Current Voice of Elmo
Ryan Dillon has been the primary performer for Elmo on Sesame Street since 2013, taking over the role after the passing of Kevin Clash. Dillon, an American puppeteer trained at the Jim Henson Company, now operates the red Muppet full time in new episodes, specials, and digital content. His work defines the modern Elmo voice heard in recent seasons, spin-off series, and branded media. Forbes reports on Ryan Dillon's transition into the role and his ongoing contributions.
Kevin Clash originated the iconic Elmo voice for mainstream audiences and performed the character extensively through the 1980s and 1990s, but he is no longer the performer. Clash publicly disclosed personal issues in 2012 and stepped away from the role, which led Sesame Workshop to assign the character to Ryan Dillon. Sesame Workshop remains the organization behind Sesame Street and manages the Elmo character and performer relationships.
History of the Elmo Performer
Early Performers and Voice Origins
Before Kevin Clash, multiple puppeteers contributed to Elmo's voice and movement in early segments and test episodes. Richard Hunt, Brian Muehl, and others experimented with the character during the late 1970s and early 1980s, establishing the high-pitched tone that became Elmo's signature. Kevin Clash later refined the voice and made it central to the character's identity.
Kevin Clash Era
Kevin Clash performed Elmo from the early 1980s onward, with the character gaining massive popularity in the 1990s through the "Tickle Me Elmo" toy craze. Sesame Workshop credits Clash with shaping Elmo's playful personality and expanding the character's presence across merchandise, specials, and international co-productions. Sesame Workshop's official site details the history of Elmo and key performers.
Sesame Street Production and Character Details
Sesame Street is produced by Sesame Workshop, a nonprofit media and education organization that also oversees digital content, international versions, and licensing. Elmo appears in episodes, specials, and branded products under the Sesame Workshop banner, with Ryan Dillon handling the puppet and voice for current productions. The show's format combines live action, animation, and Muppet segments, with Elmo's segments focusing on social-emotional learning for preschoolers.
Ryan Dillon also performs other Muppets on Sesame Street and in related projects, including appearances on late-night programs and digital series. Sesame Workshop continues to update the show's curriculum and format, incorporating new segments and guest stars while maintaining Elmo as a central character. Sesame Workshop's education page outlines the show's learning goals and character roles.