‘Sesame Street’ introduces new Latino character, Armando

“Sesame Street” has concluded its search for the new Latino character who will be moving on to the cozy New York address for the show’s 44th season. And the lucky guy is actor Ismael Cruz Cordova, a Puerto Rican actor who’s been seen previously on “The Good Wife” as Jimmy Patrick (though that show has zero crossover with “Sesame Street’s” audience).

Cordova will play Armando, or “Mando,” one of the non-felt residents of “Sesame Street.” His character is a writer from Puerto Rico who will join the other Latino residents, Maria and Luis, as well as the Spanish-speaking Muppets Rosita and Ovejita.

The new season of “Sesame Street” is expected to have a special focus on Hispanic heritage.

The search for a new cast member began with “Sesame Street’s” first-ever open casting call in August 2012 in New York City.

Video of the auditioning process was released as a series of mini-docs on “Sesame Street’s” YouTube channel. They even included footage of Cordova’s first visit to the set, which prompted a giddy cackle and the words “This is amazing.”

“Like his character ‘Mando,’ Ismael represents a culturally fluid and deeply layered new generation of Hispanic-Americans,” “Sesame Street’s” executive producer, Carol-Lynn Parente, said in a statement.

The new season of “Sesame Street” premieres Sept. 16.

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