This week, I decided I would no longer be publishing “dead” posts on “The Blarg.”
Over time, I’ve come to feel those posts are too easy. That, and a shitload of people have been dying recently, and I’m nervous of “The Blarg” becoming an obituary site. I decided that the Phyllis Diller post would be the last of its kind; I figured she was a good one to go out on.
And then yesterday, legendary Muppet performer Jerry Nelson died.
So instead of ignoring Nelson’s passing, I’ve decided that every once in awhile, when the situation warrants it, I’ll handle “dead” posts like this.
Nelson was the hands beneath and the voice behind many of the Muppets greatest characters. On “Sesame Street,” he was the Amazing Mumford, Herry Monster, Sherlock Hemlock, Snuffleupagus, and (probably his most well-known character) Count von Count. On “The Muppet Show,” he was Robin the Frog, Camilla the Chicken, Dr. Julius Strangepork, Uncle Deadly, Lew Zealand, and (my personal favorite) Sgt. Floyd Pepper. And for “Fraggle Rock” fans, he was Gobo.
Nelson was a Muppet original. Sadly, there aren’t very many of them left.
Back in December 2001, some friends, my sister (to be clear, my sister is also my friend) and I had an opportunity to meet Jerry at a Muppet convention in Los Angeles. (Don’t judge us!) It was very brief, but at the end of it I got an autograph from him. That’s somewhere in a box back in Los Angeles (I’m writing this from San Francisco), otherwise I’d scan it and show it to you guys.
But who needs an autograph when I’ve got a little piece of Jerry Nelson right here on my arm?
That sounded gross, but you understand what I mean.
Every time one of the Muppet Men go it bums me out, and Jerry Nelson was one of the best. The Muppets were different after Jim Henson and Richard Hunt died. Somehow, today, the Muppets are different than they were yesterday.
He’ll be missed.
One! One amazing performer! Ha-ha-ha,
PS: Listen to Jerry doing the Count on this commercial.
14 comments
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August 24, 2012 at 2:19 pm
casinoskunk
I think you should still at least post about people who truly inspired you. This is a great post and gives us a better idea of who you are and why you are the dude that you became.
August 24, 2012 at 3:25 pm
jshady
Yeah, that’s the idea from now on.
August 24, 2012 at 3:26 pm
jshady
PS: Thanks!
August 24, 2012 at 3:00 pm
Joel Gradisnik
Shady, you ever read “Street Gang”? A bit long, but a very interesting history of Sesame Street and their muppets.
August 24, 2012 at 3:26 pm
jshady
I haven’t yet, but I hear it’s great. It’s on my Amazon wish list. And my birthday is the end of September, thank you.
August 24, 2012 at 6:15 pm
Mom
Very nice report and glad to know that the “dead pool” posts will become more special. You are right – dammit, people die every day. Glad to hear how this artist affected you. Love you, knucklehead – ah, ah, ah (like the Count).
August 24, 2012 at 10:25 pm
jshady
Love YOU!
August 24, 2012 at 10:03 pm
jeremyrscott
WTF, how the hell did I miss. Jesus, I feel like shit now :(
August 24, 2012 at 10:25 pm
jshady
Sorry to be the bearer of bad news, brotha.
August 24, 2012 at 11:31 pm
Dave Sylvester
I agree with casinoskunk 100%. We can see who passed on various sites… but what I love about the Blarg and Tastes Like Chicken is the intamasy with the people you and your staff interviewed in the past. It was truly touching. I mean it.
I have dealt with y’all for some time and loved reading the interviews! A lot of classics that I am sure you are proud of. I am sure Oz and Nelson are proud too of what you have done.
Jerry Nelson means a lot to me. Not only is he a year older than my pops (and, ahem, was the voice of Floyd Pepper which I am a huge Beatle fan and loved every voice he performed…) and not only one of my most fave performers but an understanding of the arts of which her performed was truly magical and I will forever love it and pass it on to others not familiar with the arts of puppetry. Was that too wordy? Whatever. I am moved by this artist as well as sad.
I am truly honored to have been around to see his talents and love your posting of this.
TLC = awesome
August 25, 2012 at 10:49 am
jshady
Awww, thanks, brotha. I really appreciate it. I was just thinking about “TLC” as we drove up here on Thursday night. Might be reason to take another look at it. Hmmm…
August 25, 2012 at 4:48 am
Jamie
So sad. But what a wonderful way to write about him and share with all of us, how he influenced you. You’re such a passionate dude, Justin. Keep on keepin on with to bad self. RIP snuffy, and all you fluffy furry things…
Ya know, the fluffy furry things still live on… Like when Mel Blanc died… Just differently now. I almost wish someone could illustrate a similar piece like they did for him. I think it was called “Speechless”.
August 25, 2012 at 4:54 am
Jamie
http://www.wbshop.com/product/looney+tunes+speechless+print+honoring+mel+blanc+lntcpsp2.do
August 25, 2012 at 10:50 am
jshady
Yeah, I love that print. I think Latta had it. Or someone we knew. And the fluffy and furry things will ALWAYS live on. Except my back. Hopefully that will go away some day soon.