Iconic ‘Maria’ character leaves Sesame Street after 45 seasons

Sonia Manzano, who played “Maria” on US children's TV series “Sesame Street” announced that she was leaving the show after 45 seasons.

A post on the Sesame Street Facebook page described Manzano's Maria as "the first leading Latina woman on television" and a "role model for young girls and women for generations."

The program also pointed out that Manzano "earned 15 Emmy awards as a member of Sesame Street’s writing team."

"We’ll always be grateful for her many years on Sesame Street as a champion of diversity and helping millions of kids grow up smarter, stronger and kinder," the post concluded.

Tech site Mashable, meanwhile, applauded Manzano for her "commitment to being part of a diverse cast, to teaching Spanish, and to embodying an ultra-competent, empathetic, and very funny Latina woman on TV."

Netizens took to social media to voice their sadness and also to thank Manzano for the impact she had on their lives.

An end of an era: @SoniaMManzano / Maria won't appear on the next season of @SesameStreet !

— Nicholas Moreau (@nickmoreau) June 30, 2015

@SoniaMManzano I want to thank you for all of your work on @sesamestreet you truly made an impact on my life growing up.

— MB12g (@Mbtoon05) June 30, 2015

You will be missed! Good luck "Maria!" @amlibraries @SoniaMManzano @npt8

— Linda Wei (@lweikelly) June 30, 2015

@amlibraries @SoniaMManzano Bye, Maria. Another remnant of my childhood going. ????

— Anais Blin (@AnaisBlin) June 30, 2015

— Joel Locsin/DVM, GMA News