RIP "Teeny Little Super Guy" Animater Paul Fierlinger (1936 - 2025)

Paul Fierlinger, who animated the "Teeny Super Guy" shorts on Sesame Street, has passed away.

Fierlinger had a extensive career and earned three Peabody Awards for Still Life With Animated Dogs (2000) and A Room Nearby (2003), and was nominated for an Oscar for It’s So Nice to Have a Wolf Around the House.

Fierlinger produced segments for Sesame Street and The Electric Company featuring letters, numbers, and more, but it was the “Teeny Little Super Guy,” segments that became an iconic contributions to children’s programming.

The superhero drawn on a cup and household objects became a standout character and has been adored by generations. 

Watch animator Tom Sloan demonstrate how the "Teeny Little Super Guy" shorts were made and a few Fierlinger other Sesame and Electric Company shorts below:

 

You can read more about Paul Fierlinger's life and work at CartoonBrew. 

Paul Fierlinger was 89.