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for other uses, see Buffy (disambiguation)
Buffy-0868
PERFORMER Buffy Sainte-Marie
DEBUT 1975
Buffy-bigbird

The Sesame Street Library Volume 13

Groverbuffy

Buffy Sainte-Marie appeared on Sesame Street from Season 7 (1975) to Season 12 (1981). As a recurring character, Buffy introduced elements of Cree culture and sang many songs on the street.

Buffy first came to the street as a backpacking visitor in Episode 0802, en route to New Mexico, but she invites her new friends to visit her some time. They do, in the course of their trip to New Mexico, reuniting in Episode 0814. She returned to the street itself in Episode 0842 and two subsequent episodes in February 1976. The following month, Buffy was welcomed again as a visitor, still backpacking, in Episode 0868. In Episode 0872, it's established that she had previously stayed in a hotel during her visits, but now needs accommodations. Maria lets her use her spare room, and after that Buffy is treated as an occasional recurring resident through the end of the season.

Unlike the actor Bob McGrath who played a character named Bob Johnson on the show, Sainte-Marie played a fictionalized version of herself most often referred to simply as Buffy, but also acknowledging her full name within the context of the show's fictional setting. When Buffy corresponded with Maria offscreen, sharing photos of her pregnancy (Episode 1010) and then of her new baby (Episode 1021), her real life son Cody and husband Sheldon were introduced. Her career as a famous singer was occasionally recognized, such as her concert tour referenced in Episode 1027, and when her songs were played on the radio in Episode 1560.

Buffy came back to the street in person late in Season 8, and Cody and Sheldon followed as recurring cast. When Cody was born and everybody's attention turned to him, Big Bird shut himself in his nest area, posting a "KEEP OUT! This means you!" sign on his door. Buffy explained to Big Bird, in song, that she loves "different people in different ways."

Buffy breastfed Dakota in one episode; a former Canadian politician commented that "I remember seeing that and thinking about how proud she made aboriginal women because nursing is a part of our culture. During those days it was kind of a hidden thing, so to see Buffy doing it on Sesame Street was really something."[1]

In Season 9, most of the Sesame Street gang traveled to Hawaii to visit Buffy and her family, who, at the time, lived there on a Native American reservation. Buffy and her family would continue to fly back to Sesame Street for extended visits from time to time as late as season 12. The family would typically stay with Maria during these visits, but in season 12, Buffy and Cody took up residence in Oscar's trash can instead.

Episodic appearances[]

Songs[]

Sources[]

  1. Memory Mcleod, "Canadian icon wears her many hats well," The Leader-Post, November 10, 2008.
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