Who Is Kevin Clash? Age, Biography, and Wiki
Kevin Clash, born on September 17, 1960, is a celebrated American puppeteer, actor, and producer best known for his work on the beloved children’s television show, Sesame Street. In 2025, Kevin Clash is 64 years old and continues to be a prominent figure within the entertainment industry. With an esteemed career spanning several decades, Clash is recognized for bringing characters like Elmo to life and is revered in the world of puppeteering.
| Occupation | Media Personalities |
|---|---|
| Date of Birth | September 17, 1960 |
| Age | 64 Years |
| Birth Place | Baltimore, Maryland, U.S. |
| Horoscope | Virgo |
| Country | U.S |
Popularity
Kevin Clash's Popularity over time
Height, Weight & Measurements
Kevin Clash stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches (170 cm) tall. While specific weight measurements can vary, he maintains a healthy physique typical of his profession, which often requires agility and mobility in puppeteering.
After the height of Elmo's popularity, especially the "Tickle Me Elmo" craze in 1996, Clash's responsibilities at Sesame Street increased. He recruited, auditioned, and trained its puppeteers, and became the senior Muppet coordinator, a writer, director, and co-producer of the "Elmo's World" segment of the show.
Clash worked with and mentored the puppeteers of Sesame Street's international co-productions. He found working with the co-productions "a lot of fun" and "very rewarding". In 2007, he was promoted to senior creative adviser for the Sesame Workshop.
Until 2011, he was the sole performer as Elmo in all his public relations appearances, making his schedule, as he called it, "crazy". Cheryl Henson, president of the Jim Henson Foundation, called him "essential" to the show.
Family, Dating & Relationship Status
As of 2025, Kevin Clash tends to keep his personal life private. Previously, he has been linked to various relationships; however, there is no confirmed information regarding a current boyfriend, girlfriend, husband, or wife. Clash’s focus remains primarily on his career and contributions to the arts, making fans curious but respectful of his boundaries.
Clash developed an interest in puppetry at an early age, inspired by children's shows like Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Sesame Street. He made his first puppet, a version of Mickey Mouse, at the age of 10. When he was twelve, he made a monkey puppet out of the lining of his father's coat. His first performances were for his mother's daycare children.
Net Worth and Salary
As of 2025, Kevin Clash's net worth is estimated to be around $12 million. His earnings are derived from a successful career in television, film, and live performances, with significant income stemming from his work on Sesame Street and various other puppeteering projects. Despite past controversies, Clash's talent and reputation in the industry have solidified his financial standing.
Career, Business, and Investments
Kevin Clash’s career took off in the 1980s when he joined the cast of Sesame Street. His innovative puppeteering skills and creative storytelling significantly contributed to the show's success. In addition to puppeteering, Clash has directed and produced various projects across television and film. He has also authored books and made appearances in documentaries, showcasing his expertise as a puppeteer.
Outside of puppetry, Clash invests in educational programs and workshops for aspiring puppeteers and performers, emphasizing the importance of arts in education. His commitment to fostering new talent in the performing arts community remains a testament to his passion for his craft.
Clash developed an interest in puppetry at an early age and, in his teen years, performed for local television children's shows in his hometown of Baltimore, Maryland. He joined the cast of Captain Kangaroo in the early 1980s and began performing on Sesame Street in 1984.
He was the fifth puppeteer to perform Elmo, who became his signature character, and he also served as an executive producer and director for the show. Clash worked in various productions with The Jim Henson Company and occasionally on other projects.
Clash's autobiography, My Life as a Furry Red Monster, was published in 2006; he was later the subject of the documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011).
Social Network
Kevin Clash remains relatively discreet regarding his social media presence. He is active on platforms such as Twitter and Instagram, where he shares insights into his career, promotes projects, and interacts with fans. His posts often include behind-the-scenes glimpses of his work, as well as reflections on the art of puppeteering.
Education
Kevin Clash attended the Maryland Institute College of Art, where he honed his skills in puppetry and production. His dedication to education in the arts is evident in his willingness to mentor young performers and his involvement in workshops promoting puppeteering as a valuable form of artistic expression.
In summary, Kevin Clash in 2025 continues to be a significant influence in the world of puppeteering and entertainment, albeit with a desire for privacy in his personal life. His age, accomplishments, and net worth reflect a storied career filled with creativity and passion.
By the time he was a teenager, he had built almost 90 puppets, which he based upon commercials, popular music, and his friends. While still in high school, Clash performed at venues throughout Baltimore, including schools, churches, fundraisers, and community events.
While appearing at a neighborhood festival, Clash was discovered by Baltimore television personality Stu Kerr, who became Clash's first mentor and hired him to perform in the children's show Caboose at Channel 2. Clash also built puppets for the Romper Room franchise.
When he was 17, he contacted and met puppeteer Kermit Love, who became Clash's mentor, after seeing Love featured in an episode of the children's educational television series Call It Macaroni.
In 1979, on Love's recommendation, Clash appeared as Cookie Monster in the Sesame Street float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and met Jim Henson, who later became his boss, mentor, and good friend.
