Emilio Delgado, the actor who starred in the iconic children’s television show Sesame Street, has died at 81. Mexican-American actor played the ‘Fix-It Shop’ owner Luis Rodriguez on the series for 40 years. He took a little break in the 80s but continued his role less than a year later. He performed live theater productions, including Sesame Street stage productions. Delgado has also made appearances at conventions through the years as well. When the 81-year-old actor died, he was surrounded by family at their New York City home. He had been fighting a long battle with blood cancer since December of 2020. Children and adults will remember him for his pioneering work as a friendly repairperson. Emilio Delgado may have died at the ripe age of 81, but the Sesame Street actor who played Luis Rodriguez will live on in the hearts and minds of audiences.
Emilio Delgado Beyond Luis Rodriguez
On top of warming people’s hearts on Sesame Street as Luis Rodriguez, he was a skilled guitar player. Long before Emilio Delgado died at 81, he was a series regular on Angie’s Garage in November 1970. Delgado thinks that is the series that Sesame Street producers discovered him. Sesame Street attempted to teach English to children whose first language was Spanish, but that didn’t go so well. The show hired Latinx actors and performers like Delgado for Spanish segments on the show. Emilio Delgado as Luis Rodriguez was so pivotal for the series because it taught inclusivity. The Sesame Street actor who died at 81 has left many happy memories. Delgado also has credits in the original Hawaii Five-O, Falcon Crest, Law & Order, House of Cards, and Law & Order: Criminal Intent.
The Sesame Street actor Emilio Delgado has died at 81 but won’t be forgotten. He is survived by his wife Maria, their daughter Lauren, and his son Aram from a prior relationship.
