Emilio Delgado was a renowned actor and singer, best known for his iconic 44-year role as "Luis" on Sesame Street, a character he portrayed from 1971 to 2016.
Born in Calexico, California, Emilio spent part of his childhood in Mexicali, Mexico, living with his large extended family. He began working at a young age, shining shoes and assisting in his uncle's bicycle repair shop in Mexicali. As a U.S. citizen, he would cross the border daily to attend elementary school in Calexico, California, where he discovered his passion for performing in school plays and musicals.
Emilio's interest in theater and music grew stronger as he attended Glendale High School in Los Angeles, and he later received a scholarship to study acting in Hollywood with Russian actress Eugenie Leontovich. He continued his education at Glendale College and CalArts, while also performing as a folk singer, guitarist, and singing traditional Spanish boleros with Mexican trios.
In 1968, Emilio began his professional acting career in the Emmy Award-winning PBS series Canción de la Raza (Song of The People) KCET-LA. Four years later, he landed the role of "Luis" on Sesame Street, which became the longest-running part for a Mexican American actor in a continuing television series.
In addition to his work on Sesame Street, Emilio appeared in various television shows, including Two Gentlemen of Verona on Broadway, and starred in the lead role of Quixote Nuevo in four cities. He also had recurring roles on the Lou Grant Show and Hawaii 5-0, and appeared in several other television and film productions.
Emilio's voice could be heard in various projects, including The Bravest Knight, Red Dead Redemption II, and Audible. He also enjoyed singing with the world-famous band Pink Martini, recording a duet with China Forbes on their album Splendor in the Grass.
Throughout his career, Emilio received several awards, including the Impact Award 2000 from the National Hispanic Media Coalition, the HOLA Ilka Award in 2005, and the Daytime Emmy Lifetime Achievement Award for Sesame Street's 40 years on the air.
Emilio was a devoted philanthropist, supporting organizations such as the United Farm Workers, Head Start, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, and the 52nd Street Project. He was also honored by New York City Mayor Bill de Blasio, who proclaimed October 15, 2019 as Emilio Delgado Day in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month.
Tragically, Emilio passed away on March 10, 2022, at the age of 81, after a battle with multiple myeloma. He is survived by his wife Carole Delgado and daughter Lauren.
