television. >> hello there. >> reporter: a gentle grown-up for generations of kids. >> just hold your knee up and i'll kiss it. >> ah! >> reporter: through tough times -- >> big bird, don't you remember we told you? mr. hooper died. >> reporter: and good times. ♪ when she married her beloved luis on the show, elmo was ring bearer. >> don't drop the rings, bob. >> reporter: maria as essential to the cast as cookie monster, big bird and the count. >> grover, you forgot something. >> reporter: without her, sunny days won't quite be the same. david wright, abc news, new york. >> oh, man. i had the biggest crush on her when i was a kid. >> she is amazing. and have you ever been down there at their set, "sesame street"? >> no, have you? >> yes. >> really? >> and let me tell you, it is an incredible operation. >> oh, wait! >> no. >> we have found her replacement. >> oh! >> it's reena ninan. >> no one can replace maria.