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Alistair

Alistair Cookie, as seen in the 1980s

Alistair Cookie is Cookie Monster's alter ego when hosting "Monsterpiece Theater" on Sesame Street. Created as a spoof of the original Masterpiece Theater host Alistair Cooke, Alistair Cookie is basically Cookie Monster in an English smoking jacket and ascot, introducing viewers to a spot of culture while relaxing in a well-stuffed armchair. Though seemingly more sedate and urbane, Alistair Cookie is still a Cookie Monster, devouring baked goods, props, and in the revamped opening in the 1990s, noisily consuming cookies over the theme, while offering judicious comments on the texture. In a 2004 Chicago Public Radio interview, David Rudman referred to Cookie Monster's occasional use of more advanced phrases, such as "It a bit esoteric," as his Alistair Cookie side: He throws out these words like, you know, "Me digress". It's his whole Alistair Cookie side... It's a whole 'nother side of Cookie, where he's just kinda, you know, laidback and intellectual, but he still has that "Me Alistair Cooke," and it's just such a funny contrast.

Alistair Cookie was first introduced in 1981. Alistair Cooke retired from Masterpiece Theater in 1992, replaced by American host Russell Baker, but this had no affect on Alistair Cookie, as reported in The Washington Post from February 24, 1993: A spokeswoman for "Sesame Street" yesterday reassured its fans -- and their children -- that despite the change at the top, Cookie Monster will continue to appear as Alistair Cookie, the host of "Monsterpiece Theatre" -- big chair, fireplace and all... "We love that character," said Ellen Morgenstern ...

Cooke himself was wryly appreciative of the take-off, predicting at a 1991 dinner celebrating the 20th anniversary of Masterpiece Theater that if he was remembered at all, he would be best recalled by fans of "Sesame Street" as "Alistair Cookie, the Cookie Monster of Monsterpiece Theater."

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