Yoshi

Yoshi is a recurring character in the Super Mario series and the protagonist of his own Yoshi series. He's a frequent ally to Mario, assisting him since he was a baby, as seen in the Yoshi's Island games. His appearance in Super Mario World was met with mass approval, leading to him frequently appearing in other Mario games and spin-offs.

Yoshi cameos in Super Mario 64 on top of Princess Peach's Castle. Upon getting 120 stars, Mario can use the canon to shoot himself onto the castle's roof. Upon talking to Yoshi, he will grant you 100 lives and a specialized triple jump as a reward for fully completing the game.

He also appears as the first playable character in Super Mario 64 DS, awakened by Lakitu when the Mario Bros. and Wario go missing. He, and other colored Yoshis, are the only playable characters in the game's multiplayer mode.

Unused Yoshi Egg
In Super Mario 64, there is a Yoshi egg graphic that is unused in the game. From this, it is believed that Yoshi was going to have a more significant role in the game.

Yoshi's Suicide
Yoshi Suicide is a belief that at the end of the game, when Yoshi jumps off from the roof, he is committing suicide.

Trivia

 * The dialogue Yoshi has in Super Mario 64 has a typo.