Guy Smiley is the Sesame Street character billed as “America’s favorite game show host.” His loud, relentlessly cheerful persona parodies the polished hosts and elaborate formats of television quiz and variety programs.
The character was created and originally performed by Jim Henson. Guy Smiley appeared in sketches such as “This Is Your Lunch” and “Here Is Your Life,” using game-show conventions to teach children about subjects including food, teeth, trees, letters, and numbers. The comedy worked on two levels: children followed the lesson, while adults recognized the television satire.
Guy Smiley’s boisterous voice was demanding for Henson, so much of the character’s dialogue was prerecorded. The character was largely discontinued after Henson’s death in 1990, though Eric Jacobson later performed Guy Smiley beginning in 2005.
The title is not a description of a real American broadcaster. It is the character’s promotional catchphrase, which makes him easy to confuse with Sesame Street’s other parody figures. Forgetful Jones, Sherlock Hemlock, and Don Music have different comic and educational roles.