Sonia Manzano, known for playing Maria on "Sesame Street," gives back throughout the city The Bronx native volunteers with "Meet the Writers" by visiting schoolchildren with her book to inspire a ...

The actress who played Maria on "Sesame Street" recently came to Chicago, where she spoke about the importance of early childhood education and took a trip down memory lane.

Sonia Manzano, the creator and executive producer of "Alma's Way" who memorably starred as Maria on "Sesame Street," discusses how she got the Supreme Court justice on the show.

Sonia Manzano is a New York legend, television icon, and cultural trail-blazer. She played “Maria” on Sesame Street for more than four decades.

When Sonia Manzano got the part of "Maria" on "Sesame Street" in 1971, she had no idea that she'd be on the show for 44 years and touch millions of children's lives — including mine as young girl.

Sonia Manzano, who portrayed Maria on "Sesame Street" for 44 years, recalls vividly what it's like to be a child.

Sonia Manzano, who played Maria on Sesame Street for 44 years before leaving in 2015, makes her animated debut on Monday on the PBS Kids show Alma's Way.

Emilio Delgado (left) and Sonia Manzano (center) co-starred on "Sesame Street" for decades (along with the Count, seated on a fence). Manzano remembered Delgado in a piece for Time.