Frank Biondo
Frank Biondo, both before and behind the camera, in "Elmo's World: Cameras."
Biondo and Frankie
Frank Biondo (b. October 16, 1938) has been camera 1 operator on Sesame Street since the very first show. He worked with Jim Henson on projects before Sesame as well, and appeared as himself in a montage in "Elmo's World: Cameras."
Biondo is an Emmy winner in the category of Outstanding Achievement in Technical Direction/Electronic Camera/Video Control for Sesame Street. He's spoken proudly of his work on the series:
"This is the biggest show in the world. In the world! The biggest star on television is Big Bird. Big Hollywood stars come on the show, they bow down to Big Bird. At the end of the day, that's something I can brag about. Some other guy's going around saying, 'Hey, I work on The Tonight Show!' Yeah, good for you, buddy. I work with Big Bird![1]"
Biondo founded the Make a Kid Smile Foundation which gives gifts to seriously ill children.
Frankie, a Muppet caricature of Biondo, appeared as a cameraman for "The Alphabet Roadshow" in episode 4125. The character has also appeared briefly in a sketch featuring Count von Count and Liam Neeson, and is seen working as a stagehand in the 2007 special The Get Healthy Now Show. The puppet was once again seen in episode 4203 selling t-shirts at a race.
In a 1988 Sesame Street sketch, Kermit the Frog directs Forgetful Jones in the musical Oklahoma!, where "F. Biondo" is listed on the clapperboard as the cameraman.
Biondo wrote "ABC Hip Hop", a song first performed by Miles and several monsters on Sesame Street. The tune later appeared in the 2005 Sesame Street Live stage show Super Grover! Ready for Action sung by Kay and the Company.
Among the things that Alison Bartlett recalls from her first episode as Gina: "the sound of camera operator Frank Biondo's frightening New York accent after every take stating "Dat was…average.""[2]
↑ The Cincinnati Post "Sesame Street turns 30" Matt Zoeller, 11/20/98.
↑ "Growing Up Gina", sesame family newsletter, December 17, 2010.
Frank Biondo Cameos
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