'Sesame Street' New Latino Character: 26-Year-Old Puerto Rican Ismael Cruz Córdova To Play Armando

Ismael Cruz Córdova 'Armando' In Sesame Street Courtesy Of Sesame Workshop

"Sesame Street" has new neighbor, and his name is Armando. The new Latino resident is nicknamed "Mando" and will be played by Puerto Rican actor Ismael Cruz Córdova. Córdova will operate the Muppet who is energetic, friendly, and sky blue with a sweet orange button nose.

Córdova received a BFA from New York University's prestigious Tisch School of the Arts and has starred in "The Good Wife" and "La Edwin."

In a Q&A with VOXXI, Corodva provides a more in-depth look at his character Armando and also how he came to star in the 44^th season of "Season Street."

Córdova describes Armando as if the character is a friend he has known his whole life. According to Cordova, Mando is "a very energetic, vibrant, smart but at the same time relaxed and cool writer. He loves to write anything, poetry, short films, songs and he's all about expressing himself with what you have. He also welcomes technology, like the fact that you can make a short film from your phone."

Córdova also discussed his journey from Puerto Rico to NYU Tisch School of the Arts. After high school, Cordova applied to 13 colleges however he received 13 rejections due to his lack of resources to travel. But after one year he won a big scholarship in Puerto Rico for $1000 and used it to audition for NYU and got in as a transfer student.

The actor also gushed about how proud he is to be representing Latinos on the upcoming season of "Sesame Street." "I honestly still haven't found the words to describe how important I think this is and how it feels and my body just wants to react with tears. It's epic, it's monumental and it is a huge deal for the American community in general, not just Latinos."

Córdova's premiere on "Sesame Street" will begin in September, where he will join Cookie Monster, Elmo, Bert, Ernie and the rest of the "Sesame Street" neighborhood. Córdova will also be appearing in his first Hollywood film called "In The Blood" this fall.