Spreading Smiles and Joy: Kathleen Kim’s Sesame Street Magic | 3x28

In this episode we are joined by puppeteer, voice actor, and producer Kathleen Kim, who has brought asian representation to Sesame Street, through the newest member of the beloved cast, Ji-Young. Her incredible role as Ji-Young not only empowers AAPI children as they see themselves in such a manner, but also reconnects the bond of diverse communities within this PBS longtime favorite. 

As Kathleen touches on the creation, progress, and overall impact of this journey with Ji-Young, we are immersed into the deeper meaning of Ji-Young’s presence, creating a picture of how she contributes to the AAPI community. On a more personal note, Kathleen shares her own relationship to the character, gratefully expressing that she learns many characteristics that she herself does not hone, describing that puppeteering is a force in which you breathe life into someone/ or something. Her lively personality rings through her jokes, laughs, and smiles as she expresses her luck in receiving this role, and how she plans to continue making a positive impact in television.

The See Us Coming Together special has been nominated in 2022 for Outstanding Fictional Special Emmy, and Outstanding Writing for a Live Action Preschool or Children's Program Emmy. You can also find her work in Awkwafina is Nora from Queens (2020), Helpsters (2019), and A Beautiful Day in the Neighborhood (2019).