Christopher Thomas Hayes is an actor and puppeteer. His screen credits include minor roles on Teen Wolf and The Vampire Diaries. Hayes served as an uncredited assistant Muppet performer during season 46 of Sesame Street, including Episode 4607. He was a credited performer for the special Once Upon a Sesame Street Christmas, and performed the Anything Muppet caricature of Craig Melvin on the October 21, 2019 edition of Today. In 2019, Hayes was cast as the new performer of Hoots the Owl, performing him in the 50th anniversary special and the jazz concert, A Swingin' Sesame Street Celebration: 50 Years & Counting.