For many “Maria” on Sesame Street was the first Latina they remember seeing on television. Sonia Manzano, who played the iconic character for 44 years, joins us to reflect on her role on one of the most successful children’s series of all time and explain what inspired her to return to the small screen with her new kids show “Alma’s Way.” Sesame Street | Real America with Jorge Ramos
7:04
For many “Maria” on Sesame Street was the first Latina they remember seeing on television. Sonia Manzano, who played the iconic character for 44 years, joins us to reflect on her role on one of the most successful children’s series of all time and explain what inspired her to return to the small screen with her new kids show “Alma’s Way.” Sesame Street | Real America with Jorge Ramos
39.7K viewsSep 30, 2021
FacebookReal America with Jorge Ramos
After 44 Years at “Sesame Street,” This Is Sonia Manzano’s Next Chapter
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After 44 Years at “Sesame Street,” This Is Sonia Manzano’s Next Chapter
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Sonia Manzano: The First Latina on Sesame Street | She Was First
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Sonia Manzano: The First Latina on Sesame Street | She Was First
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YouTubeSouth Florida PBS
For this beloved Sesame Street role model, it wasn’t always ‘sunny days’
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Find in video from 00:20Sonia's Childhood
For this beloved Sesame Street role model, it wasn’t always ‘sunny da…
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YouTubePBS NewsHour
Sonia Manzano’s journey from the Bronx to “Sesame Street”
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Sonia Manzano’s journey from the Bronx to “Sesame Street”
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YouTubeCBS Mornings
Remember Maria from Sesame Street? Sonia Manzano shares with host Kevin Burke how she transitioned from the South Bronx, where she grew up, to Sesame Street Street as Maria and winning 15 #EmmyAwards in parts 1 and 2 of the interview. Listen to Sonia's candid coming-of-age story. Available right now wherever you listen to your podcast or by visiting our website: Part 1: https://bit.ly/308cazP Part 2: https://bit.ly/3AiVlyg #pbskids #Bronx #bronxny #newyork #hometown #fromthebronx #yourhometown #
0:58
Remember Maria from Sesame Street? Sonia Manzano shares with host Kevin Burke how she transitioned from the South Bronx, where she grew up, to Sesame Street Street as Maria and winning 15 #EmmyAwards in parts 1 and 2 of the interview. Listen to Sonia's candid coming-of-age story. Available right now wherever you listen to your podcast or by visiting our website: Part 1: https://bit.ly/308cazP Part 2: https://bit.ly/3AiVlyg #pbskids #Bronx #bronxny #newyork #hometown #fromthebronx #yourhometown #
1.4K viewsOct 9, 2021
FacebookYour Hometown
"Sesame Street" celebrates Its 45th anniversary
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Find in video from 01:06Sonia Manzano's Journey
"Sesame Street" celebrates Its 45th anniversary
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YouTubeCBS News
8:50
After 45 Years, Sesame Street's 'Maria' Moves On
Dec 16, 2015
PBS
0:48
It's neighbors like Maria who make our street one big family. Thank you Sonia Manzano for sharing your kindness, culture, and friendship with us for so many years. We love you! ❤ #HispanicHeritageMonth #LatinxHeritageMonth | Sesame Street
228.2K viewsSep 23, 2022
FacebookSesame Street
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Sonia Manzano isn’t just a television legend — she’s a Boricua who made an entire generation feel seen. For 44 years on Sesame Street, she opened doors, shattered barriers, and brought our stories into millions of homes as María — proving that Puerto Rican voices belong everywhere. Today, her legacy is historic: 15 Daytime Emmy Awards, the most ever earned by a Latina. And she’s still shaping young minds as the creator of the beloved PBS Kids series Alma’s Way, inspired by her Puerto Rican child
22.2K views10 months ago
FacebookCleveland Puerto Ricans La Original
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Before she was Maria on "Sesame Street," Sonia Manzano was a kid in the South Bronx searching for someone like her on TV, and finding no one. Years later, she changed that. As Maria, Sonia chose not to play a character but to be herself, becoming the role model she never had. Now, through the children’s show "Alma’s Way," she’s helping a new generation see themselves on screen — just like she once dreamed she could. Listen to Sonia's full episode on Life In Seven Songs now: https://sf.news/3KIz5
1.9K viewsOct 7, 2025
FacebookThe San Francisco Standard
33:38
From the South Bronx to Sesame Street: How Sonia Manzano made Maria a Latina icon
223 views11 months ago
YouTubeThe San Francisco Standard
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Find in video from 00:11Forgetful Maria's First Appearance
Classic Sesame Street - Forgetful Maria
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YouTubeMonsterpieceTheatre
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"Sesame Street" icon Sonia Manzano inspires kids with new book
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Sesame Street - Episode 2558 (1989)
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Classic Sesame Street - #1614 Scenes
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Sesame Street - Episode 2404 - 1988
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Sesame Street - Episode 2405 - 1988
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