Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey.

Name: Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
Genre: Documentary
Released: 2011-10-21
Duration: 85 min
Cast: Kevin Clash, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Frank Oz, Bill Barretta

The hands behind a familiar face.

Kevin Clash's path from making puppets as a child to performing on Sesame Street reveals the craft behind Elmo. Interviews and backstage footage explore his training and influences.

95%Tomatometer78 critics · Rotten Tomatoes

Checked Nov 1, 2026. About these scores

Why it’s a little special

For children interested in performance or making things, puppetry becomes a skill they can imagine practicing.

BEFORE YOU PRESS PLAY

Know the story.
Know your little people.

Parental guidance suggested

US film rating

Some mild language and adult career themes. This 2011 documentary is a portrait from that period, not a current overview of its subject's life.

Our notes are a starting point, not an age recommendation. G and PG films can still include intense moments. You know your family best.

BEHIND THE SCENES

The little details.

Directed by: Constance Marks
Starring: Kevin Clash, Whoopi Goldberg, Rosie O'Donnell, Frank Oz, Bill Barretta, Joan Ganz Cooney
Written by: Philip Shane, Justin Weinstein
Produced by: Constance Marks, Corinne LaPook, James J. Miller
Release date: October 21, 2011
Runtime: 85 minutes
Genre: Documentary
Studio: Constance Marks Productions Inc.
Language: English