Muppets That Debuted in The Muppet Show
Many of the characters who appear on The Muppet Show have previously appeared in earlier productions in various ways.
| Character | Actor/Muppeteer | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Afghan Hound | Louise Gold, Richard Hunt (episode 44), Kathryn Mullen (episode 115), Alice Dinnean (2011–present) | An Afghan Hound who appears occasionally. |
| Aliens | Frank Oz, Dave Goelz | An alien duo who appears occasionally. The duo later made cameos in The Jim Henson Hour and Mopatop's Shop. |
| 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. |
| Animal | Frank Oz (1976–2001), Eric Jacobson (2001–present) | 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", both "carnivorous beast" and "physical manifestation of pure libido." He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Dave Goelz. |
| Announcer | Jerry Nelson (1976–2011), John Lovelady (episodes 9, 13–17) | 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. |
| Annie Sue | Louise Gold | A young female pig who is Miss Piggy's innocent rival. |
| Baby Band | Dave Goelz (episode 56), Louise Gold (episode 56), Jim Henson (episode 67), Richard Hunt (episode 56), Jerry Nelson (episode 56), Kathryn Mullen (episode 106), Frank Oz (episode 67), Various Performers | A bunch of babies who are often seen as members of Bobby Benson's Baby Band. They were built by Calista Hendrickson. |
| Baskerville the Hound | Jim Henson (Purina Dog Chow commercials), Jerry Nelson, John Lovelady (episode 3), Frank Oz (episode 10), Dave Goelz (episode 120) | A hound who appears occasionally and was first used in the commercials for Purina Dog Chow with Rowlf the Dog. Baskerville the Hound's name is a homage to The Hound of the Baskervilles. He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. |
| Beaker | Richard Hunt (1976–92), 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. |
| Beauregard | Dave Goelz | A creature of indeterminate species who works as the "sweet but dim-witted" stagehand and janitor of the Muppet Theater. Goelz called him "big and strong and clumsy." He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Mari Kaestle. |
| Beautiful Day Monster | Frank Oz (1969), Jim Henson (1969; episode 3), Richard Hunt (episode 8), Jerry Nelson (episodes 9, and 26), Dan Redican (1989), Bill Barretta (2011–present) | A monster who was previously on The Ed Sullivan Show and Sesame Street. |
| Behemoth | Dave Goelz (episode 15), Richard Hunt (episode 19), Jerry Nelson (episode 26), Bill Barretta (1996–present) | 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. |
| Betsy Bird | Betsy Baytos | A giant red and yellow dancing bird who appears in the final season. She was named after Betsy 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! She was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Cheryl Blaylock and Caroly Wilcox. |
| Billy the Bear | Frank Oz (episode 52), Jerry Nelson (episode 98), Richard Hunt (episodes 73, and 99) Dave Goelz (episode 84), Brian Muehl (episode 114) | A bear who appears occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Bird Dancers | Various Performers | A bunch of large dancing birds who appear occasionally. The people who performed the Bird Dancers are actually dancers from London's Royal Ballet. |
| Black Rooster | Frank Oz (episodes 44, and 69), Jim Henson (episode 51) | A rooster who appears occasionally. |
| Bobby Benson | Richard Hunt, David Rudman (2011–present) | A shady-looking man who leads the Baby Band. |
| Bossmen | Various performers | 12 foot tall Muppets who appear occasionally. They were operated with long rods. |
| Brewster | Dave Goelz | Also known as the "Guru," Brewster is a wise white-bearded man who appears occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Brown Bat | Dave Goelz | A bat who appears 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. |
| Bruno | Jerry Nelson | A Whatnot security guard who appears occasionally in the final season. |
| Butch the Tiger | Jim Henson (episode 88), Brian Muehl (episode 120) | A tiger who appears occasionally. |
| Camilla the Chicken | Jerry Nelson (1977–2003), Alice Dinnean (2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present) | A chicken who is Gonzo's girlfriend. |
| Chick | Unknown | In the Roger Miller episode, this chick was the source of the Cluckitis. The Chick later made other appearances in this show and appears in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Clodhoppers | Various performers | One performer was required for each of the full-figured puppets. The Clodhopper's 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. The Clodhoppers were designed by Jim Henson in 1972 for a Broadway show which was never developed. |
| Crazy Harry | John Lovelady (1974–77), Richard Hunt (1975), Jerry Nelson (1977–2003), Louise Gold (episode 45), Rickey Boyd (2005), Matt Vogel (2008–present) | A crazed Muppet pyrotechnician who likes to blow up things. |
| Crocodile | Peter Friedman (episode 14), Frank Oz (episode 27), Jerry Nelson (episode 38), Richard Hunt (episode 72) | A crocodile who appears in various sketches. |
| Dodo | Jerry Nelson | A dodo who appears occasionally. He later appears in Muppet Treasure Island as one of the pirates on Long John Silver's side. The Dodo was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Lyle Conway. |
| Doglion | Jerry Nelson (episode 33), Frank Oz (episode 35), Jim Henson (episode 48), Kevin Clash (1989), Jim Martin (The Cosby Show episode "Cliff's Nightmare"), Bill Barretta (1996) | A dog-faced monster with horns who is one of the Full-Bodied Muppets. |
| Dr. Bunsen Honeydew | Dave Goelz | A scientist who is often paired with and serves as a foil for Beaker. Dr. Bunsen Honeydew performs science experiments that usually go wrong and has an "affable cluelessness" whenever Beaker is a victim of these experiments. |
| Dr. Julius Strangepork | Jerry Nelson (1977–2003) Matt Vogel (2009–present) | A pig who appears in "Pigs in Space" sketches with Link Hogthrob and Miss Piggy where he was a chief science officer. |
| Dr. Teeth | Jim Henson (1975–90), John Kennedy (1990–2001), Bill Barretta (2001–present) | Leader of the Electric Mayhem and keyboardist. Dr. Teeth is based upon New Orleans singer and pianist Doctor John. He was designed by Jim Henson and Michael K. Frith and built by Don Sahlin. |
| Droop | Jerry Nelson, Jim Henson (episode 15), Richard Hunt (episode 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. |
| Eric the Parrot | Jerry Nelson | A parrot who appears occasionally. |
| Fazoobs | Frank Oz, Jim Henson, Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson | Four musical aliens from the planet Koozebane who appear occasionally. |
| 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. |
| 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. |
| Fletcher Bird | Graham Fletcher (puppeteer), Steve Whitmire (voice) | A large multi-colored dancing bird. He was named after Graham Fletcher. |
| Flower-Eating Monster | Jim Henson | A dog-eared monster who appears occasionally. He was designed by Jim Henson. |
| Floyd Pepper | Jerry Nelson (1975–2003), Matt Vogel (2008–present) | Member of the Electric Mayhem and bassist. 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. |
| Foo-Foo | Steve Whitmire | Miss Piggy's dog. She also appears as a real dog in full shots. |
| Fozzie Bear | Frank Oz (1976–2001), Eric Jacobson (2001–present) | 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 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. |
| Forcryingoutloud Bird | Frank Oz | A green bird with a yellow beak who appears occasionally. He was designed by Jim Henson. |
| Gaffer the Cat | Kathryn Mullen | An eyepatch-wearing cat who appears occasionally. She was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Marianne Harms. |
| Gawky Birds | Various performers | 11 foot tall rod-puppets who appear occasionally. They were operated with long rods. |
| George the Janitor | Frank Oz (1974–76), Richard Hunt (episode 45), Steve Whitmire (1996) | A janitor who appears in The Muppets Valentine Show; discovered with guest star Mia Farrow's help that he loved his mop. |
| 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 band of six elderly ladies and one singing false teeth who appear occasionally. |
| Gladys | Richard Hunt | She works as a cafeteria lady in the Muppet Theater's canteen delivering the food made by the The Swedish Chef to its customers. She also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Gnu | Jerry Nelson | A gnu appears in various sketches. He was built by Tim Miller. |
| Gogola Jubilee Jugband | Banjo Player: Richard Hunt (episodes 4, and 18), Jerry Nelson (episode 9) Jugband Female: Eren Ozker Jug Blower: Dave Goelz (episode 4), Jim Henson (episodes 9, and 13) Paul: Jerry Nelson (episodes 4, and 23), Peter Friedman (episode 13) Slim: Frank Oz |
A jug band consisting of five Whatnots that appeared in Season One. |
| Gonzo the Great | Dave Goelz | 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. Gonzo previously appeared in The Great Santa Claus Switch as Snarl. |
| Gorgon Heap | Frank Oz (episodes 3, and 28), Dave Goelz (episode 19), Richard Hunt (episode 16), Jerry Nelson (episode 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.< |
| Harold the Woodpecker | Richard Hunt, Jerry Nelson | A woodpecker who appears occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| 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. |
| Hilda | Eren Ozker (1976) | An old seamstress/wardrobe mistress who speaks with a Slavic accent. |
| J.P. Grosse | Jerry Nelson (1977–78), Kevin Clash (1996) | Scooter's uncle who owns the Muppet Theater. He was built by Mari Kaestle. |
| Janice | Fran Brill (in "The Muppet Show: Sex and Violence" and "Muppet Meeting Films"), Eren Ozker (1976–77), Richard Hunt (1977–92), Brian Henson (2002), Tyler Bunch (2005), David Rudman (2008–present) | 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. |
| Kangaroo | Jerry Nelson (episode 69) | A kangaroo who appears occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie |
| Kermit the Frog | Jim Henson (1955–90), Steve Whitmire (1990–present) | 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. |
| Koozebanian Creatures | Male Koozebanian Creature: Frank Oz Female Koozebanina Creature: Jerry Nelson Baby Koozebanian Creatures: Various Performers |
A bunch of aliens from the planet Koozebane. |
| Koozebanian Phoob | Jerry Nelson | An alien from the planet Koozebane. |
| Lenny the Lizard | Dave Goelz (episode 3), Jerry Nelson (episode 7), Jim Henson (episode 28), Richard Hunt (episode 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. |
| Lew Zealand | Jerry Nelson (1978–2003), 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. |
| Link Hogthrob | Jim Henson (1977–90), Steve Whitmire (2001–present) | A "bumb, pompous" pig who appears in the sketches "Bear on Patrol" and "Pigs in Space." He was designed by Calista Hendrickson. |
| 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. |
| Louis Kazzager | Jerry Nelson | A Muppet sports commentator who provided commentary for Muppet Sports. Louis Kazzager was inspired by Howard Cosell. He was designed and built by Mari Kaestle. |
| Lubbock Lou and his Jughuggers | Lubbock Lou: Dave Goelz, Richard Hunt Bubba: Richard Hunt Gramps: Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt (episode 43) Lou: Louise Gold Slim Wilson: Jerry Nelson, Jim Henson (episode 85), Frank Oz (episode 70), Steve Whitmire (episode 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. |
| Luncheon Counter Monster | Dave Goelz (episodes 30, 35, and 50), Richard Hunt (episodes 34, and 47), Jerry Nelson (episode 63), Kevin Clash (1988), Gord Robertson (1989), David Rudman (2008) | A hungry purple monster. |
| Lydia | Abby Hadfield | A bespectacled red-haired pig who appears occasionally. Unlike the other pigs in this show, Lydia has hooves instead of hands. |
| Lyle the Dog | Richard Hunt (episodes 86, and 119), Dan Redican (1988) | A dog who was featured in various roles. He was named after his designer and builder Lyle Conway. |
| Mahna Mahna | Jim Henson (1969–90), Bill Barretta (2001–present) | A purple, wild orange-haired Muppet in a green tunic who is the singer of "Mah Nà Mah Nà." He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. |
| Marvin Suggs | Frank Oz (1976), 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. |
| Mary Louise | Rollie Krewson (episode 14), Eren Ozker (episode 3), Fran Brill (episode 8), Louise Gold (episode 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.< |
| Mean Mama | Jerry Nelson (episode 28), Richard Hunt (episodes 25, 35, and 111), Jim Henson (episode 27), Dave Goelz (episode 26), Louise Gold (episode 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. |
| Mickey Moose | Jerry Nelson | A moose who appears occasionally. He is a parody of Mickey Mouse. |
| Miss Kitty | Dave Goelz (episodes 1, 3, and 7), Jim Henson (episode 13), Richard Hunt (episode 19) | A purple monster who appears occasionally. Miss Kitty was previously used in The Great Santa Claus Switch as one of Cosmo Scam's henchmen. |
| 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. |
| Miss Piggy | Frank Oz (1976–2001), Eric Jacobson (2001–present) | A diva pig who is the Muppets' break-out and "authentic superstar" and Oz's most well-known character. Authors Maryanne Fisher and Anthony Cox call Piggy "uniquely strong and feminine", but "domineering and demanding." She was designed and built by Bonnie Erickson. |
| Mildred Huxtetter | Frank Oz (1976), Dave Goelz (episode 15), Richard Hunt (episode 9, 1974), Louise Gold (episodes 28, and 53) | A purple beak-nosed woman who is George the Janitor's dancing partner. |
| Mrs. Appleby | Kathryn Mullen | A frog who is the pack leader of the Frog Scouts. She was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Nomi Frederick. |
| Mulch | Jerry Nelson (1980–81), Kevin Clash (1996) | A blue hunchbacked humanoid monster. He was built by Bob Payne. Mulch later appears in Muppets Tonight as the hulking assistant of Dr. Phil van Neuter. |
| Muppaphones | Various performers | A bunch of furballs who serve as Marvin Suggs' instruments. |
| Muppy | Dave Goelz | An Old English Sheepdog who is J.P. Grosse's pet dog. An actual dog was used for long shots of Muppy. |
| 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. |
| Ohboy Bird | Richard Hunt | A blue bird who appears occasionally. He was designed by Jim Henson. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Ohreally Bird | Fran Brill | An orange bird who appears occasionally. She was designed by Jim Henson. She also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Old Skyball Paint | Jerry Nelson | A horse who appears occasionally. He later made cameos in The Ghost of Faffner Hall. |
| Paul Revere Horse | Jerry Nelson (episodes 45, 51, and 53), Kevin Clash (1996) | A long-legged horse in New Balance Sneakers who appears 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. |
| Penguins | Richard Hunt (episode 69), Steve Whitmire (episode 69, 2009 "Bohemian Rhapsody" video), Jim Henson (episode 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 who appear occasionally. Although they mostly quack, some of them actually speak. |
| Pops | Jerry Nelson (1980–2002) | The Muppet Theater doorman. He was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Mari Kaestle. |
| Prairie Dogs | Various performers | A bunch of prairie dogs who appear occasionally. |
| Quongo the Gorilla | Jerry Nelson (episodes 43, 72, and 109), |Frank Oz ("Muppet Meeting Films"), Richard Hunt (episode 105) | A wild mountain gorilla who appears occasionally. |
| Righton Bird | Dave Goelz | A purple bird who appears occasionally. He was designed by Jim Henson. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Rizzo the Rat | Steve Whitmire | An inner-city rat. Steve Whitmire describes Rizzo as "a sarcastic kind of New York character" |
| Robin the Frog | Jerry Nelson (1971–2002), Matt Vogel (2008–present) | A small frog who is Kermit's "sweet-voiced nephew" |
| Ronald Duck | Cynthia Adler (episode 13) Richard Hunt (episode 44) | A duck in a sailor hat who appears occasionally. He is a parody of Donald Duck. In the "Petula Clark" episode, Ronald Duck was a companion of Mickey Moose. |
| Rowlf the Dog | Jim Henson (1962–90), Bill Barretta (1996–present) | A pianist dog who first 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 |
| Sam the Eagle | Frank Oz (1975–2001), Kevin Clash (2002–2003), Eric Jacobson (2005–present) | An 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 America's national bird) with a dash of Richard Nixon, represents a conservative, nationalist Puritanism that makes him a snob and a prude." He was designed by Jim Henson and built by Don Sahlin. |
| Scooter | Richard Hunt (1976–92), Adam Hunt (voice, 1999), Brian Henson (2002), Rickey Boyd (2005), David Rudman (2008–present) | The 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. |
| 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 |
| Shakey Sanchez | Jim Henson (episode 19), Jerry Nelson (episode 16), Steve Whitmire (episode 103) | A small pink creature who appears occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie |
| Singing Food | Various Performers | A collection of Muppet fruits and vegetables that are used in various sketches. The Singing Food consists of an Artichoke, Asparagus, some Beans, a Bell Pepper, a Cabbage, a Cantaloupe, a Cauliflower, a Corncob, a Eggplant, a bunch of Grapes, a Grapefruit, a 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. |
| Singing Owl | Jerry Nelson | An owl who appears occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. |
| Sopwith the Camel | Jerry Nelson | A bactrian camel (named after the Sopwith Camel) who appears occasionally. He 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 |
| Statler and Waldorf | Statler: Richard Hunt (1976–90), Jerry Nelson (1975, 1992–2003) Steve Whitmire (2005–present) Waldorf: Jim Henson (1975–90), Dave Goelz (1990–present) |
Two "grouchy but dapper" 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. |
| Sundance the Lion | Dave Goelz (episode 68), Jerry Nelson (episodes 88, and 101) | A lion who appears 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. |
| The Swedish Chef | Jim Henson (1975–90), David Rudman (1992), Dave Goelz (1999), Bill Barretta (1996–present) | A chef that speaks in mock Swedish. Based on the "standard finger puppet", 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. |
| Sweetums | Jerry Nelson (1971, performer), Carl Banas (1971, voice), Richard Hunt (1976–90), Rob Mills (1989), David Rudman (The Cosby Show episode "Cliff's Nightmare"), John Henson (1990–2005), Victor Yerrid (2005), Noel MacNeal (2008), Matt Vogel (2009–present) | A large, hairy, full-sized ogre-like Muppet who appears 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. His performer could see only by looking out of his mouth. |
| Talking Houses | Talking House #1: John Lovelady, Jerry Nelson (episodes 4, 6, 7, 8, 10, and 17) Talking House #2: Jerry Nelson Talking House #3: Frank Oz (episode 19) Talking House #4: Eren Ozker (episode 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. |
| 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. |
| The Frackles | Blue Frackle: Dave Goelz (episodes 4, 19, and 20), Jim Henson (episodes 11, and 27), Richard Hunt (episodes 3, 15, 42, and 55), Jerry Nelson (episode 31), Frank Oz (episodes 4, 7, and 40) Green Frackle: Jim Henson (episodes 3, 19, and 42), Richard Hunt (episode 40), Frank Oz (episode 3), Eren Ozker (episode 20), John Lovelady (episode 18) Snake Frackle: Richard Hunt (episodes 7, and 27), John Lovelady (episode 3), Frank Oz (episode 109) Blue Bird-Like Frackle: John Lovelady (episode 7) Green Bird-Like Frackle: Eren Ozker (episode 3), Abby Hadfield (episode 27) Pink Frackle: Dave Goelz (episode 120), Fran Brill (The Cosby Show episode "Cliff's Nightmare") Jade Green Frackle: Richard Hunt (episodes 111), Dave Goelz (1989), Tyler Bunch (2011) Emerald Green Frackle: Steve Whitmire (episode 110) Green-Furred Frackle: Frank Oz (episode 103), Dave Goelz (episode 103), Kevin Clash (1989) Purple Frackle: Jerry Nelson (episode 120) Gray Frackle: Steve Whitmire (episode 103, 1989) |
A race of monsters who come in different types. They were seen on The Great Santa Claus Switch before appearing on The Muppet Show. |
| The Flying Zucchini Brothers | Various Performers | A group of Italian acrobat/stunt performing Whatnots who appear occasionally. Although there are three of them, an episode guest starring Wally Boag shows six of them. |
| 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 |
| 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 |
| The Muppet Newsman | Jim Henson (1976–89), Jerry Nelson (1996), Brian Henson (2001–03), Steve Whitmire (2008–present) | 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 |
| The Mutations | Various Performers | 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. |
| 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. |
| Thog | Jerry Nelson (1970–81), Jim Henson (episode 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. |
| Timmy Monster | Steve Whitmire (episode 95), Dave Goelz, Jim Henson (episode 27) | A large green monster who is a Full-Bodied Muppet. |
| Tom, Dick, and Harry | Tom: Jerry Nelson Dick: Dave Goelz Harry: John Lovelady |
A green-furred, three-headed monster who appears two times. Tom is the green-faced head, Dick is the pink-faced head, and Harry is the blue-faced head. |
| Trolls | Various Performers | Three trolls who appear occasionally. One has red hair, one has green hair, and one has gray hair. They were designed by Michael K. Frith. |
| Trumpet Girl | Louise Gold, Eren Ozker (1976), Frank Oz (episodes 2, and 5), Alice Dinnean (2011–present) | The female trumpet player of the Muppet Orchestra. Due to the addition of the trumpet player Lips, she switched to trombone during season 5. |
| Uncle Deadly | Jerry Nelson (1976–90), 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. |
| Walrus | Dave Goelz (episode 76) | A walrus that appears occasionally. |
| Wayne and Wanda | Wayne: Richard Hunt (1976–81, episode 78), David Rudman (2011–present) Wanda: Eren Ozker (1976–77), Kathryn Mullen (episode 78), Alice Dinnean (2011–present) |
A pair of snobby singers who are introduced by Sam the Eagle who approves of their "wholesome, uplifting and decent" act, but is frustrated by their inability to get part 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 episode 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. |
| Whaddyasay Bird | Jerry Nelson | A red bird who appears occasionally. He was desgined by Jim Henson. |
| Whatnots | Various Performers | A bunch of customizable puppets whose blank faces can be changed in each act. They are similar to the Anything Muppets from Sesame Street. |
| Winky Pinkerton | Steve Whitmire (episode 56), Dave Goelz (episode 52) | A penguin who does bird impressions who appears occasionally. He also makes a cameo in "The Rainbow Connection" finale of The Muppet Movie. He was built by Brian Henson. |
| Winny | Richard Hunt | A bird who is a canteen waitress in Season Four replacing Gladys. She was designed by Michael K. Frith and built by Tim Miller. |
| Wolf | Frank Oz (episode 91), Jerry Nelson (1988) | A wolf who appears occasionally. He later makes appearances in the "Dog City" episode 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. |
| Wolfhound | Frank Oz (episode 76), Steve Whitmire (episode 86), Jerry Nelson (episode 115), Dave Goelz (episode 119) | A wolfdog who appears occasionally. |
| Woodland Animals | Various Performers | 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. |
| Yorick | Jerry Nelson | A talking skull (not to be confused with Yorick from Sam and Friends) who appears occasionally. He 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. |
| Youknow Bird | Jim Henson | A pink bird who appears occasionally. She was designed by Jim 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. |
| Zelda Rose | Abby Hadfield (episode 27), Jerry Nelson (episode 42), Richard Hunt (episode 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. |
| Zoot | Dave Goelz | 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. |
Read more about this topic: List Of Muppets