Sonia Manzano

Sonia Manzano, born on June twelfth, nineteen fifty, is a multifaceted American actress, writer, and speaker, renowned for her impactful contributions to children's television. She is best recognized for her iconic role as Maria on the beloved series Sesame Street, where she captivated audiences from nineteen seventy-one until two thousand fifteen.

In recognition of her outstanding work, Manzano was honored with a Lifetime Achievement Daytime Emmy Award in two thousand sixteen, a testament to her dedication and influence in the industry. Her literary contributions include the memoir Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx, published in two thousand fifteen, alongside the novel The Revolution of Evelyn Serrano and several cherished children's books.

Beyond acting and writing, Sonia is the creative force behind the animated children's television series Alma's Way, produced by Fred Rogers Productions. In this role, she serves as an executive producer, writer, and voice actor, continuing her mission to inspire and educate young audiences through engaging storytelling.