Linda Bove

Linda Bove (born November 30, 1945 in Garfield, New Jersey) is a pioneering Deaf American actress and certified interpreter whose career has spanned more than five decades. She first gained national attention when she joined the National Theatre of the Deaf and appeared on Sesame Street in 1971, becoming the first Deaf performer to hold a recurring role on the landmark PBS series. Over the next thirty‑one years she portrayed a fictionalized version of herself, introducing millions of children to American Sign Language and normalizing Deaf culture on mainstream television. Bove’s presence on Sesame Street was not limited to simple sign‑language segments; she participated in sketches, silent film parodies, and even a romantic subplot with the on‑screen interpreter Bob, showcasing a nuanced and fully realized character. Her work on the show earned her the distinction of being the longest‑working Deaf actor on a single television series, and she returned for the 50th‑anniversary special in 2019, reaffirming her lasting impact. Beyond television, Bove has been a tireless advocate for Deaf theatre, co‑founding the Little Theatre of the Deaf in the 1970s and later Deaf West Theatre with her husband Ed Waterstreet in 1991, which broke new ground as the first U.S. theatre company run by Deaf actors. She has performed in productions ranging from Saint Joan to the national tour of Big River, and has contributed to educational media such as Sign Language Fun With Linda Bove. In 2004 she earned certification as a Deaf interpreter, applying her expertise in legal and governmental settings, including the White House. Her awards include an honorary degree from Gallaudet University, the Bernard Bragg Artistic Achievement Award, and the Media Advocacy Award for advancing Deaf rights through media.