Elmo is a furry red monster with an orange nose that appears on Sesame Street. Since the character was defined in 1985, he has become incredibly popular with children, possibly because, as the character is supposed to be a little over three years old, children can identify with him. Elmo has spawned many extremely popular toys, including Tickle Me Elmo and TMX Elmo, and has starred in several films.

On April 21, 2009, Elmo hosted the opening of a new planetarium show at the Smithsonian's National Air and Space Museum. The show is the museums first made for four to six year old children.SFGate: Elmo launches planetarium show as cuddly astronaut

The original Tickle Me Elmo was the must-have toy of 1996. Shoppers stood in long lines and even physically fought over the doll, and it was resold for up to $1500. Store employees were injured by shoppers in pursuit of the doll. Other Sesame Street dolls were released to cash in on the Tickle Me Elmo fad. None met with the success of the original, although 2006's TMX Elmo doll came very close.

• FatWallet: Elmo Hot Deals

• Note: The majority of the links in this timeline are to IMDb, which has pop-ups.

• 1981-present: Sesame Street

• 1994: The Best of Elmo

• 1996: Elmo Saves Christmas

• 1996: Elmo Says Boo

• 1998: Elmopalooza!

• 1999: The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland

• 1999: The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland: Sing and Play Video

• 1999: Cinderelmo

• 2001: Elmo's Magic Cookbook

• 2002: Elmo Visits the Fire House

• 2005: Elmo Visits the Doctor