Weely Muppet Wednesdays: Droop

Today's article was written by frequent contributor Michael Wermuth, Jr. If you would like to submit an entry for Weekly Muppet Wednesdays, email us at muppetmindset@gmail.com.

DROOP

Performed by...
Jerry Nelson

Best known role...
Depressed, furry green fellow with long nose.

First appearance...
The Muppets Valentine Show (1974)

Most recent appearance...
Scratching the Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of The Muppets Blu-ray Bonus Feature (2012)

Memorable quote...
"It's okay. I still have my self-pity."

WHO IS DROOP?
Droop is a furry green Muppet with a long nose who talks in a rather droopy demeanor. After evolving from Snivelly, one of the Frackles from The Great Santa Claus Switch (1971), he made his debut in The Muppets Valentine Show in 1974, his biggest appearance to date. Droop was a fairly sad character, telling host Wally that he can't help talk about love, being surprised that Mia Farrow noticed him, and lamenting that he "used to have a crumpet, but it died." However, Droop did get a happy moment during the "Froggy Went A'Courtin'" sequence. After Kermit and Big Mouse fight over Miss Mousey, she chooses Droop, who shows up on a motorcycle. During the credits Droop is still depressive; When Mia Farrow tells him to "Cheer up, it can't be that bad," he remarks "Oh, they're worse."

Droop was seen throughout the run of The Muppet Show, though he rarely had a major role. He would often be seen in group numbers, as well as frequently appearing alongside various monsters and weird-looking creatures. He was sometimes seen in "At the Dance" sketches in Season 1. Droop's most major appearance on the show was in Episode 117, when he appeared in Ben Vereen's closing number. After complaining about how dull the set is, Ben convinces Droop, in song, to use his "Pure Imagination."

After The Muppet Show, Droop appeared in the background in every Muppet movie except Muppets From Space. He even had a line in The Muppet Christmas Carol, sounding insulted and asking "What about my nose?!" Droop returned in The Muppets in 2011, again appearing in the background. In the movie, Droop can be seen dusting off Jack Black before the telethon starts, participating in the opening, and being part of the chorus for a new rendition of "Rainbow Connection."Although he had no lines in the movie, he was heavily featured in one of the Blu-ray bonus feature "Scratching the Surface: A Hasty Examination of the Making of The Muppets," where he revealed his job as the key grip (and has the key to prove it). He also revealed that the first day of filming is on Monday, even though it was really Thursday.

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED DROOP?
The Muppets don't have many characters who are almost always depressed. There are characters who are frequently happy, angry, dumb, scared, or who have well-rounded personalities, but there are hardly any characters who are constantly sad. That's where Droop comes in. His depressed sounding voice is a rather funny voice, and his long nose is a rather funny looking nose. More importantly, he adds to the large cast of Muppet characters.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, muppetmindset@gmail.com