Although he's no longer on staff at Sesame Street, Kevin Clash -- the longtime puppeteer and voice of Elmo who resigned last year amid an underage sex scandal -- remains in the running for honors at the 40th Daytime Emmy Awards.
The awards unveiled this year's nominees on Wednesday, including Clash among the Sesame Street producers recognized in the category of outstanding pre-school children's series. He also received a nomination for outstanding performer in a children's series. (He’s up against fellow Sesame Street performers Joey Mazzarino and David Rudman and Ocean Mysteries' Jeff Corwin.)
Clash left the long-running PBS program in disgrace last November after a man went public to accuse Clash of having sex with him while he was underage. More accusers stepped forward as the scandal broke.
"I have loved every day of my 28 years working for this exceptional organization," he said in a statement at the time. "Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work Sesame Street is doing, and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately."
Clash, in his 50s, had voiced Elmo since 1985, launching the sweet-natured, red-furred puppet -- who'd been a recurring character since the '70s -- to greater level of fame alongside Big Bird and Cookie Monster. He has won 23 Daytime Emmys for his Sesame Street work.
Twitter: @ErinLCarlson
Email: erin.carlson@thr.com
