Sesame Street icon Oscar the Grouch: “Do you know who you are talking to? I am GREEN for a reason”

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What’s the view from your trash can?

When I peek out of my can, everything seems overly cheerful – birds singing, friendly monsters, and bright sunshine! It’s too much for me, so I’d rather stay inside or just keep my eyes shut.

What’s it like living on Sesame Street?

I’m really annoyed! It feels like everyone around here is constantly cheerful, always singing and dancing. And that tiny, red creature is always giggling – it’s sickeningly sweet!

Elmo told us he thinks he saw you smile once and that deep down, you’re a big softie. Is that true?

What?! Smile. Me? No, never. Grouches don’t smile. Our motto is to turn that smile upside down!

Are you able to watch TV in the trash can?

Yes, but the signal is all fuzzy and I only get one channel!

What do you enjoy watching?

Worm TV is a really fun and silly channel – it’s all about worms and wonderfully messy! I especially loved watching the Worm Winter Games; I couldn’t stop watching!

Your trash can seems much bigger on the inside than on the outside – what do you keep in there?

Let me tell you, my place is perfect for a bit of a mope. It’s got everything a gloomy soul could want! There’s plenty of…well, let’s just say ‘character’ scattered around, a wonderfully murky pond for a dip, and an old piano that’s seen better days. I’m also a bit of a collector – I’ve got a lovely patch of moss that’s getting wonderfully aged. And I’m a big animal lover, too – I share my home with Slimey the worm, Fluffy the elephant, and my adorable pig, Spot.

How do you make your trash can the most revolting place to live?

While some people like to keep their homes tidy, mine is usually a mess! I’ve got mud on the walls, dust coating everything, and newspapers scattered around. It’s… cozy, in its own way.

What’s your favourite piece of trash?

I have a strange attachment to an apple core that’s been growing mold for two decades! But I believe something good can come from anything, even trash – you never know what you might find useful. That’s why I’m a bit of a collector of discarded items.

Are you good at recycling?

Just so you know, I’m a big advocate for environmental responsibility – that’s why I’m associated with the color green. I’m passionate about recycling and composting, and honestly, who doesn’t enjoy the fresh scent of compost on a warm day?

What is your perfect rotten day?

Who have you told to “Scram!” recently?

I’m telling everyone – Elmo, Big Bird, even the mail carrier, all the athletes I met in the 2026 Winter Olympics, a nosy squirrel, and yes, you too – get out of here! That should take care of things for now.

You’ve met loads of celebrities. Did anyone out-Grouch you?

You can’t top the original Grouch, but Brett Goldstein came pretty close! He’s incredibly good at being unpleasant and spoiling someone’s mood.

What are your best tips for being a grouch?

Start by finding a really old, dirty trash can. Then, complain frequently! Make sure you don’t get a good night’s sleep, and only eat food that’s gotten cold.

Okay, so TopMob asked me what I tell kids when they’re in a bad mood, you know, feeling grumpy? Honestly, I always say it’s totally okay to feel that way! Everyone gets down sometimes. I usually suggest finding something fun to distract them – a favorite movie, a silly game, or just a big hug. Sometimes just talking about why they’re feeling grumpy helps a ton, too. Basically, acknowledge the feeling, then try to shift their focus to something positive.

It’s perfectly normal to feel grumpy now and then! Everyone experiences it, even if they don’t show it. It won’t last forever – you’ll be back to feeling cheerful soon… unless you genuinely enjoy being a bit of a grouch, like me!

Authors

Laura Rutkowski

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2026-04-06 19:37