Emilio Delgado, who played Luis from "Sesame Street", died

The "fight" involving Elmo and "The Rock" 1:31

(CNN) --

Emilio Delgado, who spent more than 40 years entertaining generations of children playing Luis, the owner of the Fix-It Shop on "Sesame Street," has died, according to his manager.

He was 81 years old.

"We are saddened by the news of Emilio's passing. Emilio was an immense talent who brought so much joy and smiles to his fans. He will be missed by many and we know his legacy will live on. Our thoughts are with his loved ones, including his wife, Carole." Robert Attermann, CEO of A3 Artists Agency, told CNN in a statement.

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The actor died Thursday at his home in New York City.

He had been diagnosed with multiple myeloma, a blood cancer, in 2020, according to a TMZ report citing his wife.

Prior to the pandemic in early 2020, Delgado had been active in theater, starring in "Quijote Nuevo," a version of "Don Quixote."

His extensive stage work included serving as artistic director of the Barrio Theater Ensemble of East Los Angeles.

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Still, he will be best remembered for the popular children's show.

Delgado had cited the importance of the PBS show as a cultural benchmark in how people of color were portrayed on television.

Emilio Delgado with Big Bird in "Sesame Street".

(PBS/ Courtesy: Everett Collection).

"For the first time on TV, Latinos were shown as real human beings," Delgado told the Houston Chronicle in 2020. "We weren't drug addicts. We weren't maids or prostitutes, which was how we were portrayed on TV and in movies." . Here on 'Sesame Street' there were different people speaking different languages ​​and eating interesting foods and they were all Americans," he said.

"A beloved member of the Sesame Family for more than 50 years, his warmth and humor that invited children to share a friendship that has echoed through generations," Sesame Workshop said of Delgado in a statement to CNN.

"At the forefront of representation, Emilio is proud to claim the 'Record for the longest-running role for a Mexican-American in a television series.' We are so grateful that he has shared his talent with us and the world." ".

Beyond "Sesame Street," Delgado appeared on shows like "Law & Order," and earlier in his career on the dramas "Lou Grant" and "Falcon Crest."

He also co-starred in the 1975 TV movie "I Will Fight No More Forever," a true story about the Nez Perce Native American chief, Chief Joseph.

Delgado was born in Calexico, California, but was raised by his grandparents in Mexicali, which is across the US-Mexico border.

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