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{{short description|American puppeteer (1934-2012)}}
{{about|the puppeteer|the astronomer|Jerry Nelson (astronomer)}}
{{about|the puppeteer|the astronomer|Jerry Nelson (astronomer)}}
{{refimprove|date=March 2012}}
{{more citations needed|date=March 2012}}
{{Infobox person
{{Infobox person
| name = Jerry Nelson
| name = Jerry Nelson
| image = Jerry Nelson.jpg
| image = Jerry Nelson.jpg
| caption = Nelson in a ''[[Sesame Street]]'' publicity photograph from June 2012 shortly before his death. Here he is pictured with the [[Count von Count|Count]].
| caption = Nelson with [[Count von Count|the Count]] in a ''[[Sesame Street]]'' publicity photograph from June 2012
| birth_name = Jerry L. Nelson
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1934|07|10}}
| birth_date = {{Birth date|1934|07|10}}
| birth_place = [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]], U.S.
| birth_place = [[Tulsa, Oklahoma]], U.S.
| death_date = {{death date and age|2012|8|23|1934|7|10}}
| death_date = {{death date and age|2012|8|23|1934|7|10}}
| death_place = [[Cape Cod]], [[Massachusetts]], U.S.
| death_place = [[Cape Cod]], Massachusetts, U.S.
| occupation = Puppeteer
| death_cause = [[Emphysema]], [[prostate cancer]]
| resting_place = Cremation
| other_name = Jerry L. Nelson
| occupation = Puppeteer, voice actor, singer
| years_active = 1965–2012
| years_active = 1965–2012
| spouse = Jan Nelson (1984–2012)
| spouse = {{plainlist|
* Jacqueline Gordon (divorced)
* {{marriage|Jan Nelson|1984<!--As marriage ended by death of Nelson, not by death of his spouse, the year 2012 is omitted here. See instructions on [[Template:Marriage]] for more info-->}}
}}
| children = 1
| children = 1
}}
}}
'''Jerry L. Nelson''' (10 July 1934&nbsp;– 23 August 2012) was an American [[puppeteer]], best known for his work with [[The Muppets]]. Renowned for his wide range of characters and singing abilities, he performed Muppet characters on ''[[Sesame Street]]'', ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', ''[[Fraggle Rock]]'', and various Muppet movies and specials.
'''Jerry Nelson''' (July 10, 1934&nbsp;– August 23, 2012) was an American puppeteer, best known for his work with [[The Muppets]]. Known for his wide range of characters and singing abilities, he performed Muppet characters on ''[[Sesame Street]]'', ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', ''[[Fraggle Rock]]'', and various Muppet movies and specials.


==Career==
==Career==
On ''Sesame Street'', Nelson's longest-running character was [[Count von Count]], the counting vampire who took delight in counting anything he could. Nelson did the voice and puppetry for the Count from 1972 until 2012, and continued to provide the Count's voice until his death. His other Muppet roles on that program were The Amazing Mumford, [[Herry Monster]], Biff the Construction worker, [[Mr. Johnson (Sesame Street)|Mr. Johnson]], Simon Soundman, Mr. Chatterly, [[Frazzle]], and [[Sherlock Hemlock]].
On ''Sesame Street'', Nelson's longest-running character was [[Count von Count]], the counting vampire who takes delight in counting anything (and everything) he can. Nelson did the voice and puppetry for the Count from 1972 until 2004 and continued to provide the Count's voice until his death in 2012. His other Muppet roles on that program were Herbert Birdsfoot, The Amazing Mumford, [[List of Sesame Street Muppets|Herry Monster]], Biff, [[List of Sesame Street Muppets|Mr. Johnson]], Simon Soundman, Mr. Chatterly, [[List of Sesame Street Muppets|Frazzle]], Little Jerry, and [[Sherlock Hemlock]]. He has also made a total of nine onscreen appearances on the show.


Nelson was the first puppeteer to perform [[Aloysius Snuffleupagus|Mr. Snuffleupagus]], keeping the role from 1971 to 1978. Most sources (including ''[[Sesame Street Unpaved]]'' and ''Sesame Street: A Celebration &ndash; 40 Years of Life on the Street'') state that back problems caused by the physical stress of the performance forced him to bow out, but in a 2009 interview Jerry Nelson gave a different explanation for giving up the role: "I was not loath to give that character up. But the reasons for giving it up were because at that time we were doing ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' and he was a real part of the show, and they needed his presence. So they asked if I’d mind giving it up."<ref>Nelson, Jerry [http://www.toughpigs.com/a-chat-with-jerry-nelson-part-3/ Tough Pigs interview with Jerry Nelson]</ref>
From 1971 to 1978, Nelson was the first puppeteer to perform [[Mr. Snuffleupagus]]. Reported back problems caused by the physical stress of the character forced him to bow out of the role,<ref>{{Cite book |last1=Gikow |first1=Louise |title=123 Sesame Street: a celebration: 40 years of life on the street |last2=Loredo |first2=Betsy |date=2009 |publisher=Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers |isbn=978-1-57912-638-4 |location=New York, NY}}</ref> but in a 2009 interview Nelson provided a different explanation: "I was not loath to give that character up. But the reasons for giving it up were because at that time we were doing ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' and he was a real part of [''Sesame Street''], and they needed his presence. So they asked if I'd mind giving it up."<ref>{{Cite web |date=2009-12-24 |title=A Chat with Jerry Nelson, part 3 « ToughPigs – Muppet Fans Who Grew Up |url=https://toughpigs.com/a-chat-with-jerry-nelson-part-3/ |access-date=2024-07-07 |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20091224142430/https://toughpigs.com/a-chat-with-jerry-nelson-part-3/ |archive-date=2009-12-24 }}</ref>


He also performed many characters on ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', including [[Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem#Sgt. Floyd Pepper|Sgt. Floyd Pepper]] (the bassist of the [[Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem|Electric Mayhem]] band), ''Pigs in Space'' star [[Dr. Julius Strangepork]], the boomerang fish-throwing [[Lew Zealand]], [[Kermit the Frog]]'s nephew [[Robin the Frog]], [[Gonzo the Great|Gonzo]]'s girlfriend [[Camilla the Chicken]], one of the two hecklers [[Statler and Waldorf|Statler]] (whom he took over after the death of [[Richard Hunt (puppeteer)|Richard Hunt]]), the mad pyrotechinst [[Crazy Harry]], and the Phantom of the Muppet Show, [[Uncle Deadly (Muppet)|Uncle Deadly]]. Nelson's Muppets on ''The Muppet Show'' were all only supporting roles, but they did occasionally play a central role in an episode's plot.
Nelson also performed many characters on ''[[The Muppet Show]]'', including [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem#Floyd Pepper|Sgt. Floyd Pepper]] (the bassist of the [[Dr. Teeth and the Electric Mayhem|Electric Mayhem]] band), ''Pigs in Space'' star [[List of Muppets#Dr. Julius Strangepork|Dr. Julius Strangepork]], the boomerang fish-throwing [[List of Muppets#Lew Zealand|Lew Zealand]], [[Kermit the Frog]]'s nephew [[List of Muppets#Robin the Frog|Robin the Frog]], [[Gonzo (Muppet)|Gonzo]]'s girlfriend [[List of Muppets#Camilla the Chicken|Camilla the Chicken]], the mad pyrotechnist [[List of Muppets#Crazy Harry|Crazy Harry]], and "the Phantom of the Muppet Show", [[List of Muppets#Uncle Deadly|Uncle Deadly]]. He performed [[Statler and Waldorf|Statler]] in the pilot episode but was replaced by [[Richard Hunt (puppeteer)|Richard Hunt]] when he could not perform full-time in the first season. He was a full-time performer for the rest of the show's run. Nelson was also selected to play Statler after Hunt's death, after the end of the show.


Less prominent characters on the show include sportscaster Lewis Kazagger, [[Pops (Muppet)|Pops the doorman]], gossip columnist Fleet Scribbler, and [[Scooter (Muppet)|Scooter]]'s uncle, J.P. Grosse, who owned the theatre. He performed [[Statler and Waldorf|Statler]] in the pilot episodes, but dropped the role when he could not perform full-time in the first season. He was a full-time performer for the rest of the show's run. Nelson was selected to play Statler after Richard Hunt's death. He originated the role of Fozzie Bear's mother in Series 2 of the Muppet Show and reprised the role in the special ''[[A Muppet Family Christmas]]'' and ''[[The Muppets at Walt Disney World]]''.
Less prominent characters on the show include sportscaster Louis Kazagger, [[List of Muppets#Pops|Pops the doorman]], giant blue monster [[List of Muppets#Thog|Thog]], gossip columnist [[List of Muppets|Fleet Scribbler]], and [[Scooter (Muppet)|Scooter]]'s uncle, [[List of Muppets|J.P. Grosse]], who owned the theater. He originated the role of Fozzie Bear's mother in season 2 of ''The Muppet Show'' and reprised the role in the TV specials ''[[A Muppet Family Christmas]]'', ''[[The Muppets at Walt Disney World]]'', and the film ''[[The Muppet Christmas Carol]]''.


Nelson performed the puppet and voice of Emmet in ''[[Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas]]'', a one-hour special that originally aired on HBO. He later performed the signature song from that show, "When the River Meets the Sea," as Robin, in a duet with John Denver for a Muppet Christmas special. That version of the song gets frequent radio airplay during the Christmas season (although the song is not seasonal).
Nelson performed the puppet and voice of Emmet in ''[[Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas (TV program)|Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas]]'', a one-hour special that originally aired on CBC. He later performed the signature song from that show, "When the River Meets the Sea," as Robin, in a duet with [[John Denver]] for a Muppet Christmas special. That version of the song gets frequent radio airplay during the Christmas season (although the song is not seasonal). He and [[Louise Gold]] performed the song at Jim Henson’s Memorial Service.


On ''[[Fraggle Rock]]'', he performed Gobo Fraggle, Pa Gorg, and Marjory the Trash Heap. Frank Oz did not perform on ''Fraggle Rock'', and Jim Henson and Richard Hunt limited their time on the show, so they performed supporting characters. For this reason, Nelson was asked to perform Gobo, the central role on the show.
On ''[[Fraggle Rock]]'', he performed [[Gobo Fraggle]], Pa Gorg, and Marjory the Trash Heap. [[Frank Oz]] did not perform on ''Fraggle Rock'', and [[Jim Henson]] and Hunt limited their time on the show, so they performed supporting characters. For this reason, Nelson was asked to perform Gobo, the central role on the show.


Nelson's characters were often singers or musicians. He performed the lead vocals for many songs as Floyd of the Electric Mayhem, Little Jerry of Little Jerry and the Monotones, Slim Wilson of Lubbock Lou and his Jughuggers, and a number of [[Anything Muppet]] bands. Most of his main characters in all three shows sang songs at one time or another.
Nelson's characters were often singers or musicians. He performed the lead vocals for many songs as Floyd of the Electric Mayhem, Little Jerry of Little Jerry and the Monotones, Slim Wilson of Lubbock Lou and his Jughuggers, and a number of [[Anything Muppet]] bands. Most of his main characters in all three shows sang songs at one time or another.


He reprised the role of the announcer in ''[[The Muppets (film)|The Muppets]]''. His final performance as the said announcer was part of the ''Jim Henson's Musical World'' concert at [[Carnegie Hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toughpigs.com/fraggles-monsters-squirrels-and-frogs-play-carnegie-hall/ |title=Fraggles, Monsters, Squirrels, and Frogs Play Carnegie Hall « Muppet Fans Who Grew Up – ToughPigs |publisher=Toughpigs.com |date= |accessdate=2013-12-29}}</ref> Archive audio of his announcer role was reused in ''[[Muppets Most Wanted]]'', which was dedicated to both Nelson and [[Jane Henson]], wife of Muppets' creator [[Jim Henson]].
He reprised the role of the announcer in ''[[The Muppets (2011 film)|The Muppets]]''. His final performance as the announcer was part of the ''Jim Henson's Musical World'' concert at [[Carnegie Hall]].<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.toughpigs.com/fraggles-monsters-squirrels-and-frogs-play-carnegie-hall/ |title=Fraggles, Monsters, Squirrels, and Frogs Play Carnegie Hall « Muppet Fans Who Grew Up – ToughPigs |date=15 April 2012 |publisher=Toughpigs.com |access-date=2013-12-29}}</ref> Archive audio of his announcer role was reused in ''[[Muppets Most Wanted]]'', which was dedicated to both Nelson and [[Jane Henson]], wife of Muppets' creator [[Jim Henson]].


Nelson also performed the character voice of General Public in the [[Cartoon Network]] animated series ''[[Sheep in the Big City]]'', and the Alchemist in ''[[Larryboy: The Cartoon Adventures]]''.
In 2001, Nelson also performed the character voice of General Public in the [[Cartoon Network]] animated series ''[[Sheep in the Big City]]'' in the episode "Daddy Shearest".

In December 2009, Nelson, who summered in [[Truro, Massachusetts|Truro]], [[Massachusetts]] on Cape Cod, released ''Truro Daydreams'', an album of original songs.<ref>{{cite web | title= Truro Daydreams - Jerry Nelson | url= http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumid=ALB000040517 | archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329021520/http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB000040517 | archivedate=29 March 2010 | publisher= DigStation.com}}</ref>
In December 2009, Nelson, who summered in [[Truro, Massachusetts|Truro]], [[Massachusetts]] on Cape Cod, released ''[[Truro Daydreams]]'', an album of original songs.<ref>{{cite web | title= Truro Daydreams - Jerry Nelson | url= http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumid=ALB000040517 | archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100329021520/http://www.digstation.com/AlbumDetails.aspx?albumID=ALB000040517 | archive-date=29 March 2010 | publisher= DigStation.com}}</ref>


==Personal life==
==Personal life==
Nelson had a daughter named Christine from his first marriage to Jacqueline Nelson Gordon. Christine had [[cystic fibrosis]] and died from the disease in 1982,<ref>{{cite web|title=List of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis| url=http://www.enotes.com/topic/List_of_people_diagnosed_with_cystic_fibrosis| publisher=enotes.com| accessdate=25 August 2012}}</ref> after attending [[Rye Country Day School]]. Caring for her limited Nelson's involvement in the ''[[The Muppet Show]]'s'' first season. She made a [[cameo appearance]] in the second Muppet movie, ''[[The Great Muppet Caper]]''. Nelson's friend and employer, Muppets creator [[Jim Henson]], gave her a speaking part so that she would become a member of the actors' union.
Nelson had a daughter named Christine from his first marriage to Jacqueline Nelson Gordon. Christine had [[cystic fibrosis]] and died from the disease in 1982,<ref>{{cite web|title=List of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis| url=http://www.enotes.com/topic/List_of_people_diagnosed_with_cystic_fibrosis| publisher=enotes.com| access-date=25 August 2012}}</ref> after attending [[Rye Country Day School]]. Caring for her limited Nelson's involvement in ''[[The Muppet Show]]''{{'}}s first season. She made a speaking [[cameo appearance]] with him in the second Muppet movie, ''[[The Great Muppet Caper]]''. He then married his second wife Jan Nelson in 1984, and they remained married until his death in 2012.<ref>{{cite news|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/entertainment/tv/muppet-puppeteer-jerry-nelson-dies-at-78/2012/08/25/e5ff24cc-eec5-11e1-b829-786e028dccb3_story.html|title=Muppet puppeteer Jerry Nelson dies at 78|newspaper=Washington Post}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=https://www.foxnews.com/entertainment/jerry-nelson-count-of-sesame-street-dies-at-78/|title=Jerry Nelson, Count of 'Sesame Street,' dies at 78|website=[[Fox News]]|date=26 March 2015}}</ref>


In 2004, Nelson announced that he would no longer be puppeteering his Muppet characters, citing health reasons. However, he continued to voice his characters on ''Sesame Street'' until his death on August 23, 2012. [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]] currently performs most of Nelson's Muppet characters.<ref>{{cite web|url=https://people.com/celebrity/sesame-streets-count-von-count-jerry-nelson-dies-at-78/|title=Jerry Nelson, Voice of The Count on Sesame Street, Dies at 78}}</ref>
In 1984 Nelson married Jan Berguson in Provincetown, MA. They were married for 28 years, until his death.

In 2004, Nelson announced that he would no longer be puppeteering his Muppet characters, citing health reasons. However, he continued to voice his characters on ''Sesame Street'' until his death on August 23, 2012. [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]] currently performs most of Nelson's Muppet characters. He took over puppetry of [[Count von Count]] in 2004 (while Nelson continued to provide the voice for the character), and since Nelson's death he has supplied the Count's voice as well. [[Tyler Bunch]] began performing [[Herry Monster]],{{citation needed|date=August 2015}} while [[John Tartaglia]] took over the role of Gobo Fraggle.{{citation needed|date=August 2015}}.


==Illness and death==
==Illness and death==
Nelson suffered from [[prostate cancer]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], and [[emphysema]].<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-sesame-street-puppeteer-jerry-nelson-dies-20120824,0,3396386.story | title= 'Sesame Street' puppeteer Jerry Nelson dies | newspaper = [[Los Angeles Times]] | first=Patrick Kevin | last= Day | date= 24 August 2012 | accessdate= 25 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.moviefone.com/2012/08/24/jerry-nelson-dead-muppet-performer_n_1827955.html | title= Jerry Nelson Dead: Muppet Performer Dies At 78 | work = [[moviefone]] | date= 24 August 2012 | accessdate= 18 September 2012 }}</ref> For the last six years of his life, he required an oxygen tank to assist his breathing.<ref>{{cite news|url=http://www.wgbhnews.org/post/remembering-muppeteer-jerry-nelson | title= Remembering Muppeteer Jerry Nelson | last= Corcoran | first= Sean | date= 12 September 2012 | accessdate= 18 September 2012 }}</ref> On August 23, 2012, Jerry Nelson died at his Cape Cod home from complications of his illnesses, a month after his 78th birthday.<ref name=obit>{{cite web|url=http://www.toughpigs.com/jerry-nelson-1934-2012/ |title=Jerry Nelson 1934-2012 « ToughPigs&nbsp;— Muppet Fans Who Grew Up |publisher=Toughpigs.com |date= |accessdate=2012-08-24}}</ref>
Nelson suffered from [[prostate cancer]], [[chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]], and [[emphysema]].<ref name=LAT>{{cite news|url=http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/tv/showtracker/la-et-st-sesame-street-puppeteer-jerry-nelson-dies-20120824,0,3396386.story | title = 'Sesame Street' puppeteer Jerry Nelson dies | newspaper = [[Los Angeles Times]] | first = Patrick Kevin | last = Day | date = 24 August 2012 | access-date = 25 August 2012 }}</ref><ref>{{cite news|url=http://news.moviefone.com/2012/08/24/jerry-nelson-dead-muppet-performer_n_1827955.html |title=Jerry Nelson Dead: Muppet Performer Dies At 78 |work=[[moviefone]] |date=24 August 2012 |access-date=18 September 2012 |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927001742/http://news.moviefone.com/2012/08/24/jerry-nelson-dead-muppet-performer_n_1827955.html |archive-date=27 September 2012 }}</ref> For the last six years of his life, he required an [[oxygen tank]] to assist his breathing.<ref name="WGBH">{{cite news|url=http://www.wgbhnews.org/post/remembering-muppeteer-jerry-nelson|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121024082428/http://www.wgbhnews.org/post/remembering-muppeteer-jerry-nelson|url-status=dead|archive-date=24 October 2012| title = Remembering Muppeteer Jerry Nelson | last = Corcoran | first = Sean | date = 12 September 2012 | access-date = 18 September 2012 }}</ref> He died on August 23, 2012, at his Cape Cod home from complications of his illnesses at the age of 78.<ref name=LAT /><ref name=WGBH /> The film ''[[Muppets Most Wanted]]'' was dedicated to him and [[Jane Henson]].

*The film ''[[Muppets Most Wanted]]'' was dedicated to him and [[Jane Henson]] (who she also died aged 78).
==Filmography==
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Roles
! Notes
|-
| 1969 || ''[[Hey, Cinderella!]]'' || Featherstone, Stepsister #2 ||
|-
| 1970–2012 || ''[[Sesame Street]]'' || [[Count von Count]] (1972–2012), Herry Monster (1970–2003), Biff (1972-1999), Beautiful Day Monster (1969), Two-Headed Monster (left head, 1979–2000), Sherlock Hemlock (1970-1995, 2010), Snuffy (1971–1978), Frazzle (1973-1981, 1992, 1996-1998, 2001), The Amazing Mumford (1971–2011), Mr. Johnson (1971–2012), Fred the Wonder Horse,Farley, Herbert Birdsfoot, SAM the Robot (1972–1976), The Big Bad Wolf (1973–2011), Additional Muppets ||
|-
| 1976–1981 || ''[[The Muppet Show]]'' || Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry, Pops, Louis Kazagger, Camilla the Chicken, Uncle Deadly, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Slim Wilson, Bruno, Fleet Scribbler, Additional Muppets ||
|-
|1977
|''[[Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas]]''
|Emmet Otter, Weasel, Doc Bullfrog, Melissa Rabbit, Yancy Woodchuck
|
|-
| 1979 || ''[[The Muppet Movie]]'' || Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Crazy Harry, Camilla the Chicken, Lew Zealand, Count von Count, Herry Monster, Biff, Mr. Johnson, Herbert Birdsfoot, Additional Muppets ||
|-
| 1981 || ''[[The Great Muppet Caper]]'' || Pops, Floyd Pepper, Lew Zealand, Louis Kazagger, Slim Wilson, Additional Muppets || Puppeteer/voice; Nelson also made a cameo as a man walking in a park alongside his daughter, Christine
|-
| 1982 || ''[[The Dark Crystal]]'' || Ritual Master skekZok and the Dying Emperor ||
|-
| 1983–1987 || ''[[Fraggle Rock]]'' || Gobo Fraggle, Pa Gorg, Marjory the Trash Heap, Architect Doozer, Feenie Fraggle, Uncle Gobo, Additional Muppets ||
|-
| 1984 || ''[[The Muppets Take Manhattan]]'' || Floyd Pepper, Camilla the Chicken, Lew Zealand, Count von Count, Herry Monster, [[Elmo]], Biff, Additional Muppets ||
|-
| 1985 || ''[[Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird]]'' || Count von Count, Herry Monster, Biff ||
|-
| 1986 || ''[[The Christmas Toy]]'' || Balthazar ||
|-
| 1987 || ''[[A Muppet Family Christmas]]'' || Emily Bear, Robin the Frog, Floyd Pepper, Count von Count, Herry Monster, Gobo Fraggle, Camilla, Two-Headed Monster (Left-Head), Additional Muppets ||
|-
| 1989 || ''[[The Jim Henson Hour]]'' || Beard, Orange Extreme, Evil McBad, Additional Muppets || Nelson also made various cameos on the show
|-
| 1990 || ''[[The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson]]'' || Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Gobo Fraggle, Additional Muppets ||
|-
| 1992 || ''[[The Muppet Christmas Carol]]'' || Tiny Tim Cratchet (Robin the Frog), Jacob Marley (Statler), Lew Zealand, Ghost of Christmas Present, Ma Fozziwig, Additional Muppets ||
|-
|1993
|''[[Billy Bunny's Animal Songs]]''
|Cecil Bear, Frog, Raccoon, Turtle
|
|-
| 1996 || ''[[Muppet Treasure Island]]'' || Mad Monty, Blind Pew, Statler, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Calico, Additional Muppets || Nelson also makes a credited cameo as a butler
|-
| 1996–1998 || ''[[Muppets Tonight]]'' || Statler, Lew Zealand, Mama Fiama, Dr. Watson, Clarissa, The Mad Bomber, Phil, The Head of The Network, Additional Muppets ||
|-
| 1998 || ''[[Elmo's World]]'' || Count Von Count, Herry Monster, The Two Headed Monster (left-head), Mr. Johnson, Tornado, Announcer, Various
|-
| rowspan="2"| 1999 || ''[[Muppets from Space]]'' || Ubergonzo, Statler, Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Additional Muppets ||
|-
| ''[[The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland]]'' || Count von Count, Mr. Johnson, Grouch Mayor, Grouch Cop, Pestie, Additional Muppets ||
|-
|2001
|''[[Sheep in the Big City]]''
|General Public
|Guest voice
|-
| rowspan="2" |2002
|''[[Kermit's Swamp Years]]''
|Statler
|
|-
|''[[It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie]]''
|Robin the Frog, Statler, Floyd Pepper, Announcer
|Voice
|-
| 2008 || ''[[Abby in Wonderland]]'' || [[Caterpillar (Alice's Adventures in Wonderland)|Counter-pillar]] (Count von Count) || Voice
|-
| 2011 || ''[[The Muppets (2011 film)|The Muppets]]'' || Telethon Announcer || Uncredited; Final performance.
|}

=== Video games ===
{| class="wikitable sortable"
|-
! Year
! Title
! Roles
! Notes
|-
| rowspan="3" | 1988 || ''Sesame Street: Magic on Sesame Street'' || Count von Count ||
|-
|''Muppets Studios Presents: You're the Director''
|Dr. Julius Strangepork, Lew Zealand, Robin the Frog
|
|-
|''Muppet Madness''
|Dr. Julius Strangepork, Lew Zealand, Chicken
|
|-
| rowspan="2" |1991
|''Sesame Street Letters''
| rowspan="2" |Count von Count
| rowspan="5" |Voice<ref name=":0">{{Cite web|title=Jerry Nelson (visual voices guide)|url=https://www.behindthevoiceactors.com/Jerry-Nelson/|access-date=2021-06-26|website=Behind The Voice Actors|language=en-US}}</ref>
|-
|''[[Sesame Street: Countdown]]''
|-
|1994
|''[[Sesame Street: Counting Cafe]]''
|Mr. Johnson
|-
|1995
|[[Sesame Street video games|''Sesame Street: Let's Make a Word!'']]
|Two-Headed Monster (left head)
|-
| rowspan="3" |1996
|[[Sesame Street video games|''Sesame Street: Get Set to Learn!'']]
|Count von Count, Martians
|-
|''[[Muppets Inside|The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside]]''
|Statler, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry, [[The Muppet Newsman]]
|
|-
|''[[Muppet Treasure Island (video game)|Muppet Treasure Island]]''
|Statler, Lew Zealand, Pops, Blind Pew, Mad Monty, Mr. Plageman
|
|-
|1997
|''[[Sesame Street video games|Sesame Street: Search and Learn Adventures]]''
|Sherlock Hemlock, The Amazing Mumford, Count von Count, Mr. Johnson
| rowspan="11" |Voice<ref name=":0" />
|-
| rowspan="2" |1998
|''[[Sesame Street video games|Sesame Street: Elmo Through the Looking-Glass]]''
|Two-Headed Monster (left head)
|-
|''[[Sesame Street video games|Elmo's Reading Basics]]''
|Sherlock Hemlock, One Martian
|-
| rowspan="2" |1999
|''[[Elmo's Number Journey]]''
| rowspan="2" |Count von Count
|-
|''[[Elmo's Letter Adventure]]''
|-
| rowspan="3" |2000
|''[[Sesame Street video games|Sesame Street: Ernie's Adventures in Space]]''
|Count von Count, Martians, The Customer
|-
|''[[Muppet RaceMania]]''
|Statler, Floyd Pepper, [[Sweetums]], Robin the Frog
|-
|''[[Muppet Monster Adventure]]''
|Robin the Frog
|-
|2001
|''Elmo's Word: Shoes, Bugs & Farms!''
|Sherlock Hemlock, Old MacDonald (Mr. Johnson)
|-
|2003
|''[[Muppets Party Cruise]]''
|Statler, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Crazy Harry, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Camilla
|-
|2012
|''[[Sesame Street: Elmo's Musical Monsterpiece]]''
|Count von Count
|}


==References==
==References==
Line 55: Line 214:


==External links==
==External links==
{{muppets}}
* {{IMDb name|625456|Jerry Nelson}}
* {{IMDb name|625456|Jerry Nelson}}
* {{findagrave|95900089}}

{{s-start}}
{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Count von Count|Performer of Count von Count]]
| years= 1972 - 2012
| after= [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Robin the Frog|Performer of Robin the Frog]]
| years= 1971 - 2003
| after= [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Dr. Teeth and The Electric Mayhem#Sgt. Floyd Pepper|Performer of Floyd Pepper]]
| years= 1975 - 2003
| after= [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = [[John Lovelady]]
| title = [[Crazy Harry|Performer of Crazy Harry]]
| years= 1977 - 2003
| after= [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Camilla the Chicken|Performer of Camilla the Chicken]]
| years = 1978 - 2003
| after = [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Lew Zealand|Performer of Lew Zealand]]
| years = 1978 - 2003
| after = [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Uncle Deadly (Muppet)|Performer of Uncle Deadly]]
| years = 1976 - 1979
| after = [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Pops (Muppet)|Performer of Pops]]
| years = 1980 - 2002
| after = [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}

{{succession box
| before = [[Richard Hunt (puppeteer)|Richard Hunt]]
| title = [[Statler and Waldorf|Performer of Statler]]
| years= 1975; 1992 - 2003
| after= [[Steve Whitmire]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[Mr. Snuffleupagus|Performer of Mr. Snuffleupagus]]
| years= 1971 - 1978
| after= [[Michael Earl (puppeteer)|Michael Earl Davis]]}}

{{succession box
| before = None
| title = [[List of Fraggle Rock characters#Principal Fraggles|Performer of Gobo Fraggle]]
| years= 1983 - 1990
| after= [[Matt Vogel (puppeteer)|Matt Vogel]]}}
{{s-end}}


{{The Muppets}}
{{The Muppets}}
{{Sesame Street}}
{{Daytime Emmy Award for Outstanding Performer in Children's Programming}}


{{Authority control}}
{{Authority control}}


{{Persondata <!-- Metadata: see [[Wikipedia:Persondata]] -->
| NAME = Nelson, Jerry L.
| ALTERNATIVE NAMES =
| SHORT DESCRIPTION = American puppeteer and voice actor
| DATE OF BIRTH = 1934-07-10
| PLACE OF BIRTH = Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
| DATE OF DEATH = 2012-08-23
| PLACE OF DEATH = Truro, Massachusetts, U.S.}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Jerry}}
{{DEFAULTSORT:Nelson, Jerry}}
[[Category:1934 births]]
[[Category:1934 births]]
[[Category:2012 deaths]]
[[Category:2012 deaths]]
[[Category:Cancer deaths in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Respiratory disease deaths in Massachusetts]]
[[Category:Deaths from emphysema]]
[[Category:Deaths from emphysema]]
[[Category:Deaths from cancer]]
[[Category:Deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease]]
[[Category:Deaths from prostate cancer in the United States]]
[[Category:American puppeteers]]
[[Category:American puppeteers]]
[[Category:American male voice actors]]
[[Category:American male voice actors]]
[[Category:Muppet performers]]
[[Category:Male actors from Tulsa, Oklahoma]]
[[Category:Sesame Street Muppeteers]]
[[Category:Primetime Emmy Award winners]]
[[Category:Fraggle Rock performers]]
[[Category:American male singers]]
[[Category:People from Tulsa, Oklahoma]]

Latest revision as of 19:22, 26 December 2024

This article is about the puppeteer. For the astronomer, see Jerry Nelson (astronomer).
Jerry Nelson
Nelson with the Count in a Sesame Street publicity photograph from June 2012
Born(1934-07-10)July 10, 1934
Tulsa, Oklahoma, U.S.
DiedAugust 23, 2012(2012-08-23) (aged 78)
Cape Cod, Massachusetts, U.S.
OccupationPuppeteer
Years active1965–2012
Spouses
  • Jacqueline Gordon (divorced)
Jan Nelson
​
(m. 1984)​
Children1

Jerry Nelson (July 10, 1934 – August 23, 2012) was an American puppeteer, best known for his work with The Muppets. Known for his wide range of characters and singing abilities, he performed Muppet characters on Sesame Street, The Muppet Show, Fraggle Rock, and various Muppet movies and specials.

Career

[edit]

On Sesame Street, Nelson's longest-running character was Count von Count, the counting vampire who takes delight in counting anything (and everything) he can. Nelson did the voice and puppetry for the Count from 1972 until 2004 and continued to provide the Count's voice until his death in 2012. His other Muppet roles on that program were Herbert Birdsfoot, The Amazing Mumford, Herry Monster, Biff, Mr. Johnson, Simon Soundman, Mr. Chatterly, Frazzle, Little Jerry, and Sherlock Hemlock. He has also made a total of nine onscreen appearances on the show.

From 1971 to 1978, Nelson was the first puppeteer to perform Mr. Snuffleupagus. Reported back problems caused by the physical stress of the character forced him to bow out of the role,[1] but in a 2009 interview Nelson provided a different explanation: "I was not loath to give that character up. But the reasons for giving it up were because at that time we were doing The Muppet Show and he was a real part of [Sesame Street], and they needed his presence. So they asked if I'd mind giving it up."[2]

Nelson also performed many characters on The Muppet Show, including Sgt. Floyd Pepper (the bassist of the Electric Mayhem band), Pigs in Space star Dr. Julius Strangepork, the boomerang fish-throwing Lew Zealand, Kermit the Frog's nephew Robin the Frog, Gonzo's girlfriend Camilla the Chicken, the mad pyrotechnist Crazy Harry, and "the Phantom of the Muppet Show", Uncle Deadly. He performed Statler in the pilot episode but was replaced by Richard Hunt when he could not perform full-time in the first season. He was a full-time performer for the rest of the show's run. Nelson was also selected to play Statler after Hunt's death, after the end of the show.

Less prominent characters on the show include sportscaster Louis Kazagger, Pops the doorman, giant blue monster Thog, gossip columnist Fleet Scribbler, and Scooter's uncle, J.P. Grosse, who owned the theater. He originated the role of Fozzie Bear's mother in season 2 of The Muppet Show and reprised the role in the TV specials A Muppet Family Christmas, The Muppets at Walt Disney World, and the film The Muppet Christmas Carol.

Nelson performed the puppet and voice of Emmet in Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas, a one-hour special that originally aired on CBC. He later performed the signature song from that show, "When the River Meets the Sea," as Robin, in a duet with John Denver for a Muppet Christmas special. That version of the song gets frequent radio airplay during the Christmas season (although the song is not seasonal). He and Louise Gold performed the song at Jim Henson’s Memorial Service.

On Fraggle Rock, he performed Gobo Fraggle, Pa Gorg, and Marjory the Trash Heap. Frank Oz did not perform on Fraggle Rock, and Jim Henson and Hunt limited their time on the show, so they performed supporting characters. For this reason, Nelson was asked to perform Gobo, the central role on the show.

Nelson's characters were often singers or musicians. He performed the lead vocals for many songs as Floyd of the Electric Mayhem, Little Jerry of Little Jerry and the Monotones, Slim Wilson of Lubbock Lou and his Jughuggers, and a number of Anything Muppet bands. Most of his main characters in all three shows sang songs at one time or another.

He reprised the role of the announcer in The Muppets. His final performance as the announcer was part of the Jim Henson's Musical World concert at Carnegie Hall.[3] Archive audio of his announcer role was reused in Muppets Most Wanted, which was dedicated to both Nelson and Jane Henson, wife of Muppets' creator Jim Henson.

In 2001, Nelson also performed the character voice of General Public in the Cartoon Network animated series Sheep in the Big City in the episode "Daddy Shearest".

In December 2009, Nelson, who summered in Truro, Massachusetts on Cape Cod, released Truro Daydreams, an album of original songs.[4]

Personal life

[edit]

Nelson had a daughter named Christine from his first marriage to Jacqueline Nelson Gordon. Christine had cystic fibrosis and died from the disease in 1982,[5] after attending Rye Country Day School. Caring for her limited Nelson's involvement in The Muppet Show's first season. She made a speaking cameo appearance with him in the second Muppet movie, The Great Muppet Caper. He then married his second wife Jan Nelson in 1984, and they remained married until his death in 2012.[6][7]

In 2004, Nelson announced that he would no longer be puppeteering his Muppet characters, citing health reasons. However, he continued to voice his characters on Sesame Street until his death on August 23, 2012. Matt Vogel currently performs most of Nelson's Muppet characters.[8]

Illness and death

[edit]

Nelson suffered from prostate cancer, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, and emphysema.[9][10] For the last six years of his life, he required an oxygen tank to assist his breathing.[11] He died on August 23, 2012, at his Cape Cod home from complications of his illnesses at the age of 78.[9][11] The film Muppets Most Wanted was dedicated to him and Jane Henson.

Filmography

[edit]
Year Title Roles Notes
1969 Hey, Cinderella! Featherstone, Stepsister #2
1970–2012 Sesame Street Count von Count (1972–2012), Herry Monster (1970–2003), Biff (1972-1999), Beautiful Day Monster (1969), Two-Headed Monster (left head, 1979–2000), Sherlock Hemlock (1970-1995, 2010), Snuffy (1971–1978), Frazzle (1973-1981, 1992, 1996-1998, 2001), The Amazing Mumford (1971–2011), Mr. Johnson (1971–2012), Fred the Wonder Horse,Farley, Herbert Birdsfoot, SAM the Robot (1972–1976), The Big Bad Wolf (1973–2011), Additional Muppets
1976–1981 The Muppet Show Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry, Pops, Louis Kazagger, Camilla the Chicken, Uncle Deadly, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Slim Wilson, Bruno, Fleet Scribbler, Additional Muppets
1977 Emmet Otter's Jug-Band Christmas Emmet Otter, Weasel, Doc Bullfrog, Melissa Rabbit, Yancy Woodchuck
1979 The Muppet Movie Floyd Pepper, Robin the Frog, Crazy Harry, Camilla the Chicken, Lew Zealand, Count von Count, Herry Monster, Biff, Mr. Johnson, Herbert Birdsfoot, Additional Muppets
1981 The Great Muppet Caper Pops, Floyd Pepper, Lew Zealand, Louis Kazagger, Slim Wilson, Additional Muppets Puppeteer/voice; Nelson also made a cameo as a man walking in a park alongside his daughter, Christine
1982 The Dark Crystal Ritual Master skekZok and the Dying Emperor
1983–1987 Fraggle Rock Gobo Fraggle, Pa Gorg, Marjory the Trash Heap, Architect Doozer, Feenie Fraggle, Uncle Gobo, Additional Muppets
1984 The Muppets Take Manhattan Floyd Pepper, Camilla the Chicken, Lew Zealand, Count von Count, Herry Monster, Elmo, Biff, Additional Muppets
1985 Sesame Street Presents: Follow That Bird Count von Count, Herry Monster, Biff
1986 The Christmas Toy Balthazar
1987 A Muppet Family Christmas Emily Bear, Robin the Frog, Floyd Pepper, Count von Count, Herry Monster, Gobo Fraggle, Camilla, Two-Headed Monster (Left-Head), Additional Muppets
1989 The Jim Henson Hour Beard, Orange Extreme, Evil McBad, Additional Muppets Nelson also made various cameos on the show
1990 The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Gobo Fraggle, Additional Muppets
1992 The Muppet Christmas Carol Tiny Tim Cratchet (Robin the Frog), Jacob Marley (Statler), Lew Zealand, Ghost of Christmas Present, Ma Fozziwig, Additional Muppets
1993 Billy Bunny's Animal Songs Cecil Bear, Frog, Raccoon, Turtle
1996 Muppet Treasure Island Mad Monty, Blind Pew, Statler, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Calico, Additional Muppets Nelson also makes a credited cameo as a butler
1996–1998 Muppets Tonight Statler, Lew Zealand, Mama Fiama, Dr. Watson, Clarissa, The Mad Bomber, Phil, The Head of The Network, Additional Muppets
1998 Elmo's World Count Von Count, Herry Monster, The Two Headed Monster (left-head), Mr. Johnson, Tornado, Announcer, Various
1999 Muppets from Space Ubergonzo, Statler, Robin the Frog, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Additional Muppets
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland Count von Count, Mr. Johnson, Grouch Mayor, Grouch Cop, Pestie, Additional Muppets
2001 Sheep in the Big City General Public Guest voice
2002 Kermit's Swamp Years Statler
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie Robin the Frog, Statler, Floyd Pepper, Announcer Voice
2008 Abby in Wonderland Counter-pillar (Count von Count) Voice
2011 The Muppets Telethon Announcer Uncredited; Final performance.

Video games

[edit]
Year Title Roles Notes
1988 Sesame Street: Magic on Sesame Street Count von Count
Muppets Studios Presents: You're the Director Dr. Julius Strangepork, Lew Zealand, Robin the Frog
Muppet Madness Dr. Julius Strangepork, Lew Zealand, Chicken
1991 Sesame Street Letters Count von Count Voice[12]
Sesame Street: Countdown
1994 Sesame Street: Counting Cafe Mr. Johnson
1995 Sesame Street: Let's Make a Word! Two-Headed Monster (left head)
1996 Sesame Street: Get Set to Learn! Count von Count, Martians
The Muppet CD-ROM: Muppets Inside Statler, Lew Zealand, Crazy Harry, The Muppet Newsman
Muppet Treasure Island Statler, Lew Zealand, Pops, Blind Pew, Mad Monty, Mr. Plageman
1997 Sesame Street: Search and Learn Adventures Sherlock Hemlock, The Amazing Mumford, Count von Count, Mr. Johnson Voice[12]
1998 Sesame Street: Elmo Through the Looking-Glass Two-Headed Monster (left head)
Elmo's Reading Basics Sherlock Hemlock, One Martian
1999 Elmo's Number Journey Count von Count
Elmo's Letter Adventure
2000 Sesame Street: Ernie's Adventures in Space Count von Count, Martians, The Customer
Muppet RaceMania Statler, Floyd Pepper, Sweetums, Robin the Frog
Muppet Monster Adventure Robin the Frog
2001 Elmo's Word: Shoes, Bugs & Farms! Sherlock Hemlock, Old MacDonald (Mr. Johnson)
2003 Muppets Party Cruise Statler, Lew Zealand, Floyd Pepper, Crazy Harry, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Camilla
2012 Sesame Street: Elmo's Musical Monsterpiece Count von Count

References

[edit]
  1. ^ Gikow, Louise; Loredo, Betsy (2009). 123 Sesame Street: a celebration: 40 years of life on the street. New York, NY: Black Dog & Leventhal Publishers. ISBN 978-1-57912-638-4.
  2. ^ "A Chat with Jerry Nelson, part 3 « ToughPigs – Muppet Fans Who Grew Up". 2009-12-24. Archived from the original on 2009-12-24. Retrieved 2024-07-07.
  3. ^ "Fraggles, Monsters, Squirrels, and Frogs Play Carnegie Hall « Muppet Fans Who Grew Up – ToughPigs". Toughpigs.com. 15 April 2012. Retrieved 2013-12-29.
  4. ^ "Truro Daydreams - Jerry Nelson". DigStation.com. Archived from the original on 29 March 2010.
  5. ^ "List of people diagnosed with cystic fibrosis". enotes.com. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  6. ^ "Muppet puppeteer Jerry Nelson dies at 78". Washington Post.
  7. ^ "Jerry Nelson, Count of 'Sesame Street,' dies at 78". Fox News. 26 March 2015.
  8. ^ "Jerry Nelson, Voice of The Count on Sesame Street, Dies at 78".
  9. ^ a b Day, Patrick Kevin (24 August 2012). "'Sesame Street' puppeteer Jerry Nelson dies". Los Angeles Times. Retrieved 25 August 2012.
  10. ^ "Jerry Nelson Dead: Muppet Performer Dies At 78". moviefone. 24 August 2012. Archived from the original on 27 September 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  11. ^ a b Corcoran, Sean (12 September 2012). "Remembering Muppeteer Jerry Nelson". Archived from the original on 24 October 2012. Retrieved 18 September 2012.
  12. ^ a b "Jerry Nelson (visual voices guide)". Behind The Voice Actors. Retrieved 2021-06-26.
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