HAPPY BIRTHDAY, SESAME STREET

The mission to help kids everywhere grow smarter, stronger and kinder began 50 years ago (Nov. 10, 1969) when a colorful community of puppets and people came together on Sesame Street. (Catch the memories in Sesame Street:

50 Years and Counting, on DVD from Shout! Factory Kids and Sesame Workshop.) We salute the many celebrities, including these folks, who joined in the fun.

GLORIA ESTEFAN The “Rhythm Is Gonna Get You” singer appeared several times, but in 1991, she got all the Muppets dancing to “Conga.”

ELLEN DEGENERES The talkshow host visited Sesame

Street in the ‘90s for a fun skit in which she explained to Elmo how the names Ellen and Elmo sound alike.

MICHELLE OBAMA As first lady, Obama appeared on the show more than once to discuss healthy eating, and she also made several public service announcements alongside Muppets.

LIN-MANUEL MIRANDA The Hamilton impresario played a villainous real-estate agent, Freddy Flapman.