Anecdotes

She retired from "Sesame Street" after 44 years.

Sonia performed in the original cast of "Godspell," originating her character's song "Turn Back, O Man." (1971)

Wrote a memoir titled "Becoming Maria: Love and Chaos in the South Bronx".

Her onscreen daughter was based on her real life daughter.

Inducted into the Bronx Hall of Fame in 2004.

Her favorite Sesame Street character is Oscar the Grouch.