Multiple Myeloma Symptoms Explained as Emilio Delgado, Sesame Street's Luis, Dies

Emilio Delgado, the actor best known for playing the character of Luis in Sesame Street, has died at the age of 81 due to multiple myeloma.

Delgado, who played the Fix-It Shop owner in the popular children's TV show, passed away at his home in New York City on Thursday, surrounded by his family, his wife told TMZ.

Delgado joined the cast of Sesame Street in 1971 and remained on the show until 2016. He was diagnosed with multiple myeloma in December 2020.

Sesame Workshop—the non-profit educational organization behind Sesame Street—said in a statement following Delgado's death: "A beloved member of the Sesame family for over 50 years, his warmth and humor invited children to share a friendship that has echoed through generations."

"At the forefront of representation, Emilio proudly laid claim to the record for the longest-running role for a Mexican-American in a TV series. We are so grateful he shared his talents with us and with the world."

What Is Multiple Myeloma?

Multiple myeloma is a cancer that forms in plasma cells—a type of white blood cell—according to the American Cancer Society (ACS).

Plasma cells are found in the bone marrow—the soft inner part of bones where new blood cells are produced.

When they are normal and healthy, plasma cells form an important part of the immune system, helping the body to fight off diseases, but producing antibodies that attack pathogens, such as bacteria and viruses.

But plasma cells can become cancerous and grow out of control—a condition known as multiple myeloma.

In patients with this condition, the cancerous plasma cells produced abnormal antibodies that can lead to a variety of complications.

According to the ACS, multiple myeloma is a relatively uncommon cancer. The lifetime risk of someone developing the disease in the United States is around one in 132.

The Society estimates that around 34,000 new cases of multiple myeloma will be diagnosed in the United States in 2022, with around 12,600 deaths expected to occur from the disease.

The symptoms of multiple myeloma, according to the Mayo Clinic, vary depending on the individual, but may include bone pain, nausea, constipation, loss of appetite, mental fogginess or confusion, fatigue, frequent infections, weight loss, weakness or numbness in the legs, and excessive thirst.

In some cases, there may be no symptoms early on.

The risk of developing multiple myeloma increases with age. Most people who develop the disease are diagnosed in their mid-60s.

Multiple myeloma is more common in men than in women, and if you have a brother, sister or parent who has had the disease, your risk of developing the cancer is also higher.