| Character | Actor/Muppet performer[citation needed] | Description |
|---|
| Afghan Hound |
Louise Gold, Richard Hunt (ep. 44), Kathryn Mullen (ep. 115), Alice Dinnean (2011–present) |
An Afghan Hound, appearing occasionally. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Aliens |
Frank Oz, Dave Goelz |
An alien duo who appear in episode 88. The duo later make cameos in The Jim Henson Hour and Mopatop's Shop.[6] |
|---|
| Angus McGonagle |
Jerry Nelson |
Also known as the Argyle Gargoyle, Angus McGonagle is a Scotsman who can gargle Gerswhin gorgeously. The sound effects of Angus' gargling were provided by Richard Hunt. He was designed by Michael K. Frith and Bruce McNally and built by Jane Gootnick. (Debuted in season 4)[6] |
|---|
| Animal |
Frank Oz (1976–2001),[7] Eric Jacobson (2002–),[8] Rob Mills (1989), Kevin Clash (occasionally, 1996), John Kennedy (occasionally, 2002–03), Drew Massey (occasionally, 2005) |
A savage and frenzied monster and the drummer for Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem; Author Christopher Finch calls Animal "the ultimate representation of a long line of Muppets who personify unbridled appetite",[7] both "carnivorous beast" and "physical manifestation of pure libido." He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Dave Goelz. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[9] |
|---|
| Announcer |
Jerry Nelson (1976–2011), John Lovelady (1976–77) |
An unseen announcer who would announce the segment that is about to come on; in the Gene Kelly episode, the Announcer is revealed to be a blue Whatnot. (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| Annie Sue |
Louise Gold |
A young female pig who is Miss Piggy's innocent rival. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Baby Band |
Dave Goelz (ep. 56, 2014), Louise Gold (ep. 56), Jim Henson (ep. 67), Richard Hunt (ep. 56), Jerry Nelson (ep. 56), Kathryn Mullen (ep. 106), Frank Oz (ep. 67), Bill Barretta (2014), Warrick Brownlow-Pike (2014), Andy Heath (2014), Eric Jacobson (2014), David Rudman (2014), Peter Linz (2014), Andrew Spooner (2014), Olly Taylor (2014), Matt Vogel (2014) |
A bunch of babies who are often seen as members of Bobby Benson's Baby Band. They were built by Calista Hendrickson. (Debuted in season 3)[6] |
|---|
| Baskerville the Hound |
Jim Henson ("Purina Dog Chow" commercials), Jerry Nelson, John Lovelady (ep. 3), Frank Oz (ep. 67 of Sesame Street; ep. 10), Dave Goelz (ep. 120) |
A hound, appearing occasionally, who was first used in commercials for Purina Dog Chow with Rowlf the Dog in 1962. The name is a homage to The Hound of the Baskervilles. He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin.[6] |
|---|
| Beaker |
Richard Hunt (1977–92), Steve Whitmire (1992–present) |
Dr. Bunsen Honeydew's lab assistant who performs "ill-fated" experiments which often results in him getting blown up, eaten, or knocked over. He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. (Debuted in season 2)[10] |
|---|
| Beauregard |
Dave Goelz[11] |
A creature of indeterminate species who works as the "sweet but dim-witted" stagehand and janitor of the Muppet Theater.[11] Dave Goelz called him "big and strong and clumsy." He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Mari Kaestle. (Debuted in season 3)[12] |
|---|
| Beautiful Day Monster |
Frank Oz (1969), Jim Henson (ep. 3), Richard Hunt (ep. 8), Jerry Nelson (eps. 9, and 26), Dan Redican (1989), Bill Barretta (2011–) |
A monster who was previously on The Ed Sullivan Show and Sesame Street.[6] |
|---|
| Behemoth |
Dave Goelz (ep. 15), Richard Hunt (ep. 19), Jerry Nelson (ep. 26), Bill Barretta (1996–) |
A large orange monster who is one of the full-bodied Muppets. He is one of the Muppets that eat other Muppets. In recent appearances, Behemoth was often named Gene after Bill Barretta's brother Gene Barretta. According to The Muppets Character Encyclopedia (which also confirmed that Gene was Behemoth's real name where Behemoth was his stage name), Behemoth's family has an aluminum siding business. (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| Betsy Bird |
Betsy Baytos |
A giant red and yellow dancing bird, appearing in the final season, was named after Baytos. According to Jim Henson, Betsy was dropped since the costume seemed to hide Betsy's dance movements. Despite this, Betsy Bird did appear in the special Here Come the Puppets! and was featured in the "Birds" entry of The Muppets Character Encyclopedia. She was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Cheryl Blaylock and Caroly Wilcox. (Debuted in season 5)[6] |
|---|
| Billy the Bear |
Frank Oz (ep. 52), Jerry Nelson (ep. 98), Richard Hunt (eps. 73, 99) Dave Goelz (ep. 84), Brian Muehl (ep. 114) |
A bear, appearing occasionally, who also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| Bird Dancers |
Various |
A bunch of large dancing birds, appearing occasionally. The people who performed are actually dancers from London's Royal Ballet.[6] |
|---|
| Black Rooster |
Frank Oz (eps. 44, 69), Jim Henson (ep. 51) |
A rooster, appearing occasionally.[6] |
|---|
| Bobby Benson |
Richard Hunt (1976–92), David Rudman (2011–present) |
A shady-looking man who leads the Baby Band. (Debuted in season 3)[6] |
|---|
| Bossmen |
Various |
12 ft. tall Muppets who appear occasionally. They were operated with long rods. First appeared in a 1971 television special starring Nancy Sinatra.[6] |
|---|
| Brewster |
Dave Goelz |
Also known as the "Guru", Brewster is a wise white-bearded man, appearing occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in The Muppets Valentine Show)[6] |
|---|
| Brown Bat |
Dave Goelz |
A bat, appearing occasionally, once sang the song "Leatherwing Bat" with Judy Collins, Harold the Woodpecker, and a Singing Owl. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| Bruno |
Jerry Nelson |
A Whatnot security guard, appearing occasionally in the final season.[6] |
|---|
| Butch the Tiger |
Jim Henson (ep. 88), Brian Muehl (ep. 120) |
A tiger, appearing occasionally.[6] |
|---|
| Camilla the Chicken |
Jerry Nelson (1977–2003), Alice Dinnean (2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present) |
A chicken who is Gonzo's girlfriend. (Debuted in season 3)[13] |
|---|
| Chick |
Frank Oz |
In the Roger Miller episode, this chick was the source of the Cluckitis, later made other appearances in this show, and appears in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| Chopped Liver |
Richard Hunt (ep. 48), Dave Goelz (ep. 113) |
An alien from the Zabar galaxy that occasionally appeared in the "Pigs in Space" sketch. In the "Alice Cooper" episode, he was a member of Alice Cooper's band called "The Vile Bunch." Chopped Liver was featured in the "Monsters" entry of The Muppets Character Encyclopedia.[6] |
|---|
| Clodhoppers |
Various |
One performer was required for each of the full-figured puppets. The feet were attached to the performers' feet while their heads and hands were the performer's hands. The puppeteers were dressed in black to hide themselves against the black background. They were designed by Jim Henson in 1972 for a Broadway show which was never developed.[6] |
|---|
| Crazy Harry |
John Lovelady (1974–77), Richard Hunt (1975), Jerry Nelson (1977–2003),[14] Louise Gold (ep. 45), Rickey Boyd (2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present) |
A crazed Muppet pyrotechnician who likes to blow up things. (Debuted in The Muppets Valentine Show, where he was known as "Crazy Donald")[6] |
|---|
| Crocodile |
Peter Friedman (ep. 14), Frank Oz (ep. 27), Jerry Nelson (ep. 38), Richard Hunt (ep. 72) |
A crocodile, appearing in various sketches.[6] |
|---|
| Dodo |
Jerry Nelson |
A dodo, appearing occasionally, who later appears in Muppet Treasure Island as one of the pirates on Long John Silver's side. It was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Lyle Conway. (Debuted in season 4)[6] |
|---|
| Doglion |
Jerry Nelson (ep. 33), Frank Oz (ep. 35), Jim Henson (ep. 48), Kevin Clash (1989), Jim Martin (The Cosby Show ep. "Cliff's Nightmare"), Bill Barretta (1996) |
A dog-faced monster with horns who is one of the Full-Bodied Muppets. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Dr. Bunsen Honeydew |
Dave Goelz[15] |
A scientist, often paired with and serves as a foil for Beaker,[16] who performs science experiments that usually go wrong and has an "affable cluelessness" whenever Beaker is a victim of these experiments. (Debuted during the first season, and was joined by Beaker during the second season)[10] |
|---|
| Dr. Julius Strangepork |
Jerry Nelson (1977–2003),[14] Matt Vogel (2009–present) |
A pig that appears in the "Pigs in Space" sketches with Link Hogthrob and Miss Piggy where he was a chief science officer. (Debuted in season 2)[17] |
|---|
| Dr. Teeth |
Jim Henson (1975–90), John Kennedy (1991–2003), Victor Yerrid (2005), Bill Barretta (2005–present) |
Bandleader and keyboardist of Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem, he was based upon New Orleans singer and pianist Doctor John. He was designed by Jim Henson and Michael K. Frith and built by Don Sahlin. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[18] |
|---|
| Droop |
Jerry Nelson, Jim Henson (ep. 15), Richard Hunt (ep. 44), Peter Linz (2011–present) |
A green monster with a long pointy nose and bird-like feet. Droop originated in The Great Santa Claus Switch where he was called Snivelly. He was built by Caroly Wilcox.[6] |
|---|
| Eric the Parrot |
Jerry Nelson |
A parrot, appearing occasionally, who also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Fazoobs |
Frank Oz, Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson |
Four musical aliens from the planet Koozebane who appear occasionally. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Fish Singer |
Louise Gold |
A fish who would often be paired up with the Gills Brothers. She later made cameos in The Ghost of Faffner Hall. (Debuted in season 4)[6] |
|---|
| Fleet Scribbler |
Jerry Nelson |
A gossip journalist for "The Daily Scandal" who sometimes reports on the goings-on at the Muppet Theater. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Fletcher Bird |
Graham Fletcher (puppeteer), Steve Whitmire (voice) |
A large multicolored dancing bird, who was named after the puppeteer. (Debuted in season 3)[6] |
|---|
| Flower-Eating Monster |
Jim Henson |
A dog-eared monster that eats flowers, appearing occasionally, who was designed by Jim Henson. (Debuted in a 1973 episode of The Julie Andrews Hour)[6] |
|---|
| Floyd Pepper |
Jerry Nelson (1975–2003),[14] John Kennedy (2005–06), Matt Vogel (2008–present) |
Bassist of Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem. Author Christopher Finch says that Floyd is most like Nelson, and if there were a spin-off of The Muppet Show centering on his band, Floyd "would probably emerge as the central figure". He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Dave Goelz. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[19] |
|---|
| Foo-Foo |
Steve Whitmire[20] Alice Dinnean (2005) |
Miss Piggy's dog. She also appears as a real dog in full shots. (Debuted in season 4)[20] |
|---|
| Fozzie Bear |
Frank Oz (1976–2000),[18] Eric Jacobson (2001–present),[8] Victor Yerrid (personal appearances, 2006) |
The Muppet Theater's comedian bear that can never make any good jokes. Finch calls Fozzie "a sweetly insecure and absolutely terrible comedian". According to Frank Oz, Fozzie is such a bad comedian that he "can't afford good joke writers, and he can't write good jokes himself". He was designed by Michael K. Frith.[18] |
|---|
| Forcryingoutloud Bird |
Frank Oz |
A green bird with a yellow beak, appearing occasionally, was featured in the "Birds" entry of The Muppets Character Encyclopedia. He was designed by Jim Henson. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[6] |
|---|
| Gaffer the Cat |
Kathryn Mullen |
An eyepatch-wearing cat, appearing occasionally, who was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Marianne Harms. (Debuted in season 4)[6] |
|---|
| Gawky Birds |
Various |
11 ft. tall rod-puppets who appear occasionally. They were operated with long rods. The Gawky Birds were featured in the "Birds" entry of The Muppets Character Encyclopedia.[6] |
|---|
| George the Janitor |
Frank Oz (1974–76, 1992), Richard Hunt (ep. 45), Steve Whitmire (1996) |
An elderly janitor who first appears in The Muppets Valentine Show where he discovered with guest star Mia Farrow's help that he loved his mop.[21] |
|---|
| Geri and the Atrics |
Geri: Jerry Nelson
Drum Atric: Dave Goelz
False Teeth: Richard Hunt
Guitar Atric: Louise Gold
Piano Atric: Frank Oz
Tambourine Atric: Jerry Nelson
Tuba Atric: Steve Whitmire
Vocalist Atric: Kathryn Mullen |
A musical group of six elderly ladies and one singing false teeth who appear occasionally. According to The Muppets Character Encyclopedia, the members of Geri and the Atrics lived at the Happy Heart Rest Home before starting their band.[6] |
|---|
| Ghosts |
Various |
A bunch of ghosts who appear occasionally. |
|---|
| Gladys |
Richard Hunt |
She works as a cafeteria lady in the Muppet Theater's canteen delivering the food made by the Swedish Chef to its customers. She also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. According to The Muppets Character Encyclopedia, Gladys changed her name from Sally after getting a deal on a necklace of the name "Gladys." (Debuted in season 3)[6] |
|---|
| Gnu |
Jerry Nelson |
A gnu appears in various sketches. He was built by Tim Miller. (Debuted in season 5)[6] |
|---|
| Gogola Jubilee Jugband |
Banjo Player: Richard Hunt (ep. 4 & 18), Jerry Nelson (ep. 9), Jugband Female: Eren Ozker, Jug Blower: Dave Goelz (ep. 4), Jim Henson (ep. 9 & 13)
Paul: Jerry Nelson (ep. 4 & 23), Peter Friedman (ep. 13), Slim: Frank Oz |
A jug band consisting of five Whatnots that appeared in season one.[6] |
|---|
| The Great Gonzo |
Dave Goelz,[16] Brett O'Quinn (personal appearances, 2006) |
The Muppet Theater's stuntman, who believes that all his stunts are works of art. Haberkorn calls Gonzo "the most grotesque Muppet", who revels in being different and resists categorization. A prototype version of Gonzo previously appeared in The Great Santa Claus Switch as Snarl. The character officially debuted in the series' first episode.[22] |
|---|
| Gorgon Heap |
Frank Oz (ep. 3 & 28), Dave Goelz (ep. 19), Richard Hunt (ep. 16), Jerry Nelson (ep. 25) |
A large purple monster. He is one of the Muppets who eats other Muppets. There was also a hand-puppet version that was used occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| Harold the Woodpecker |
Richard Hunt (ep. 29), Jerry Nelson (ep. 44) |
A woodpecker, appearing occasionally, also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie and was featured in the "Birds" entry of The Muppets Character Encyclopedia.[6] |
|---|
| Herbie the One-Octopus Band |
Unknown |
An octopus who is a one-man band. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| Hilda |
Eren Ozker (1976) |
An old seamstress/wardrobe mistress who speaks with a Slavic accent. Appeared throughout the first season.[6] |
|---|
| J.P. Grosse |
Jerry Nelson (1977–78), Kevin Clash (1996) |
Scooter's uncle who owns the Muppet Theater. He was built by Mari Kaestle. He was mentioned frequently during the first season, and finally appeared during season two.[6] |
|---|
| Janice |
Fran Brill (in "The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence" and "Muppet Meeting Films"), Eren Ozker (1976–77), Richard Hunt (1977–91),[23] Brian Henson (2002–03), Tyler Bunch (2005), David Rudman (2008–) |
The hippie-like member of the Electric Mayhem and guitarist who is often paired with Floyd Pepper. She was designed by Michael K. Frith and Bonnie Erickson. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence) |
|---|
| Kangaroo |
Jerry Nelson (ep. 69) |
A kangaroo, appearing occasionally, also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie[6] |
|---|
| Kermit the Frog |
Jim Henson (1955–90),[24] Steve Whitmire (1990–present),[8] John Kennedy (personal appearances, 2006), Artie Esposito (occasional understudy, 2009) |
A frog who is the Muppet Theater's director and Jim Henson's greatest creation as Jim designed and built Kermit. Author Michael Davis calls Kermit Henson's "altered ego", and Finch claims that Kermit is most like Henson. Finch also says, "Reasonably even-tempered and often long-suffering, the small green frog generally serves as the glue that holds the rest of the Muppet universe together". Kermit has been around since Jim Henson's 1955 series Sam and Friends (where he was featured in a pre-frog appearance) and had also appeared on Sesame Street.[25] |
|---|
| Koozebanian Creatures |
Male Koozebanian Creature: Frank Oz
Female Koozebanina Creature: Jerry Nelson
Baby Koozebanian Creatures: Various |
A bunch of aliens from the planet Koozebane. (Debuted in The Muppets Valentine Show)[6] |
|---|
| Koozebanian Phoob |
Jerry Nelson |
An alien from the planet Koozebane. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Lenny the Lizard |
Dave Goelz (ep. 3), Jerry Nelson (ep. 7), Jim Henson (ep. 28), Richard Hunt (ep. 32) |
A turquoise lizard who made many appearances on the show. He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. An early purplish Lenny made his debut in The Great Santa Claus Switch.[6] |
|---|
| Lew Zealand |
Jerry Nelson (1978–2003),[14] Bill Barretta (2002–2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present) |
The Muppet whose "vaudeville-inspired act" includes throwing "boomerang fish" at the audience. He was originally a Whatnot before a permanent puppet was made for him. The construction of his Whatnot head was done by Dave Goelz while the character finishing was done by Amy van Gilder.[14] Jerry Nelson later spoke about Lew Zealand: "I think Lew was my tribute to Frankie Fontaine. He had that dopey voice, but he could sing beautifully. We never did that part of it on the show, but just the idea of this guy who had a boomerang fish act. There were some really ridiculous acts on the show, and that was one of the all-time dopey ones."[26] (Debuted in season 3) |
|---|
| Link Hogthrob |
Jim Henson (1977–90),[18] Steve Whitmire (2000–present) |
A "bumb, pompous"[18] pig, appearing in the sketches "Bear on Patrol" and "Pigs in Space". He was designed by Calista Hendrickson. (Debuted in season 2)[17] |
|---|
| Lips |
Steve Whitmire |
An additional member of the Electric Mayhem and trumpet player. He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Mari Kaestle. (Debuted in season 5) |
|---|
| Louis Kazzager |
Jerry Nelson |
A sports commentator who provided commentary for Muppet Sports. Louis Kazzager was inspired by Howard Cosell. He was designed and built by Mari Kaestle. (Debuted in season 3)[6] |
|---|
| Lubbock Lou and his Jughuggers |
Lubbock Lou: Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt
Bubba: Richard Hunt
Gramps: Frank Oz (1983), Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt (ep. 43), Rob Mills (1989)
Lou: Louise Gold
Slim Wilson: Jerry Nelson, Jim Henson (ep. 85), Frank Oz (ep. 70), Steve Whitmire (ep. 112), Brian Henson (1996)
Zeke: Jim Henson (1977–78), Steve Whitmire (1979–81) |
A jugband who debuted in Season Two replacing the Gogolala Jubilee Jugband.[6] |
|---|
| Luncheon Counter Monster |
Dave Goelz (ep.s 30, 35, and 50), Richard Hunt (eps. 34, 47), Jerry Nelson (ep. 63), Kevin Clash (1988), Gord Robertson (1989), David Rudman (2008) |
A hungry purple monster. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Lydia the Pig |
Abby Hadfield |
A bespectacled red-haired pig, appearing occasionally. Unlike the other pigs in this show, Lydia has hooves instead of hands. Her tattoos were drawn by Jim Henson whenever she is shown with tattoos. (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| Lyle the Dog |
Richard Hunt (eps. 86, and 119), Dan Redican (1988), Dave Goelz (1992) |
A dog who is featured in various roles. He was named after his designer and builder Lyle Conway. (Debuted in season 4)[6] |
|---|
| Ma Bear |
Jerry Nelson |
A bear who is Fozzie Bear's mother. She was featured in the "Cleo Laine" and "Kenny Rogers" episodes of The Muppet Show. She later had appearances in A Muppet Family Christmas (where she was named Emily Bear), The Muppets at Walt Disney World, and The Muppet Christmas Carol.[6] |
|---|
| Mahna Mahna |
Jim Henson (1969–90), Bill Barretta (2001–present) |
A purple, wild orange-haired Muppet in a green tunic. He is the singer of "Mah Nà Mah Nà." He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. (Debuted on a 1969 episode of The Ed Sullivan Show)[6] |
|---|
| Marvin Suggs |
Frank Oz (1976–96),[7] Eric Jacobson (2011–present) |
Finch calls Marvin one of Oz's "more unusual creations." Marvin Suggs plays the Muppaphones (small, round, little balls of fur) by hitting them over the head with a mallet. He was designed by Rollie Krewson. (Debuted in the first season)[7] |
|---|
| Mary Louise |
Eren Ozker (ep. 3), Fran Brill (ep. 8), Rollie Krewson (ep. 14), Louise Gold (ep. 32) |
A young Whatnot girl. She once auditioned with an unnamed frog three times under three names only to be hooked off stage by Miss Piggy who states that she is the only one who can sing with a frog. She also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| Mean Mama |
Dave Goelz (ep. 26), Jim Henson (ep. 27), Jerry Nelson (ep. 28), Richard Hunt (eps. 25, 35, 111), Louise Gold (ep. 66) |
A large voracious brown monster who fits in the category of the Muppets who eats other Muppets. There was also was a hand-puppet version that was used occasionally. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Mickey Moose |
Jerry Nelson |
A moose, appearing occasionally, is a parody of Mickey Mouse (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Miss Kitty |
Dave Goelz (eps. 1, 3, and 7), Jim Henson (ep. 13), Richard Hunt (ep. 19) |
A purple monster, appearing occasionally, previously used in The Great Santa Claus Switch as one of Cosmo Scam's henchmen.[6] |
|---|
| Miss Mousey |
Jerry Nelson |
A mouse who was a rival of Miss Piggy for Kermit the Frog's affections. She also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. According to The Muppets Character Encyclopedia, Miss Mousey is currently teaching theater classes at a small college in Wisconsin. (Debuted in The Muppets Valentine Show)[6] |
|---|
| Miss Piggy |
Frank Oz (1976–2001),[7] Richard Hunt (occasionally, 1976–77), Eric Jacobson (2001–),[8] Jerry Nelson (1974), Fran Brill (1975), Victor Yerrid (personal appearances, 2006) |
A diva pig who is the Muppets' break-out and "authentic superstar"[27] and Oz's most well-known character.[7] Authors Maryanne Fisher and Anthony Cox call Piggy "uniquely strong and feminine", but "domineering and demanding." She was designed and built by Bonnie Erickson. Debuted in a 1974 Herb Alpert television special, where she was performed by Jerry Nelson.[28] |
|---|
| Mildred Huxtetter |
Frank Oz (1976), Dave Goelz (ep. 15), Richard Hunt (ep. 9, 1974), Louise Gold (ep. 28, 53) |
A purple beak-nosed woman who is George the Janitor's dancing partner. She was a prominent figure in the first season, but was later relegated to minor background appearances. Debuted in The Muppets Valentine Show.[6] |
|---|
| Molly and Melville |
Molly: Louise Gold
Melville: Steve Whitmire |
A mother sperm whale and her son that appeared in the "Chris Langham" ep. of "The Muppet Show" during the "Friendship" song where Kermit and Robin helped to protect them from a group of Pig Whalers. Melville is named after Herman Melville (the writer of Moby-Dick). Their storyboards were provided by John Stevenson and their puppets were built by Jan Rosenthal. At eight feet long, Molly the Whale was the largest hand puppet built for "The Muppet Show." After filming on the show had wrapped as revealed in "The Muppet Show Fan Club," the puppet for Molly the Whale was donated to Greenpeace and became a mascot in their efforts to save the world's real whales. An extended version of Kermit and Robin's encounter with Molly and Melville was featured in the book "The Whale Tale" (which was also written by John Stevenson) and they are featured in The Muppets Character Encyclopedia in the "Under the Sea" entry.[6] |
|---|
| Mrs. Appleby |
Kathryn Mullen |
A frog who is the Scout Leader of the Frog Scouts. She was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Nomi Frederick. (Debuted in season 4)[6] |
|---|
| Mulch |
Jerry Nelson (1980–81), Kevin Clash (1996–) |
A blue hunchbacked humanoid monster, debuting in season five. He was built by Bob Payne. Mulch later appears in Muppets Tonight as the hulking assistant of Dr. Phil van Neuter.[6] |
|---|
| Muppaphones |
Various |
A bunch of furballs who serve as Marvin Suggs' instruments. (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| Muppy |
Dave Goelz |
An Old English Sheepdog who is owned by J.P. Grosse. An actual dog was used for long shots of Muppy. (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| Nigel the Conductor |
Jim Henson (1975–76), John Lovelady (1976–77), David Rudman (2011–present) |
The conductor of the Muppet Orchestra. He was built by Dave Goelz. Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence as the show's host.[6] |
|---|
| Ohboy Bird |
Richard Hunt |
A blue bird, appearing occasionally, who was designed by Jim Henson. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[6] |
|---|
| Ohreally Bird |
Fran Brill |
An orange bird, appearing occasionally, who was designed by Henson. Ohreally Bird also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[6] |
|---|
| Old Skyball Paint |
Jerry Nelson |
A horse, appearing occasionally, who later made cameos in The Ghost of Faffner Hall.[6] |
|---|
| Paul Revere Horse |
Jerry Nelson (eps. 45, 51, 53), Kevin Clash (1996) |
A long-legged horse in New Balance Sneakers, appearing occasionally. When in full shots, it took two Muppet performers to operate the legs. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. He was designed by Michael K. Frith.[6] |
|---|
| Penguins |
Richard Hunt (ep. 69), Steve Whitmire (ep. 69, 2009 "Bohemian Rhapsody" video), Jim Henson (ep. 95, 1987), Dave Goelz (1984), Martin P. Robinson (1985, 2008), Pam Arciero (1985), Kathryn Mullen (1985), Jerry Nelson (1992), Leslie Carrara-Rudolph (2008), Various Performers |
A bunch of penguins, appearing occasionally. Although they mostly quack, some of them actually speak.[6] |
|---|
| Pops |
Jerry Nelson (1980–2002), Matt Vogel (2008–present)[14] |
The Muppet Theater doorman, debuting in season five. He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Mari Kaestle.[29] |
|---|
| Prairie Dogs |
Jim Henson (ep. 71, 76), Dave Goelz (ep. 71, 76), Louise Gold (ep. 71, 76), Richard Hunt (ep. 71, 76), Kathryn Mullen (ep. 71, 76), Jerry Nelson (ep. 71, 76, 102), Steve Whitmire (ep. 71, 76) |
A bunch of prairie dogs who appear occasionally.[6] |
|---|
| Quongo the Gorilla |
Jerry Nelson (ep. 43, 72, and 109), Frank Oz ("Muppet Meeting Films"), Richard Hunt (ep. 105) |
A wild mountain gorilla, appearing occasionally. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Righton Bird |
Dave Goelz |
A purple bird, appearing occasionally, who was designed by Jim Henson. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie and appears in the "Birds" entry of The Muppets Character Encyclopedia. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[6] |
|---|
| Rizzo the Rat |
Steve Whitmire |
An inner-city rat, Steve Whitmire describes Rizzo as "a sarcastic kind of New York City character." (Debuted in season 4)[30] |
|---|
| Robin the Frog |
Jerry Nelson (1971–2002),[31] Matt Vogel (2008–present), Drew Massey (personal appearances, 2006) |
A small frog, who is Kermit's "sweet-voiced nephew" (Debuted as the titular character in The Frog Prince)[32] |
|---|
| Ronald Duck |
Cynthia Adler (ep. 13) Richard Hunt (ep. 44) |
A duck in a sailor hat, appearing occasionally, is a parody of Donald Duck. In the "Petula Clark" episode, Ronald Duck was a companion of Mickey Moose.[6] |
|---|
| Rowlf the Dog |
Jim Henson (1962–90),[33] Bill Barretta (1996–present) |
A pianist dog who was first used in Purina Dog Chow commercials. He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin.[34] He then appeared in The Jimmy Dean Show. Finch calls Rowlf "the first fully rounded character performed by Jim Henson", and also calls him "wonderfully down-to-earth, with a dry, self-deprecating sense of humor" and "a master of the double take." He was built by Don Sahlin[35] |
|---|
| Sam Eagle |
Frank Oz (1975–2001),[36] Eric Jacobson (2005–),[8] Kevin Clash (2002–03), Drew Massey (occasionally, 2005–06) |
A bald eagle who is the Muppet Theater's patriotic and self-proclaimed delegator. Critic Jordan Schildcrout describes Sam as "a cross between Uncle Sam and the bald eagle (which is the U.S. national bird and symbol) with a dash of Richard Nixon, [who] represents a conservative, nationalist Puritanism that makes him a snob and a prude." He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[37] |
|---|
| Scooter |
Richard Hunt (1976–92),[38] Adam Hunt (voice, 1999), Brian Henson (2002), Rickey Boyd (2005), David Rudman (2008–) |
The stage manager and gofer of the Muppet Theater and nephew of its owner J.P. Grosse. Richard Hunt based Scooter's voice and personality on how he remembered himself when he was younger. He was designed by Michael K. Frith. (Debuted in the first season)[23] |
|---|
| Screaming Thing |
Jerry Nelson |
A green creature with pink feathers and three legs that rotate like a pinwheel. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie[6] |
|---|
| Shakey Sanchez |
Jim Henson (ep. 19), Jerry Nelson (ep. 16), Steve Whitmire (ep. 103) |
A small pink creature, appearing occasionally, also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| Shark |
Jerry Nelson (ep. 76), Frank Oz (ep. 88), Richard Hunt (ep. 91) |
A shark that appeared occasionally. The Shark appeared in the "Under the Sea" entry of The Muppets Character Encyclopedia.[6] |
|---|
| Singing Food |
Various |
A collection of Muppet fruits and vegetables that are used in various sketches. The Singing Food consists of an artichoke, an asparagus, some beans, a bell pepper, a cabbage, a cantaloupe, a cauliflower, a corn cob, an eggplant, a bunch of grapes, a grapefruit, an onion, three potatoes, a bunch of scallions, and a tomato. Later Muppet projects had the Singing Food added with other foods from the other food groups.[6] |
|---|
| Singing Owl |
Jerry Nelson |
An owl, appearing occasionally, also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| Sopwith the Camel |
Jerry Nelson |
A bactrian camel (named after the Sopwith Camel), appearing occasionally, is one of the Full-Bodied Muppets and was built by Caroly Wilcox who constructed him in a week. It took two dancers to operate Sopwith the Camel with the front dancer using his arms to control Sopwith's head. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie[6] |
|---|
| Statler and Waldorf |
Statler: Richard Hunt (1976–90),[23] Jerry Nelson (1975, 1992–2003), Steve Whitmire (2005–),[39] Drew Massey (occasionally, 2005–06)
Waldorf: Jim Henson (1975–90),[18] Dave Goelz (1992–),[39] Kevin Clash (occasionally, 1996), Victor Yerrid (occasionally, 2005–06) |
Two "grouchy but dapper"[40] gentlemen who heckle the Muppets (especially Fozzie) from the upper balcony box. Statler and Waldorf were named after the late-18th/early-19th century robber barons E.M. Statler and William Waldorf Astor. They were designed and built by Bonnie Erickson. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[41] |
|---|
| Sundance the Lion |
Dave Goelz (ep. 68), Jerry Nelson (eps. 88, 101) |
A lion, appearing occasionally. Although he is a full-bodied Muppet, Sundance does have a Live-Hand Muppet counterpart that was used in seasons four and five. He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Tim Miller.[6] |
|---|
| The Swedish Chef |
Jim Henson (1975–90), Bill Barretta (1996–present),[42] David Rudman (1992), Steve Whitmire (occasionally, 1996), Victor Yerrid (occasionally, 2006) |
A chef that speaks in mock Swedish. Based on the "standard finger puppet",[43] the Swedish Chef was a collaboration between Jim Henson and Frank Oz (who provided the hands). Frank Oz would deliberately do unexpected things, like tossing chickens and juggling meat cleavers, that Henson would have to improvise through. He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Jim Henson and Bonnie Erickson. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[18] |
|---|
| Sweetums |
Jerry Nelson (1971, handler), Carl Banas (1971, voice), Richard Hunt (1976–91),[23] Rob Mills (1989), David Rudman (The Cosby Show ep. "Cliff's Nightmare"), John Henson (1990–2005), Victor Yerrid (2005), Noel MacNeal (2008), Matt Vogel (2009–) |
A large, hairy, full-sized ogre-like creature, appearing in The Frog Prince before his appearance in The Muppet Show. He told Kermit, "Jack not name; Jack job!" in The Muppet Movie. He was designed by Jim Henson.[44] His performer could see only by looking out of his mouth.[45] |
|---|
| Talking Houses |
Talking House #1: John Lovelady, Jerry Nelson (ep. 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, 17)
Talking House #2: Jerry Nelson
Talking House #3: Frank Oz (ep. 19)
Talking House #4: Eren Ozker (ep. 19) |
A bunch of houses that tell jokes to each other and appeared occasionally in the first season. Because the Talking Houses never appeared outside of their sketches, it was never made clear whether they were supposed to be full-sized or in scale with the Muppet Show's other Muppet characters. They were designed by Michael K. Frith.[6] |
|---|
| The Country Trio |
Jim: Jim Henson
Frank: Frank Oz
Jerry: Jerry Nelson |
A hillbilly band who were both caricatures of and named after their performers. Jim and Frank were designed and built by Bonnie Erickson while Jerry was designed by Bonnie Erickson and built by Don Sahlin. They also make a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie.[6] |
|---|
| The Frackles |
Blue Frackle: Dave Goelz (ep. 4, 19 & 20), Jim Henson (ep. 11 & 27), Richard Hunt (ep. 3, 15, 42 & 55), Jerry Nelson (ep. 31), Frank Oz (ep. 4, 7 & 40)
Green Frackle: Jim Henson (ep. 3, 7, 19 & 42), Richard Hunt (ep. 40), Frank Oz (ep. 3), Eren Ozker (ep. 20), John Lovelady (ep. 18)
Snake Frackle: Richard Hunt (ep. 7 & 27), John Lovelady (ep. 3)
Blue Bird-Like Frackle: John Lovelady (ep. 7)
Green Bird-Like Frackle: Eren Ozker (ep. 3), Abby Hadfield (ep. 27)
Pink Frackle: Dave Goelz (ep. 120), Fran Brill (The Cosby Show ep. "Cliff's Nightmare")
Jade Green Frackle: Dave Goelz (1989), Tyler Bunch (2011)
Emerald Green Frackle: Frank Oz (ep. 111), Steve Whitmire (ep. 120)
Apple Green-Pink Frackle: Frank Oz (ep. 103), Dave Goelz (ep. 103), Kevin Clash (1989)
Purple Frackle: Frank Oz (ep. 109), Jerry Nelson (ep. 120)
Gray Frackle: Steve Whitmire (ep. 104; 1989), Mike Quinn (1992) |
A race of monsters who come in different types. They were seen on The Great Santa Claus Switch before appearing on The Muppet Show.[6] |
|---|
| The Flying Zucchini Brothers |
Frank Oz (ep. 31, 40, 41), Jerry Nelson (ep. 40, 41), Dave Goelz (ep. 40, 41), Richard Hunt (ep. 31, 40, 41, 80, 118), Mak Wilson (2014), Nigel Plaskitt (2014) |
A group of Italian acrobat/stunt performing Whatnots who appear occasionally. Although there are three of them, an ep. guest starring Wally Boag shows six of them.[6] |
|---|
| The Gills Brothers |
Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson, Steve Whitmire |
A quartet of fish singers who appear occasionally. They are a parody of The Mills Brothers. They also make a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie[6] |
|---|
| The Lautrec Sisters |
Louise Gold, Jerry Nelson, Frank Oz |
A quartet of dancing rats. Two of them later appeared in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie[6] |
|---|
| The Muppet Newsman |
Jim Henson (1976–89), Jerry Nelson (1996), Brian Henson (2001–03), Steve Whitmire (2008–) |
A bespectacled newsman who hosts the Muppet News Flash where something related to what he is reporting on befalls him. He was designed and built by Bonnie Erickson. (Debuted in the first season) |
|---|
| The Mutations |
Various |
A trio of purple Full-Bodied Muppet Monsters who mostly dance. The heights of the Mutations vary depending on who is performing them. They are a parody of the music group The Temptations. (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| The Snerfs |
Various |
A group of thin monsters with a variety of mouths. They were designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. (Debuted in the 1960s)[6] |
|---|
| The Snowths |
Frank Oz |
Two furry pink, tube-mouthed, horned creatures who sing along to Mahna Mahna's song. They were designed by Jim Henson and built by Rollie Krewson. In The Muppets Character Encyclopedia, a Snowth was seen in the entry for the Koozebanians indicating that the Snowths come from Planet Koozebane. Debuted in a 1969 episode of The Ed Sullivan Show.[6] |
|---|
| Thog |
Jerry Nelson (1970–81), Jim Henson (ep. 36), Tyler Bunch (2011–present) |
A friendly 9 1/2-foot blue monster who is a Full-Bodied Muppet. He is the biggest Muppet character on the show. His ears often go up if he is startled or excited about something. Despite his size, Thog is actually a gentle soul. He was previously used in The Great Santa Claus Switch as one of Cosmo Scam's henchmen. He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. When it came to The Muppets, Thog was rebuilt by James Kroupa who made him large enough not to be able to fit between the arches for the telethon's theme song. Thus, Thog had to walk in front of the arches.[6] |
|---|
| Timmy Monster |
Steve Whitmire (ep. 95), Dave Goelz, Jim Henson (ep. 27) |
A large green monster who is a Full-Bodied Muppet. According to The Muppets Character Encyclopedia, Timmy Monster has retired from show biz and has started a bakery called "Timmy's Treats." (Debuted in the first season)[6] |
|---|
| Tom, Dick, and Harry |
Tom: Jerry Nelson
Dick: Dave Goelz
Harry: John Lovelady |
A green-furred, three-headed monster, appearing two times during the first season. Tom is the green-faced head, Dick is the pink-faced head, and Harry is the blue-faced head.[6] |
|---|
| Trolls |
Various |
Three full-bodied trolls who appear occasionally. One has red hair, one has green hair, and one has gray hair. They were designed by Michael K. Frith.[6] |
|---|
| Trumpet Girl |
Louise Gold, Eren Ozker (1976), Frank Oz (ep. 2, 5), Alice Dinnean (2011–) |
The female trumpet player of the Muppet Orchestra. Due to the addition of the trumpet player Lips, she switched to trombone during season 5.[6] |
|---|
| Uncle Deadly |
Jerry Nelson (1976–79), Matt Vogel (2011–present) |
Also called "the Phantom of the Muppet Show", Uncle Deadly is a sinister blue dragon-like monster who lurks around the theater and appears occasionally on the show. He was designed by Michael K. Frith. (Debuted in season 1)[6] |
|---|
| Vendaface |
Jerry Nelson |
A facelifting vending machine. The Vendaface was apparently only meant to be used once, but David Lazer said that they shouldn't build such an expensive puppet only to use him once. The writers then decided to have him on the show a few more times in the first season. The Vendaface later appeared in episode 66 as the Vendawish (voiced by Jerry Nelson) which was a wish-granting machine.[6] |
|---|
| Walrus |
Dave Goelz (ep. 76) |
A walrus that appears occasionally.[6] |
|---|
| Wayne and Wanda |
Wayne: Richard Hunt (1976–81, ep. 78), David Rudman (2011–present)
Wanda: Eren Ozker (1976–77), Kathryn Mullen (ep. 78), Alice Dinnean (2011–present) |
A pair of snobby singers who are introduced by Sam Eagle who approves of their "wholesome, uplifting and decent" act, but is frustrated by their inability to get past the first verse of any song. While their sketches always begin as mellow and classy, they always end in disaster, seemingly foretold by the title of their chosen song. Wayne was built by Rollie Krewson. They are a slapstick tribute to Nelson Eddy and Jeanette MacDonald. After a recurring run in the first season, they disappeared after Eren Ozker quit the show. Wayne still appeared occasionally as a background character or as the hero in a series of Melodrama sketches co-starring Miss Piggy and Uncle Deadly, but soon vanished as well. It was eventually revealed in the Linda Lavin ep. that Kermit had fired them, but forgot why he did and decided to rehire them. Unfortunately, seconds after they started to sing, Kermit remembered why he fired them (because they were terrible) and instantly fired them again and forced them off the stage. Wayne and Wanda would reappear in The Muppets Take Manhattan as guests at the wedding of Piggy and Kermit, and Wanda was seen participating in a choir. Wayne and Wanda appeared throughout The Muppets, where they are caught kissing during a blackout. In the Linda Lavin ep., it is hinted at that they are married because Wanda states that they "get on fine with what we get from my mother".[6] |
|---|
| Whaddyasay Bird |
Jerry Nelson |
A red bird, appearing occasionally, was designed by Jim Henson. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence)[6] |
|---|
| Whatnots |
Various |
A bunch of customizable puppets whose blank faces can be changed in each act. They are similar to the Anything Muppets from Sesame Street.[6] |
|---|
| Winky Pinkerton |
Steve Whitmire (ep. 56), Dave Goelz (ep. 52) |
A penguin, who does bird impressions, appearing occasionally. Winky Pinkerton also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. He was built by Brian Henson.[6] |
|---|
| Winny |
Richard Hunt |
A bird who is a lunch lady in season four and is a replacement for Gladys. Winny was loosely based on one of the real cafeteria ladies that worked on The Muppet Show. She was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Tim Miller.[6] |
|---|
| Wolf |
Frank Oz (ep. 91), Jerry Nelson (1988) |
A wolf, appearing occasionally, later makes appearances in the "Dog City" ep. of The Jim Henson Hour, in The Muppet Christmas Carol as one of the poor people during the Scrooge number, and in Muppet Treasure Island as one of the pirates on Long John Silver's side.[6] |
|---|
| Wolfhound |
Frank Oz (ep. 76), Steve Whitmire (ep. 86), Jerry Nelson (ep. 115), Dave Goelz (ep. 119) |
A wolfdog, appearing occasionally. Besides being refurbished for different roles in both Dog City projects, Wolfhound appeared in The Muppet Christmas Carol as a guest at Fozziwig's Christmas Party.[6] |
|---|
| Woodland Animals |
Various |
A group of forest creatures who appear occasionally. The Woodland Animals consist of a deer, a raccoon, a weasel, a beaver, and recycled and unclothed versions of Mayor Harrison Fox, James Badger, George Rabbit, Nat Muskrat, Old Lady Possum, and Will Possum from Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas.[6] |
|---|
| Yorick |
Jerry Nelson |
A talking skull (not to be confused with Yorick from Sam and Friends), appearing occasionally, later makes cameos in The Ghost of Faffner Hall. When packaged with Uncle Deadly and a Ghost as part of Palisades Toys' producing of Muppet action figures, he was referred to as a Muppet Skull.[6] |
|---|
| Youknow Bird |
Jim Henson |
A pink bird, appearing occasionally, was designed by Henson. Youknow Bird also made appearances on The Wubbulous World of Dr. Seuss living in the Jungle of Nool. She was designed by Jim Henson. She also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence).[6] |
|---|
| Zelda Rose |
Abby Hadfield (ep. 27), Jerry Nelson (ep. 42), Richard Hunt (ep. 56), Louise Gold |
A tall pink female Whatnot. She is a recycled and regendered version of Fred from the Munchos commercials. She also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. (Debuted in season 2)[6] |
|---|
| Zoot |
Dave Goelz[38] |
A member of the Electric Mayhem and saxophone player. Dave Goelz calls Zoot "a puzzle to me", "non-verbal" and "just a fifty-year-old burnt-out musician." He was designed by Bonnie Erickson and built by Dave Goelz. (Debuted in The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence).[23] |
|---|
