Sonia Manzano, Who Played Maria On 'Sesame Street,' Is Retiring After 44 Years

GettyImages-703222 — Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on "Sesame Street" announced she was retiring from the PBS children's series after 44 years. Pictured, Manzano and the Muppet Grover launch the new 'Super Grover' sandwich in honor of the 4,000th 'Sesame Street' episode February 27, 2002 at the Stage Deli in New York City. George De Sota/Getty Images

During an appearance at the American Library Association Annual Conference, Sonia Manzano, who has played the character Maria on “Sesame Street” for 44 years, announced she would be retiring from the PBS children’s television series.

After 45 years on Sesame Street, @SoniaMManzano will no longer appear on the next season. #alaac15 pic.twitter.com/Jiz7tn9dAI
— American Libraries (@amlibraries) June 29, 2015

Manzano joined the show in 1971 and became a series regular in 1974. As Maria, she ran the Fix-It-Shop with her TV husband Luis (Emilio Delgado). During her time with the show she won 15 Daytime Emmy Awards as a scriptwriter and was nominated twice for “Outstanding Performer in a Children’s Series.”

When the news broke, many fans took to Twitter to let the 65-year-old actress and author know that she’ll be missed. In response to one tweet, Manzano said that she would be open to returning for the show’s 50th anniversary.

@cahuenga23 Maybe I'll go back for 50th anniversary and make a guest appearance! Gracias!
— Sonia Manzano (@SoniaMManzano) July 1, 2015

@SoniaMManzano @sesamestreet Plus I have always enjoyed the Maria moments with @OscarTheGrouch.
— MB12g (@Mbtoon05) June 30, 2015

@SoniaMManzano say it isn't so! You have retired from @sesamestreet? Our family will miss you so much!
— UnbreakableHeatherS (@NKCoverGrrl) June 30, 2015