Caroll Spinney, "Big Bird", said, "I thought it would do well, but I don't think anyone could image 40 years"

The characters were created by Jim Henson, who died in 1990 at the age of 53.

He and so many other producers pioneered a strategy to harness the power of television to help underprivileged children.

Supported by generous donations and a non-profit organization, the mission continues, reaching out now to middle-income kids, too.

A recent study found that teens who watched "Sesame Street" in pre-school had higher grades than those who did not.

New York City once honored the show by temporarily naming a street Sesame Street, and has designated November 9th Sesame Street day.

And the show is still going strong.

Last season, "Sesame Street" averaged more than 5 million viewers each week.

By all accounts, the fuzzy gang is well on its way to a 41st birthday celebration.