Paul Haenen is stepping down as the voice of Bert and Grover in Sesame Street after fifty years. He announced this on his TV program Margreet Dolman Begrijpt 'T. The decision is linked to the passing of Wim T. Schippers, who provided the voice of Ernie for decades. Haenen will, however, remain involved in the casting of his successors. He touchingly addressed a Bert puppet on camera with the words: "Where are you now, Ernie? I miss you." Earlier this year, Haenen and Schippers recorded episodes together for Netflix.