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 |