Just in time to celebrate May as AAPI Heritage Month, the iconic PBS children’s show “Sesame Street” introduced its first Filipino muppet, TJ. The character is played by voice actor and puppeteer Yinan Shentu and was created by Filipino American animator Bobby Pontillas. He made his debut in a segment that encouraged confidence. TJ was featured alongside actors Kal Penn and Ji-Young, the show’s first Asian American muppet.
The Filipino community responded enthusiastically, gushing over the positive effects the representation will mean for the future generations who see themselves on the show.
In the episode, TJ says, “I’m learning Tagalog. It’s a language my Filipino family speaks. And I have confidence because I can always ask my lola for help when I don’t know a word,” TJ says, using the Tagalog word for grandmother.
The introduction of the Filipino muppet comes two years after the show debuted Ji-Young, who was intended to help children process and discuss the aspects of anti-Asian racism.
