit 1999-09-20 Aaron Carrera
Law & Order 1990-09-13 Elias Soriano
Law & Order: Criminal Intent 2001-09-30 Rodolfo Delgado
The Michael J. Fox Show 2013-09-26 Flower Vendor