Sonia Manzano, who is best known as Maria in Sesame Street, finally bid the show farewell after 44 years of being on it.
Every child in America who grew up watching that show knows about her and it has been a real big change for America's children's TV and culture, what she just recently decided upon.
In an exclusive interview with The Daily Beast, Manzano opened up a lot about her past, her family and why she finally quit the show.
She shared about some really emotional experiences from fans of the show that made her life worthwhile doing the show. Like one time, a fan would approach her saying "I was abused as a child, but when I watched you for that hour everyday, I was comforted." That is definitely something that has to be in her memoirs.
Leaving Sesame Street was something she has been thinking of for years; only she didn't have an exact date as to when to finally fulfill that plan.
She then tried to shift into writing while still being on the show. However, she got less castings along with her other co-actors since the Muppets got more of it.
Manzano also opened up her story to The New York Times, revealing a lot about her childhood. Many would probably be shocked that despite her portrayal of being the bubbly and nice Maria on Sesame Street, her childhood was completely the opposite of it. She and her dad have been estranged for years. She witnessed her dad coming home drunk and beat her mother.
CBC reported that she would be releasing her memoir called Becoming Maria very soon. This is definitely something that her fans should look forward to.
She is also currently busy building a museum for kids in Bronx, New York.
