Jennifer Barnhart

Jennifer Barnhart is a puppeteer, actress, and director who has performed on Sesame Street since she joined in Season 32. She is also one of those left-handed puppeteers like Louise Gold, Megan Piphus, and Billy Barkhurst, to name a few. Jennifer did various characters before inheriting the roles of Mama Bear, Gladys the Cow, and Granny Bird over the years. Barnhart has also taken over the role of Zoe since the 46th season, after Fran Brill retired. She also recorded vocals for many songs, appeared on-screen as Charlie's mother, and directed material related to the series. She even performed on Bear in the Big Blue House in Season 4 and also assisted the Muppets on the last episode of Late Night with Jimmy Fallon. Outside of Sesame Street and Bear, Jennifer Barnhart started her puppetry career on Once Upon a Tree, and later did her best known project, Between the Lions (as a puppeteer and voice actress). She also did Johnny and the Sprites, Oobi, and The Book of Pooh, to name a few. She also performed on stage on Avenue Q and Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (2009/2010 only). Jennifer seems to impress all kids with the shows she's done over the years, most notably Between the Lions and Sesame Street. Barnhart is still playing Zoe and others on Sesame Street today and her recent outside show was on Helpsters as Jackie and others, assistant puppet captain, and director. There just doesn't seem to be anything she can't do when it comes to entertaining kids. She also knows how to convince parents to be designated readers. Jennifer Barnhart, you impressed us all with your puppetry as well as acting on screen and stage. Keep being Zoe & others and maybe assist the Muppets again on a future project. You never know when the Muppets will need you. OK Jennifer. You're on a roll Barnhart!