Cookie Monster steals the show in PBS special

NEW YORK — Sitting next to the cobalt creature known as Sesame Street's Cookie Monster is, well, delectable.

He's cute and dynamic and very, very animated.

This time, he's promoting his first special, airing Monday on PBS (check local listings). It's called The Cookie Thief, and is an hour-long thriller about art going missing from a new museum, including a piece called The Cream (aka The Scream). The program also features former Saturday Night Live performer Rachel Dratch as a museum guard.

"Me no eat it. Me have self control. Me no eat the paintings. They very tempting," says Cookie, voiced by David Rudman.

Since making his debut in 1969 on the beloved educational program, Cookie has emerged as one of the show's most beloved characters.

But times, they do change, and he's evolved to keep pace with concerns about childhood obesity and healthy eating. He now advocates fruits and veggies. But he still has air time with his share of celebrities, including Claire Danes, Jeff Bridges, Sir Ian McKellen and Paul Rudd.

"We buddies," he says of McKellen. "We hang out. We have cookies together. Have a little tea. He terrific guy. A little Earl Grey perhaps. It good with cookies."

As for Rudd, known for his easy humor and impressive head of hair? "Oh he terrific guy. He hilarious."