Elmo was originally conceived as a supporting character and background character by Henson Associates-based Muppet artist/builder Caroly Wilcox in 1979. He first appeared in the Sesame Street song "We Are All Monsters", which first aired in a Season 11 episode during 1980. Since Clash's resignation in late 2012, Elmo has been puppeteered by Ryan Dillon. Elmo is self-described as three-and-a-half years old and his birthday is February 3.