Muppetology 101: Recasting of Muppet Show Characters, Pt. 4

Ryan Dosier - Good day, students! Welcome back to our weekly Muppetology 101 lecture. After last week's special class, we're returning to our chapter on Recasting of Muppet Show Characters, this time spotlighting the Muppets performed by Jerry Nelson. As Jerry is the final original Muppeteer to somehow leave performing (Dave Goelz continues to perform all the characters he originated), this will be our final lecture on this topic. But, fear not, because more Muppetology with more topics will be on the way!

As we begin discussing Jerry Nelson's characters, it must be noted that virtually every Muppet on this list has been taken over by the talented Matt Vogel. In recent recasts, it seems that a single new performer is chosen to take on the characters of a single gone performer--such is the case with Eric Jacobson and Frank Oz as well as David Rudman and Richard Hunt. Since about 2008 Matt Vogel has revived most, if not all, of Jerry Nelson's fan-favorite characters from The Muppet Show.

• FLOYD PEPPER
• Originally performed by JERRY NELSON (1975-2003)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2008-present)
• Floyd Pepper was one of Jerry Nelson's favorite characters to perform. Even after the deaths of Jim Henson (Dr. Teeth) and Richard Hunt (Janice), Jerry kept Floyd around in appearances throughout the 1990s even without the rest of the Electric Mayhem. Upon Jerry's retirement from performing with the Muppets in 2003, Floyd disappeared for a few years. In the extended version of The Muppets' Wizard of Oz on DVD in 2005 and on The Muppets Green and Red Christmas album in 2006, John Kennedy performed Floyd. Kennedy's performance, while right in personality, just didn't capture Floyd's trademark raspy voice. In the first installment of Studio DC: Almost Live!, Matt Vogel performed Floyd for the first time. It could be this performance that solidified Matt as the chosen recast for all of Jerry Nelson's characters. Matt Vogel has performed Floyd since in appearances in viral videos, on Extreme Makeover: Home Edition, TV specials, and most recently in The Muppets.
• Jerry Nelson first performed Floyd Pepper for The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence pilot in 1975, in which Floyd was one of the three main characters alongside Sam Eagle and Nigel. Jerry Nelson's final physical performance as Floyd was for the television movie It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie in 2002, but Jerry provided Floyd's voice for the 2003 video game Muppets Party Cruise.
• Matt Vogel first performed Floyd Pepper in both Studio DC: Almost Live! specials in 2008, when Floyd notably jammed alongside Disney star David Henrie. Matt Vogel has continued to perform Floyd since then including his appearance in The Muppets in 2011. 

• LEW ZEALAND 
• Originally performed by JERRY NELSON (1977-2003)
• Performed by BILL BARRETTA (2002-2005)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2008-present)
• Lew Zealand, everyone's favorite boomerang fish thrower, was originated and perfected by Jerry Nelson for over 25 years. However, when filming It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie in 2002, the voices of Jerry's characters had to be looped over later due to health concerns. One such character was not looped, for whatever reason, and that was Lew Zealand as performed by Bill Barretta. Bill's Lew was over the top and hilarious--as it should be--and he stuck with the character through The Muppets' Wizard of Oz in 2005. Starting in A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa in 2008, Matt Vogel stepped in once again to take over Jerry Nelson's character, a casting which has stuck since then in all appearances of Lew Zealand.
• Jerry Nelson first performed Lew Zealand in The Muppet Show Season 3 episode guest starring Marisa Berenson, in which Lew saves Kermit from marrying Miss Piggy in "the wedding sketch." Jerry's final, physical performance as Lew was at "The Muppet Show LIVE!" at MuppetFest in 2001, but his final vocal performance as Lew was for Muppets Party Cruise in 2003.
• Matt Vogel first performed Lew Zealand in the A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa in 2008, where Lew offered Claire's Mom fishes. Matt has performed Lew since then in appearances in the "Bohemian Rhapsody" viral video in 2009 and in The Muppets in 2011.

• CRAZY HARRY
• Originally performed by JOHN LOVELADY (1974-1977)
• Performed by JERRY NELSON (1977-2003)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2008-present)
• Crazy Harry is by now means a main Muppet character, but he has been recast quite a few times. His first performer was John Lovelady, who originated the character in The Muppet Valentine Show in 1974 when he was called "Crazy Donald" after Muppet designer and practical joker Don Sahlin. But come The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence in 1975 (where he was performed for the only time by Richard Hunt), the character's name had been changed to Crazy Harry for an unknown reason. John Lovelady returned to the character for The Muppet Show Season One in 1976-1977, but when he departed the show, Jerry Nelson took over. Even when Jerry was still performing, Crazy Harry was seen in the background but rarely spoke. In 2005 Crazy Harry returned to speaking in The Muppets' Wizard of Oz where he was performed by Rickey Boyd. But, once again, in 2008 Matt Vogel began performing Crazy Harry in viral videos, and the character made a sort of resurgence, appearing prominently in various music videos, TV specials and appearances, and The Muppets movie.
• John Lovelady first performed Crazy Harry (then called Crazy Donald) in The Muppet Valentine Show pilot in 1974. He would continue to perform the character in The Muppet Show's first season throughout 1976 to 1977.
• Jerry Nelson first performed Crazy Harry in The Muppet Show's second season in 1977. He would become the character's definitive performer for over 25 years. His final known physical and vocal performance as Crazy Harry was in The Muppets: A Celebration of 30 Years in 1986. However, Jerry provided Crazy Harry's voice for Muppets Party Cruise in 2003.
• Matt Vogel first performed Crazy Harry in 2008 for the "Stars and Stripes FOREVER!" music video on YouTube. Matt continues to perform the character currently through appearances in Extreme Makeover: Home Edition in 2010, "Bohemian Rhapsody" in 2009, and The Muppets in 2011.

• ROBIN THE FROG
• Originally performed by JERRY NELSON (1971-2002)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2008-present)
• One of the most personal of Jerry Nelson's characters is Robin the Frog. Jerry originated Robin as the sweet, caring innocent we know and love and gave him a chipper, beautiful voice that is only a higher version of Jerry's own and extremely difficult to mimic. Matt Vogel was put to the task of giving Robin a voice for the first time in over five years in A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa when Robin sang a line in the song "My Best Christmas Yet." This proved difficult for Matt, and Robin sounded somewhat off. In 2009, Matt sang again as Robin on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon during the "Twelve Days of Christmas" number as Robin perched on Jimmy's shoulder. Again, Robin's voice wasn't perfect, but it was improving. Robin's most recent appearance was again on Late Night With Jimmy Fallon in 2011 where he and Kermit sang "When the River Meets the Sea" with Jimmy. Matt Vogel's Robin voice is still not perfect, but the personality and joy of the character absolutely are, and the voice can only improve with more appearances.
• Jerry Nelson first performed Robin for The Frog Prince television special in 1971. Jerry would perform Robin throughout the run of The Muppet Show, for his major role in The Muppet Christmas Carol, and more up until It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie in 2002. This would also be Robin's last somewhat-substantial role to date.
• Matt Vogel first performed Robin for A Muppets Christmas: Letters to Santa in 2008, in which Robin had a line singing in "My Best Christmas Yet." Matt has performed Robin for a few appearances since then on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon both in 2009 and 2011, both times Robin sang with Jimmy and the other Muppets.

• CAMILLA THE CHICKEN
• Originally performed by JERRY NELSON (1978-2003)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2008-present)
• Perhaps one of Jerry's easiest (yet somehow most challenging) characters to perform is Gonzo's chicken girlfriend Camilla. Jerry was the sole performer of Camilla, giving her a trademark clucking voice, for 25 years. After Jerry's retirement Camilla sort of disappeared with only an appearance in The Muppets' Wizard of Oz in 2005 (where she was performed by Alice Dinnean-Vernon) to put on her record. But in 2008, when Camilla was needed for the viral video "Classical Chicken," it was Matt Vogel who clucked up the scene. Camilla has found a new permanent performer in Matt, and her appearances have been more frequent ever since.
• Jerry Nelson first performed the chicken named Camilla in The Muppet Show Season 3 in 1978 (Jerry had performed other chickens before this, but none named Camilla). Jerry would continue to perform Camilla for about 25 years until her vocal cameo in the 2003 video game Muppet Party Cruise.
• Matt Vogel first performed Camilla in he 2008 music video "Classical Chicken," in which she literally laid an egg. Matt continues to perform Camilla still, including her appearance and scene-stealing "Forget You" performance in The Muppets in 2011.

• UNCLE DEADLY 
• Originally performed by JERRY NELSON (1976-1979)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2011-present)
• The most obscure of Jerry Nelson's semi-major characters is the Phantom of The Muppet Show, Uncle Deadly. The character only had a handful of appearances for about three years before disappearing into obscurity. It took director James Bobin and performer Matt Vogel to revive the long-lost phantom in The Muppets in 2011, giving Uncle Deadly his most prominent role ever as henchman of Tex Richman. Matt Vogel's Uncle Deadly is spot-on and we hope to see a lot more of him in the future.
• Jerry Nelson first performed Uncle Deadly in The Muppet Show Season 1 episode where Twiggy guest starred. Jerry would perform the phantom in a few more appearances until his final physical and vocal performance as the character on The Tonight Show in 1979 when Kermit the Frog guest hosted.
• Matt Vogel first performed Uncle Deadly in The Muppets in 2011 when the character made a huge return to the spotlight after over 30 years of being both silent and gone completely. Uncle Deadly has not appeared since The Muppets last year, but if he does Matt Vogel will be performing him after his fantastic work in the film. 

• POPS
• Originally performed by JERRY NELSON (1980-2002)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2011-present)
• Pops, the Muppet Theater doorman, was one of Jerry Nelson's later characters, first appearing in the final season of The Muppet Show and only making a few other appearances after that. The character has not spoken in an actual Muppet project since Jerry Nelson's retirement, but was seen in "The Muppet Show Theme" music video with OK Go. In a behind the scenes feature posted by the band, Pops is seen and heard speaking to the camera, complaining about the volume of the music, here performed by Matt Vogel. If the character returns, one can assume that Matt will be beneath him.
• Jerry Nelson first performed Pops in Season 5 of The Muppet Show in 1980 when Pops would start every show in the cold open. Jerry performed Pops in his biggest role in The Great Muppet Caper in 1981 and would perform him until It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie in 2002, when Pops was seen and heard selling tickets.
• Matt Vogel first performed Pops in 2011 for "The Muppet Show Theme" music video with the band OK Go. The character has yet to appear again, but one can assume that Matt Vogel will be performing him when and if Pops returns.

• DR. JULIUS STRANGEPORK 
• Originally performed by JERRY NELSON (1977-1996)
• Currently performed by MATT VOGEL (2009-present)
• One of the stars of the "Pigs in Space" sketches on The Muppet Show, Dr. Julius Strangepork was one of Jerry Nelson's best-known characters, if only because of his frequent "Pigs in Space" appearances. The character has not spoken on screen since 1996 on Muppets Tonight, but he has appeared in "Bohemian Rhapsody" and The Muppets. Matt Vogel performed Strangepork in "Bohemian Rhapsody," and even though he did not speak, Matt confirmed it was indeed his performance in an interview. Hopefully we'll get to hear Matt Vogel's take on Dr. Strangepork soon.
• Jerry Nelson first performed the illustrious Dr. Strangepork in the first "Pigs in Space" sketch in Season 2 of The Muppet Show in 1977. Jerry would continue to perform the character until his final vocal and physical appearance with Strangepork in a "Bay of Pigswatch" sketch on Muppets Tonight in 1997.
• Matt Vogel performed Dr. Strangepork in the "Bohemian Rhapsody" viral video in 2009. The character did not speak in this appearance, but Matt Vogel confirmed that he did indeed perform him in an interview. Dr. Strangepork has yet to have a speaking role without Jerry Nelson.

Well, there you have it! Jerry Nelson's Muppet Show characters, all performed with aplomb by Matt Vogel. Don't believe me? Watch The Muppets and listen for Matt and you'll know for sure! His Uncle Deadly, Floyd Pepper, and Lew Zealand are especially perfect.

Anyway... study hard, there could be a quiz, blah blah... have a good week, class! We'll see you next week with the first of our installment of Recasting of Sesame Street Characters, spotlighting both Jim Henson and Frank Oz.

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

Robin and Kermit on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon

Lisa Alexander - Merry Christmas, everybody! Or Christmas Eve, anyway, which is close enough. Lisa the Intern here to celebrate the utterly adorable present we got from the Muppets and Jimmy Fallon last night: Kermit, Robin, and Jimmy singing "When the River Meets the Sea."

If you haven't seen it, you need to. But maybe don't watch it until you've finished reading, because otherwise you'll be melted into a puddle of goop and won't be able to read. (Yes, I'm biased. Robin has always been my favorite. But that's beside the point.)

Now, the first thing you may notice about this appearance is that Robin's voice is a only slightly off. That's to be expected, what with Matt Vogel trying to do a VERY Jerry Nelson voice, and I really don't mind it at all. Matt's doing his best (and it's pretty darn good), and the characterization is SPOT ON, which is what really matters. And Robin hasn't spoken in a very long time, and I'm really too happy to have him back to really be overly nit-picky. (But mostly, the perfect characterization makes up for anything.)

The second thing you may notice about this appearance is that IT EXISTS! Kermit the Frog and ROBIN--note, one of the more MINOR characters--is singing a song with Jimmy Fallon on a late night talk show in 2011. I had such a hard time believing it that I keep making the same typo and trying to say that this is happening in 2001. There is no doubt in my mind that Jimmy Fallon himself had a huge hand in making this happen, and not just because it's his own show. He could have easily said, "Hey, let's get some Muppets here and sing something!" because we all know he loves the Muppets. But I suspect he specifically requested to sing "When the River Meets the Sea" with Kermit and Robin. Or, also likely, he requested to sing with Robin, and Disney said, "Well... nobody knows who Robin is. Mind if we send Kermit, too?"

My reason for suspecting he specifically requested Robin? Well, as he explained last night, he's always loved the album the Muppets did with John Denver. (Remember when he sang "Twelve Days of Christmas" with them, based entirely on the rendition they did with John Denver?) And when The Roots started to play "When the River Meets the Sea," he immediately told Kermit it's his favorite. Add those to the obvious fact that Jimmy Fallon knows who Robin is: when they sang "Twelve Days of Christmas," Robin sat on Jimmy's shoulder. (Have I mentioned I'm incredibly jealous of Jimmy?) Earlier in the week, when telling the audience who would be appearing on upcoming episodes of his show, Jimmy was trying to explain who Robin is. "Robin, you know--the little guy?" he said, holding his hands out to indicate Robin's approximate size, clearly excited that he would be performing with "the little guy." (Like I said... I'm SO jealous.)

As I mentioned, Robin's characterization was perfect. Matt may not have the voice quite down yet, but he clearly knows Robin's personality perfectly. He's five years old and RIDICULOUSLY excited for Christmas, imitating his uncle's signature "YAY" in celebration of the fact. Twice. And his scarf is adorable. He's also incredibly excited to perform and sing, and trying his best to be just as professional about it as his uncle: note his "Thank you" when Kermit compliments him on the first line.

And that reminds me--Kermit was great last night, too, clearly bursting with pride for his little nephew. And, y'know, his voice and characterization were great and all that other stuff we all know Steve Whitmire is perfectly capable of doing again and again. We all love Kermit. And Kermit loves Robin. And Lisa the Intern is very, very happy, to put it mildly. I lost track of how many times I watched this clip last night.

And speaking of the clip... now it's your turn! YAAAAAAAAAY!









The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

51 Days Until "The Muppets"

Lucas Ervin - Would you look at that... we're halfway done with the 100 Days Until The Muppets! Next month, we'll all be able to watch The Muppets! In this week's collection of clips, we focus on one character who, in my opinion, never really gets enough attention. He's sweet, kind, adorable, and, even though he's been around since 1971, he's only five years old. Robin the Frog, Kermit's nephew, is one of Jerry Nelson's greatest characters. Robin sang many great songs on the show with Muppets and guest stars alike. Robin may be the youngest Muppet of the group, but he is always a great balance of sweet and clever that fans never tire of him, which is a perfect example of what makes the Muppets work. So without further ado, let's get started on the best of Robin the Frog.

51.   Just One Person - When Bernadette Peters was a guest on the show during season two, we saw the first episode that was centered around Robin. He was feeling under-appreciated due to his size and age, and had planned on running away. Thankfully, Bernadette reminds him that he just needs to believe in himself, and sings "Just One Person." This song was also performed at Jim Henson’s Memorial Service and later led by Robin on The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson. It is a fantastic, powerful song that could easily be done again in today's world, and if they start up The Muppet Show again, maybe we'll see Robin perform it once more.

50.   Frog Kissin' - During the Linda Lavin episode in season 4 of The Muppet Show, Robin sang a fun song called, "Frog Kissin'" with three other frog scouts, which is reminiscent of Robin's first role in The Frog Prince, while also reminding us that everybody has beauty, potential, and self-worth, no matter who they are. If there's one thing that Robin and the Muppets are good at, it's sending a positive message without spoon-feeding it to viewers. So slow down, turn around, bend down, and kiss you a frog.

49.   Two Lost Souls - In season two when John Cleese came on as a guest star, Gonzo was scheduled to sing a duet with Robin, but had to cancel due to an incident involving a cannon ball. So instead, Robin performed the song "Two Lost Souls" with the monstrous yet loving and lovable Sweetums. Jerry Nelson and Richard Hunt had a great chemistry together, performing many character duos on The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, and Fraggle Rock. So naturally, it was a perfect fit to have Robin and Sweetums sing a duet, despite their huge size differences. It's amazing to watch this sketch and note how much Jerry Nelson had to move around with Robin so that no trace of puppeteer could be seen.

48.   Somewhere Over The Rainbow - One of the weirdest shows in the history of The Muppet Show is undoubtedly in season two when Alice Cooper stopped by. Kermit's collar got ruffled having to deal with Alice's fiendish accompaniment, a suspicious contract with the devil, and monsters dancing around backstage. Luckily, there was one number on the show that week which completely contradicted the rest of the episode in a very good way. It was Robin singing "Somewhere Over the Rainbow," the iconic song from Jim Henson's favorite movie, The Wizard of Oz. After the song was over, however, the show returned to chaos and mayhem... as it always seems to do.

47.   If I Ruled The World - In the fifth season, when Hal Linden guest starred, Kermit finally decided to let Statler and Waldorf put their money where their mouths are and try putting on a better show than he can. The two old geezers find that it's much harder than it looks to put on a show. Even the one musical number that went off without a hitch took place in Hal's dressing room, not onstage. Robin visits Hal so to complain about how poorly the show is going. By singing Frank Sinatra's "If I Ruled the World," they vocalize how they would do things differently if they were in charge. The performance by both of them is a perfect salute to Old Blue Eyes.

46.   Octopus' Garden - Robin actually had a few opening numbers, and in this one, he heads out to the water with his uncle to sing Ringo Starr's famous song. What really made this a unique number--besides another great use of Jerry Nelson's singing voice--was the ability to show Robin, Kermit, and the other Muppets "swimming" around in full body form. Jim was always eager to try new things on the show, and this is still one of the most fun and interesting numbers to watch. Plus, who doesn't love Miss Piggy as a mermaid and Animal vs. the stingray?

45.   Halfway Down the Stairs - Since we're halfway there, what better song is there to end with than "Halfway Down the Stairs"? It's the first song Robin ever performed on The Muppet Show, and it's still his most famous. As most of you know, it's a poem originally by A.A. Milne, author of "Winnie the Pooh." Robin's rendition of the song was a huge hit in Britain, making it on the Top Ten for its recording on The Muppet Show Album. Years later, Jerry Nelson sang the song at Jim Henson's Memorial Service. Jerry calls the song his favorite Robin number, and is quite proud of it. Yes, indeed... nobody can sing a song quite like Kermit's little nephew, Robin the Frog.

51 Days Until The Muppets!!

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier, ryguy102390@gmail.com

Interview with Legendary Muppeteer Jerry Nelson, Part 2

Ryan Dosier - Greetings, Muppet fans! And welcome back to The Muppet Mindset for Part 2 of our 4-Part interview with Muppet legend Jerry Nelson! Part 2 focuses on Jerry's contribution to The Muppet Show and the stable of characters he performed. Unfortunately, there wasn't time to ask about every character Jerry performed (since there were so darn many of them) but I think what you'll find is a wonderful inside look at some of Jerry's most influential characters (well... except Angus McGonagle--that question was for me) and his incredibly wise, incredibly hilarious thoughts concerning them.

Make sure you check out Part 1 of our interview with Jerry Nelson too!

Jerry Nelson Interview

Part 2

RYAN:   We’re back with the legendary Jerry Nelson. You know him as the long-time performer of such standards as Granny the Gouger, Thudge McGerk, and arguably the most influential Muppet of all time… the Jar of Orange Marmalade! Jerry, what was it like to perform these universally known characters?

JERRY:   I doubt that I ever thought about any of my characters being universally known. However, you can just imagine what a thrill it is to play Jar of Marmalade, or... perhaps you can’t.

RYAN:   As you all surely know, those three characters come from The Muppet Show. Jerry, what was it like to work on The Muppet Show? Did anyone ever consider that it would be so influential?

JERRY:   After we finished the first season, we came back to the US to film The Muppet Movie. It hadn’t taken off in the states yet. When we returned to England to start the second season, I don’t know about anyone else, but I was surprised to find that the show was a big smash hit there and Robin’s song “Halfway Down The Stairs” was on the Pop charts and eventually made it to #7. Of course, we did at some point realize that the show went to many countries and people, when they found out we did The Muppet Show, would do a big take and say, “You’re a MUPPET!!!!” “Good show, mate”

RYAN:   During the first season of the show, Floyd Pepper became very prominent. In those days he had a slightly different voice in some songs. How did his now well-known raspy tone come about?

JERRY:   Well, “Ain’t Misbehavin’” is maybe what you are referring to. That’s the only one I’ve really noticed.. As I recall it was out of the range of my Floyd register and the song kind of felt Leon Redbone-ish, so I took it in that direction. My wife, Jan, said when she heard it, “That doesn’t sound like Floyd.” To which I replied, “I am he-and he is me-and we are all  together.”

RYAN:   Where does Floyd come from within you? How did you develop his character?

JERRY:   You have to remember he was a new character and you can see that as you become more familiar with a character, the character grows. When he walks, you find his walk. When he laughs you then have to discover all these subtleties about where his humor comes from so what you’re seeing is the personality evolving, much in the way all the characters who weren’t in existence prior to the pilot were. Remember too, that somewhere in his before-life he hung around a lot of jazz clubs and musicians.

RYAN:   Personally, I find Floyd to have the best singing voice of any Muppet. What were some of your favorite songs to sing as Floyd?


JERRY:   Thank you, Ryan. I’ll start with “New York State of Mind” by Billy Joel. Well, here’s a melancholy tune that’s easy to get into if you are NOT in New York, which we weren’t. “While My Guitar Gently Weeps” by George Harrison, another beautiful sad song. “Blackbird,” a beautiful song from Paul McCartney. How could you go wrong with all that fantastic music? I also really enjoyed singing “Lady Be Good” with  Zoot and Dr. Teeth and my little scat with Dizzy Gillespie, a duet with Roy Rogers, “In The Good Ol’ Summertime” with Pearl Bailey, hey, the list goes on and on. I love to sing.

RYAN:   Do you have any idea why Floyd’s covers of songs are often better than the originals?

JERRY:   I can’t believe you said that. I thank you. But I don’t see it that way. Not that it’s better. It’s my take on song and great professional players behind me, so maybe it’s just different in a way that strikes you as better. I suppose a singer is what I really wanted to be and the Muppets got me as close to that joy as I could be in this world. That and my album, "Truro Daydreams." I might remind you all that Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, Winter Solstice and Flying Spaghetti Monster Day is just around the corner, so head on over to www.cdbaby.com/cd/nelsonjerry/ and  give the gift of love to me and my grandson Tolin, by buying your beloved one a copy of Truro Daydreams, with ten songs by yours truly, Jerry Nelson.

RYAN:   To you, what is the most important aspect of Floyd? What about the most fun aspect?

JERRY:   Music and humor.

RYAN:   How did you develop Floyd’s trademark “anklin’” walk?

JERRY:   Mr. Natural’s Truckin’ from the pen and mind of Robert Crumb. Circa 1960’s.

RYAN:   When you spoke to Matt Vogel about your characters, what did you tell him about Floyd?

JERRY:   My multi-colored wheel is spinning while I try to retrieve that file. Hmm, I think you will have to ask Mister Vogel that when you interview him.

RYAN:   What are your thoughts about the importance of the Electric Mayhem in the Muppet world? How do they represent and share the Muppet dream?

JERRY:   First of all in The Muppet Movie you saw how they met the Frog following his own dream. I believe at that time Kermit did share that with the band and they did find him in order to join in the dream, as did so many others they met along the way. The Mayhem were an intricate part of the Muppets in everything they did: movies, television, records, CD’s. They had been struggling with the hardships of the road until they met K. the Frog. He (K the F) gave them a stability they had been searching for and they in turn gave the Muppets much of their musical celebrity and humor. They were the Muppet Show house band for the stars who appeared on the show.

RYAN:   What did Floyd think about Janice’s brief fling with Zoot?

JERRY:   I asked Floyd about that and he said, “Hey Man, I don’t own her. She is her own person. I think people acting that way, before she joined us, was why she left home in the first place.”

RYAN:   How long did it take you to master the art of puppet guitar playing?

JERRY:     I am a guitar player so it was second nature to translate that into an arm wire. It was a little more complicated than that though. Normally, for a right-handed person the right hand would control the rhythm playing the guitar. In puppeteering, since the right hand is manipulating the puppet’s mouth, the left hand has to do the strumming, and or picking for the guitar or bass guitar. It’s sort of like patting your head and rubbing your stomach.  

RYAN:   Can you talk to us a little bit about Floyd’s relationship with Miss Piggy?

JERRY:   Miss  Piggy has such a gargantuan ego, Floyd finds it diverting to try to bring her down a peg or two, whenever he can without putting himself in danger. Sometimes that doesn’t work out so well and Floyd would end up with a chop to the chops.

RYAN:   Moving on from our good friend Floyd, where on earth did you find the inspiration for Lew Zealand?

JERRY:   Lew is my tribute to Frankie Fontaine who was a comedian who worked with Jackie Gleason, Jack Benny and The Tonight Show. He was also a talented singer: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Frank_Fontaine

RYAN:   Does Lew have a favorite boomerang fish?

JERRY:   Yes, Tommy Tuna, but there were various favorites through the years. I used to make up different names to try to crack up Dave Goelz. Mikey the Mackerel, Ichabod Cod, stuff like that.

RYAN:   If you had to pick one defining moment in Lew Zealand’s distinguished career, what would it be?

JERRY:  The time he didn’t get the hook. No, every time the boomerang fish did their job. There were times when he threw the fish a-way but they didn’t come back.

RYAN:   How about Uncle Deadly? Why was he phased out?

JERRY:   I don’t know that there was a reason. I guess there could be many reasons. Character didn’t payoff any longer, they had used up all the funny bits for him, or they simply had lots of ideas that did not involve him. I never thought about it so I never asked anyone, but you had to bring it up and "Take-a, take another little piece of my heart now Ryan. Break-a, break another little piece of my..." well, you get the idea. I hope you sang that part aloud.

I saw her live, you know, in San Francisco. Ah, those were the times. Out of work and out of money, just like Uncle Deadly. Uncle Deadly was, by the way, my tribute to John Carradine.

RYAN:   What about Crazy Harry? Does he have any motivation besides the urge to wreak havoc and laugh maniacally?

JERRY:   No, selective chaos is pretty much his game.

RYAN:   Did you ever notice that a majority of your main characters have facial hair?

JERRY:   No, I didn’t. What do you think that means? Type cast in radical, non-conformist roles?

RYAN:   Of course, one character that doesn’t and never will have facial hair is Robin the Frog. When was it decided to make Robin Kermit’s nephew?

JERRY:   I have no idea.  They said “jump”, I said, “How High.”

RYAN:   Did Robin help you to get in touch with your inner-child?

JERRY:   No, since I never grew up, my inner child has been extremely close to the surface.

RYAN:   Any particular reason why Robin is so fond of “They Call the Wind Mariah”?

JERRY:   It’s called a running gag, but I think Robin feels it makes him appear more grown up...

RYAN:   What are your thoughts on why Robin stays with Kermit as much as he does? Is it his desire to perform or is there more to it?

JERRY:   Robin looks up to his uncle, but of course he wants to have an impact in show business as well. Secretly he hopes he can grow up like Kermit and wear a nice pointy collar and hang out with great looking Starlets.

RYAN:   What about Robin’s relationship with Kermit? What makes it so important to the both of them?

JERRY:   Despite the fact that being frogs, they are both cold blooded they do have a warm spot for each other in their froggie little hearts. I think there is also a strong filial devotion.

RYAN:   Since Robin is so musically inclined, are there any instruments you think would suit him best?

JERRY:   A ukulele or maybe a piccolo.

RYAN:   Was introducing Robin’s mother and father ever discussed? Which one do you think is Kermit’s sibling?

JERRY:   It may have been discussed, but never in my presence. Is that psychologically important? Because with all those eggs hatching at the same time, and Robin being another generation apart, I think it would be difficult to tell, unless you were a scientist.

RYAN:   What do you think it is that draws Robin to Sweetums?

JERRY:   Since it’s me you’re asking, I’d say script. Robin would say “Cuz he’s the best pal a frog can have.”

RYAN:   Is Robin still five?

JERRY:   He would be a young teenager in human years, but in frog years he is five.

RYAN:   Are his brothers and sisters in the swamp jealous of his stardom?

JERRY:   Hey, all they know is sitting on lily pads, catching flies, and avoiding a whole swamp full of predators. 

RYAN:   Robin is also actively involved in the Frog Scouts. If he had to choose between the Frog Scouts and the stage, which do you think he’d choose?

JERRY:  What? Give up show biz. You must be kidding me. It’s in his cold blood.

RYAN:   What were some of your favorite songs to sing as Robin?

JERRY:  Ahh, in order of preference they are, "Halfway Down the Stairs," "Over the Rainbow," "I’m Five," "Yellow Submarine," and "Just One Person."

RYAN:   One of my very good friends is a huge fan of Robin. Do you think he’d be willing to say a few words in the interview to his biggest fan?

ROBIN:   I have a fan? Wow!! A fan. My fan? Gosh, I’m sorry I don’t have any pictures. You take very good care of yourself. You are important to me. Thank you for being my FAN !!!!!!!

RYAN:   Who were your favorite Muppets to interact with while performing your characters?

JERRY:   I loved singing and working with all of my workmates no matter who I was, or they were being at the time. New character old character, I didn’t care as long as I was playing.

RYAN:   That about does it for part 2 of our interview, so in closing... Jerry, whatever happened to Angus McGonagle the Gargling Gargoyle?

JERRY:   I wish there was footage of us trying to gargle and then sing. We all tried it, even Jim. We were all cracking up at each other. It was hilarious. We ended up with Richard Hunt doing the gargling and me singing the lyric. If you want a laugh, try it yourself.

Huge thanks to Mr. Jerry Nelson for this amazing interview and everything he's done! You're the best, Jerry! Remember, you can buy Jerry's beautiful album, "Truro Daydreams," right here for only $9.99. It really is the perfect Christmas gift for the Muppet fan in your life (or just yourself)!






The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Muppet Comic Mondays: The Muppet Show Comic Book #6 - Family Reunion

The Muppet Show Comic Book #6

Family Reunion

Written by Roger Langridge

Illustrated by Amy Mebberson

James Gannon - After an amazing reunion where we meet a grown up Skeeter, and introducing future characters Andy and Randy to The Muppet Show, Family Reunion part 3 decides to do things a little different. Instead of a rare family member we rarely see (or never see in the context of the original series), we get a Muppet Show regular. We get a great story focusing on Kermit’s own nephew, Robin.

The twist is that Statler and Waldorf’s Greek god counterparts decide to play a piece that has no connections to anyone whatsoever, causing an internal struggle. Robin feels very underappreciated, especially having to sort props and other smaller, overlookable tasks. Things get worse for the little frog. Just before he has to perform the Frog Scout mime interpretation of Death of a Salesman, the mysterious piece is played. A cross eyed woman wearing a suit with a badge that says “C.O.” on it. Skeeter gets involved in the mess, and they both come to the conclusion that C.O. means County Orphanage, and that somehow they’re coming for Robin. Fearing a Follow that Bird situation, Robin eventually decides to run away.

Which brings me to thinking that it never was explained why Kermit is usually seen taking care of Robin. Did something happen to Robin’s parents? Did they have a bad trip to Paris where they lost their legs? Or does Robin just hang out with his Uncle a lot? It’s not explained here, nor does it really need to be. My guess? Robin’s just young enough to think something bad’s going to happen without thinking it through.

Meanwhile, Kermit has to take a collection for something. What it is, I won’t say. And, of course, there IS a surprise family member that pays a visit… but it’s a surprise. It’s basically a throwaway gag, and you’re gonna have to read to the end. But it’s well worth it.

The standout sketches from this issue follow the old Muppet Show tradition of sharing something (an item or character) between 2 or more sketches. Wayne and Wanda sing “Mighty as a Rose” to a monster baby in a bassinet (they almost get to the end before any mishaps, making it all the funnier). Pages later, Link Hogthrob is smitten by the monster baby, spending all his time on the Swinetrek taking care of it, to the rest of the crew’s dismay.

On that note, if we ever get another full issue Pigs in Space story ever again, I really want Amy to draw it. She gives Link the goofiest look that fits the character even better than the actual puppet. Heck, if there’s ever another Pigs in Space animated series, she should do the model sheets. Of course, Roger should write on both counts. Out of all the sketches you usually see, he has the best handle on that one.  

All and all, this issue is a very sweet character piece for Robin. Rarely did they give him such a character exploration on the actual show, and this series really dives into every character in a more psychological and deep level than the show had time for. This issue didn’t NEED the same “look what character’s here” feeling as the previous 2, but it stands up just as well as the rest of them.

The Muppet Mindset by Ryan Dosier

Weekly Muppet Wednesdays: Robin the Frog

Today on The Muppet Mindset, we welcome our first ever guest writer of Weekly Muppet Wednesdays! Today's Wednesday is brought to you by our very close friend Lisa Alexander (TogetherAgain on Muppet Central Forum), who is also the Mindset's resident intern who does odd-jobs and spell-checkings. She brings us a profile of her favorite Muppet--check it out!

ROBIN THE FROG

Performed by…
Jerry Nelson (1971-2002)
Matt Vogel (2008-present)

First appearance…
The Frog Prince (1971)

Most recent appearance…
Muppets Most Wanted (2014)

Best known role…
Kermit’s little nephew

Biggest role (so to speak)…
Tiny Tim in The Muppet Christmas Carol


WHO IS ROBIN THE FROG?
Robin the Frog is Kermit’s little nephew. Weighing in at six ounces, he’s been five almost as long as Big Bird’s been six. His small size makes him easy to overlook, but he has big dreams, which include ruling the world and singing “They Call the Wind Maria” on The Muppet Show. (And with Kermit calling the shots, the former is a lot more likely than the latter.)

In The Frog Prince, he was introduced as “Sir Robin the Brave,” the prince who had been turned into a frog. He made a few appearances in the first season of The Muppet Show, but was not established as Kermit’s nephew until the Bernadette Peters episode (Episode 212) of the second season, in which he was fed up with not being noticed and decided to run away. Fortunately, Bernadette Peters sang “Just One Person” to Robin, with help from several other Muppets, and Robin stuck around to be cooed over by Muppet fans for decades to come.

Robin likes to hang out with Fozzie Bear, Sweetums, and the Frog Scouts. Frog Scout Troop #12 first appeared in the Debbie Harry episode of The Muppet Show (Episode 509) to earn their punk merit badges. At the time, they were led by Mrs. Appleby. However, in 2005, Palisades released a Frog Scout Leader Kermit, and Kermit also alludes to leading Robin’s troop in his book, Before You Leap. (My theory is that Mrs. Appleby retired, and Kermit really needs to get one of those shirts that says “Stop me before I volunteer again.” Except, of course, that he doesn’t wear clothes. Sheesh!) No matter who’s in charge of the troop, Robin is very proud to be a Frog Scout. He wears his uniform—or at least his bandana—whenever he goes camping, and often for formal events as well, like when his uncle is getting tricked into marrying Miss Piggy (again).

Robin’s best friend is Sweetums. The unlikely pair actually debuted as enemies; in The Frog Prince, Sweetums wanted to do a little frog-smashing. But the next time they appeared together, Robin had rounded Sweetums up to sing “Two Lost Souls” in episode 223 of The Muppet Show, and they’ve been pals ever since. The odd combination of an adorable little six-ounce frog and a huge hulking beast (with a reputation for traumatizing young Muppet fans) is just irresistible. And besides, without a big friend like Sweetums, Robin would have a much harder time of adorably putting the star on the top of the tree in It’s A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie.

In spite of his small size, Robin has managed to snag a few crucial roles in his career. In The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson, it was Robin who convinced his fellow Muppets that they could do a fitting tribute for Jim. He persuaded them by singing—with all of them joining in—“Just One Person,” the same song that Bernadette Peters had sung to encourage him all those years earlier. (It’s a very effective song.) Robin also played Tiny Tim in The Muppet Christmas Carol—an important part of Scrooge’s transition from skin-flint to a thankful heart. And if it weren’t for Robin’s exchange with Kermit at the beginning of The Muppet Movie, we fans would have no way of knowing that it’s only “sort of approximately” how the Muppets really got started. Robin is also the star of the 2000 Playstation game Muppet Monster Adventure, where he battles monster-versions of several main Muppets to turn them back into their usual selves.

Robin is also a star singer, best known for his rendition of A. A. Milne’s “Halfway Down the Stairs.” It appeared on the first Muppet Show album in 1977 and was then released as a single in the UK. The single was a huge hit, even making it to England’s Top 10. Robin has a knack for sweet, melt-your-heart-into-a-puddle-of-goo songs, like “Bless Us All” and “Can’t Get Along Without You,” but he’s no stranger to more peppy songs like “Fun Fun Fun.”

ROBIN SONGS

• “Halfway Down the Stairs” – The Muppet Show episode 110
• “I’m Five” – The Muppet Show episode 212
• “Two Lost Souls” (with Sweetums) – The Muppet Show episode 223
• “Someone to Watch Over Me” – The Muppet Show episode 310
• “Frog Kissin’” (with frogs) – The Muppet Show episode 406
• “Leave Me Some Magic” – The Muppet Show episode 421
• “If We Ruled the World” (with Hal Linden) – The Muppet Show episode 517
• “Friendship” (with Kermit the Frog) – The Muppet Show episode 519
• “Just One Person” (with many other Muppets) – The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson
• “Can’t Get Along Without You” (with Kermit) – Kermit Unpigged
• “Bless Us All” (as Tiny Tim, with Kermit, Miss Piggy, Peter Cratchit, Betina, and Belinda) – The Muppet Christmas Carol
• “Fun, Fun, Fun” (with the Frog Scouts) – Muppet Beach Party
  

WHY DO THE MUPPETS NEED ROBIN?
The entire reason Robin exists is to see how much the Muppets can make me squeal.

No, that’s totally not true. Although I would recommend wearing earplugs if I’m around and he’s on screen. But that’s not the reason the Muppets need Robin.

Robin is almost pure innocence. I say “almost,” because no one who’s faced down the Swedish Chef’s knife can be entirely innocent. But other than that, he’s pretty much there. Jim Henson has been quoted saying that all of their characters, even their villains, have an innocence to them. Robin is the embodiment of that. He’s a perpetual optimist, and his hope knows no bounds.

The fact that he’s five has a lot to do with it; he’s young enough that he doesn’t necessarily know the world has any limits at all. (For those of you who have been away from kids long enough to not quite know what I mean, let me give you an idea: when I was five, I was going to grow up to be a horse.) If there are no limits, then anything can happen. That’s a fundamental part of the Muppets, because anything does happen… unless it’s normal, in which case it probably doesn’t.

Robin is also an important connection between the fans and the Muppets. At some point, everyone is too young or too small to do something, so everyone knows how it feels to be left out because of age and/or size, and can immediately relate to Robin.

But there’s a lot of stuff packed into little Robin (and I’m not referring to the hand of a Muppeteer… although that’s there, too). He may be small, but he’s got big dreams, big ambitions, big thoughts, big friends, and—especially for a five-year-old—really big success. He’s sweet and innocent, with a dash of comedy and a good dose of confidence. In short—which he also is—Robin is proof that good things come in small packages.

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