[3][4] He was also a costume designer for Broadway and other stage productions as in the 1930s, including the Mercury Theatre troupe with Orson Welles.

The three first collaborated on the La Choy Dragon for advertising the chow mein brand,[4] which was a precursor to Big Bird.

[6] Love's theatrical background had given him particular skill at handling full body-puppets and tailoring them to allow freedom for the performer's movements.

From this, Love went on to build Oscar the Grouch and then Big Bird[4] after a drawing was designed by Henson (though Sahlin had carved the first head).

[3][7] He accompanied the Big Bird costume (Love preferred calling it a "puppet") when it traveled overseas for appearances.

For the feature film Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird, he served as special Muppet consultant, and appeared in many background scenes as Willy.

In his memoir The Wit and Wisdom of Big Bird, Caroll Spinney speaks affectionately of Love and his importance to the show, though noting an occasional cantankerous side.

[2] One of his specials was watched by a young Kevin Clash, whose parents contacted Love and told him about their son.