How is Jerry Nelson doing?

[beaker]

I was just cruious like a lot on here how Jerry Nelson is doing. Luke had mentioned he was ill at the time of the small FR gathering not to long ago.

Besides being one of the longest JHC team senior Muppeteers, he has been one of the most fanfriendly to Muppet online community JHC people over the years. In 1998 and 1999 during MFS production time he would post on MC and be on chat...then last December at Muppetfest he took time on stage to go out of his way to thank Muppet Central and get a show of hands of who from MC was in attendance. All of the JHC Muppeteers are great, yet it has been especially cool for Jerry to kind of stand up as a fan's fan over the years.

Anyhoo, if anybody has an update on Jerry we'd all love to hear how he is doing.

[Beauregard]

And any new news yet? (Some ages later)

[Twiddlebug]

I know this question was posed a long time ago but I have had other things on my mind and have not read or posted for quite a while. It is long and boring but I have had health issues for a couple of years now. Different ones. I have COPD which is cronic obstructive pulmonary disease generally and emphysema specifically.I have had this for fifteen years or so but only in the last four years has it become problematic. Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through radiation treatment sucessfully. This spring I was in the hospital with pneumonia and am still recovering from that. Complicated by the COPD, this recovery process takes some time. I am happy to say that as of this posting I do intend to work with my old friend Count Von Count again this next season.

To all who have written, I thank you and apologize for not responding.
You guys are the best fans ever.

Jerry Nelson

[Giar Fraggle]

I'm so sorry you're ill. Hope you feel better.

[redBoobergurl]

Wow! Thanks so much for the update Jerry! I hope you fully recover soon!

[Ilikemuppets]

Yes Mr. Nelson, I can't brgin to tell you the role you have played in my lif and can't thank you enough. I hope all this stuff becomes just a distant memory for you real soon.

[Kimp the Shrimp]

Your in my prayers

[MeepBorkMeep]

That sucks. Get well soon, Twiddlebug, good luck on your recovery. I'm going to go send you a get well card right now. Let us know if you need anything at all. That we can provide digitally, that is. Thanks for everything, Jerry.

[Fozzie Bear]

Jerry,

I'm happy to see you posting here again (at least to catch us up to date) but, I wanted to speak on behalf of everyone here at MC to let you know that we all love you a whooole bunch and appreciate you greatly!

You've been a part of a very inspirational team and made a huge, positive difference in all our lives.

Thank you for that!
Kev

[Frogster]

Well said, Kevin... we're all here for you, Jerry.

[Skye]

Jerry, I'm so sorry to hear about all the problems you've been having in the last few years. I hope that you completely recover from it all... and soon! You are one of the best, and we all love you.

[BEAR]

To Mr. Jerry Nelson:

Wow! So nice to "hear" from you for the first time since I joined the forum a bit over a year ago. Thank you for everything you have done. You truly have touched the lives of millions, especially children. I am sorry to hear of your health concerns but also thrilled to know you are still doing the Count atleast, an extremely important part of the Sesame family. Bless you and I hope you will continue to find time to update us.

BEAR

[travellingpat]

Mr. Nelson...


YOU ARE AWESOME!!

Get well soon

pat

[Beauregard]

Thank you for the update Jerry. I'm sorry for everything you've been through, and I hope you recover fully and on the double! And, much as you know we 'count' on you to be with us as the Count, etc...we'd far rather you let yourself recover than risk stretching yourself with work! *feels for a moment like a curious doctor* Ok, so, I but that badly but...you may figure what I am trying to get across there.

Good health, Mr N!

Bea:zany:regard

[heralde]

Good luck with everything, Jerry! Thanks for taking the time to respond. :)

[anythingmuppet]

Good Luck Mr. Nelson!! Get well soon, and god bless you for all the wonderful Muppeting you've done. Like said above, we all love you. :)

[Vibs]

Hey there Jerry Nelson :sing:

When I was very very little, about 3 or 4 or so I watched the fraggles and I just loved it. Then the danish television stopped airing it and it blew away, but somehow it must have printed something into my memory after all cos years later when I was 15 I suddenly saw this advert for the fraggles and all the furry creatures came back into my head again and it was back on TV. Then I joined fragglerocker.com and later on MuppetCentral and for the first time I saw the Muppet Show and got all hooked, which I still am, and enough about me really. ;)

I just want to thank you all for bringing the muppets into this world and best wishes to you and the entire muppet gang from me over here in tiny Denmark!

Thanks :)
Vibs aka Louise.

[a_Mickey_Muppet]

get better Jerry! WE LOVE YOU!!! :sing: :)

[zns]

We all love you very much Jerry. You are a great inspiration to all of us. You're in our thoughts every time we see your characters on the screen. It's a good thing that Jim had hired you. the Muppet world would not be much without a person like you. May the Lord Bless you now and always. :sing: :crazy: :smirk:

[Skekayuk]

Mr Jerry Nelson,
It's lovely to read you posting on the messageboard again.
Sorry to read you've had such a tough time of it. Glad to read that you are doing better. You keep on, but I certainly echo the words of Beauregard, don't overdo things too soon, just go at your own pace.

Funnily enough, of all the coincidences, I was thinking of you today. I recently decided to find out a bit about Mopatop's shop (not a programme I know much about), and bought a video from Amazon. I deliberately choose one from Series 2, and have just watched an episode on it. I couldn't help thinking "I wonder if that episode title character was inspired by one of Jerry Nelson's nicknames for one of his colleagues" - the episode was called 'Princess Lulabelle'!
(talking of which, you may like to know that LG is still very good at livening up glitzy gala's - at least if her performance in the SBSBS 30th Anniversary was anything to go by).

Anyway, it really is good of you to to update us. Get well, and you know the thoughts of many of us Muppet-buffs are with you.

Best Wishes
Emma

"Love is a necessity whatever the weather" line from The Water Babies (Jason Carr & Gary Yershon, 2003)

[MelissaY1]

Mr. Nelson,
Thank you so much for keeping us up to date on your current health struggles. I'm glad you were well enough to let us all know how you were doing. We have all been very concerned with how you were doing. I will keep this brief as I'm sure you don't get on here often and when you do have much to catch up with, but please know that we wish you all the best and really appreciate your participation on this message board and of course your contributions to the Muppets and works of the Henson Company.
Best wishes, Melissa Y.

I know this question was posed a long time ago but I have had other things on my mind and have not read or posted for quite a while. It is long and boring but I have had health issues for a couple of years now. Different ones. I have COPD which is cronic obstructive pulmonary disease generally and emphysema specifically.I have had this for fifteen years or so but only in the last four years has it become problematic. Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through radiation treatment sucessfully. This spring I was in the hospital with pneumonia and am still recovering from that. Complicated by the COPD, this recovery process takes some time. I am happy to say that as of this posting I do intend to work with my old friend Count Von Count again this next season.

To all who have written, I thank you and apologize for not responding.
You guys are the best fans ever.

Jerry Nelson

[Bill Bubble Guy]

Mr. Nelson.

I did not realize exactly how ill you were until I came across this thread. I deeply sympathize and pray you recover speedily.:sympathy:

Thank you for the replies you have given my occasional Private Message and I loved the joke you made in the last one. You have a fantastic sense of humour:D

Best wishes from Martin

[D'Snowth]

I know this question was posed a long time ago but I have had other things on my mind and have not read or posted for quite a while. It is long and boring but I have had health issues for a couple of years now. Different ones. I have COPD which is cronic obstructive pulmonary disease generally and emphysema specifically.I have had this for fifteen years or so but only in the last four years has it become problematic. Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through radiation treatment sucessfully. This spring I was in the hospital with pneumonia and am still recovering from that. Complicated by the COPD, this recovery process takes some time. I am happy to say that as of this posting I do intend to work with my old friend Count Von Count again this next season.

To all who have written, I thank you and apologize for not responding.
You guys are the best fans ever.

Jerry NelsonOh my gosh!!! Jerry, it's such an honor to have you posting here at our wonderful forum! I knew that you guys visit it from time to time, but I had no idea you really actually posted here. I would just like to say I am terribly sorry to hear about what all you've had to and are still going through, while at the same time, I too am so happy to hear you're doing better, and I'm super-thrilled that you're going to keep on counting with The Count!

I hope you post again soon!
Your fan, "D'Snowth"

[Robin]

Twiddlebug is gone... I can Imagine a new character will emerge soon!
Jerry is a very nice man!:sing: man! scoodooby do wa!!!!

[ReneeLouvier]

You'll be in my prayers, Jerry. I hope everything gets better for you.

Also, what happened to his name Twiddlebug? I thought you couldn't delete a member? Oh well, I guess we'll figure it out eventally.

[Ruahnna]

It was so nice of you to post and update on how you are doing. The original post may have been old, but our interest in your welfare has not waned. We were concerned, and glad to know you are feeling up to some Sesame Street antics for us this year. Thanks so much for keeping us in the loop, and, as others have already said--please let us know if there is anything we can send you in cyberspace. With fondest wishes and tremendous respect,

[BoyRaisin2]

Thanks for keeping us up to date, Mr. Nelson. I'm sorry to hear about your health problems and I, like everyone else, hope you get well soon. You are a true asset to the world of entertainment and God bless you.

You the man, Jerry! :crazy:

[superboober]

Dear Mr. Nelson,

I too am hopeful that things end up going well for you, and that many fruitful years lie ahead. Your influence on myself and indeed all of us around this planet of ours is incalcuable. :sing:

[Mike Quinn]

Hey Jerry,
You have always had nothing but the utmost respect from me. I have learned so much from watching your performances over the years. I wish I could work with you again some day. Give my best to Jan. Keep resting and take care.
Your biggest (and maybe) oriiginal fan,
Mike Quinn

[The Count]

Ugh... Please forgive me for not coming here sooner.

Ah... What to say?
1 Your post total: N/A? That made me laugh.
2 Rully hope you can get somewhat better, regarding your current health.
3 It warms the heart to know you're still performing your classic characters, and occasionally new ones as well.
Would hope we may get the chance to meet each other some day...

Take care and post when you get the chance.

From one Count to another.
Eduardo.

[Gorgon Heap]

Glad to hear you're on the mend, Mr. Nelson, and great to hear from you as always. I'll be praying for your speedy recovery.

David "Gorgon Heap" Ebersole

[beakersbreakers]

Hi Jerry!!

This is Amanda (Richard's niece) ... I just found this site my self and joined the Richard Hunt Lovers Club... let me tell you these are some amazing people who keep memories alive! Hope you are feeling better, I would love to stop in and see you my next visit to my mom if you are still up there!? If there is anything me or anyone in the family can do for you PLEASE let me know!! asmith4u@msn.com You and Richard were always so close and I always felt a certain attachment to you especially when we would spend time at the Rose Cottages or top or bottom of The Hill!! My love to Jan! Miss you! Love you! Amanda:flirt:

[Fozzie Bear]

Welcome to the message boards, Amanda. At MuppetFest I spoke to 2 sisters of Richard's, no doubt one was your mom? I could see the family resemblance while visiting, and they were both very, very sweet ladies!

It seemed that Richard was a very giving, caring, and fun individual, and the kindness I could see in him was very visible in his sisters. Let them know that they are also invited to visit and post at Muppet Central when able.

I also look forward to Jerry's visits again. Always inspiring me!

[beakersbreakers]

I think you met my 2 aunts Lyn and Rachel... was it in California?? Thanks for the welcome... hope to hear from Jerry too soon! ;)

[lowercasegods]

Jerry,

I'm a cartoonist and a longtime Muppet fan from way back. I wanted to share this story with you:

Just a few years ago now, my girlfriend (now fiancee), knowing how huge a Muppet fan I was, tricked me into drawing my favorite Muppeteers with their characters as a supposed gift for a friend of hers. As it turned out, the trick was on me, as she took the caricatures I drew (of you and Floyd, Dave and Gonzo and Bill and Pepe) and sent them off to the Henson Company in New York with the hopes of getting them autographed and sent back to her as a gift for me on my birthday.

By the time my birthday rolled around, she still hadn't heard back from the Henson Company. Believeing that she'd sent the caricatures to the wrong department, she just came out and told me of her plans. I was touched that she even tried to pull something like this off, and told her the effort she made was the best gift I could get.

A couple days later, however, we received a thick manilla envelope in the mail with a familar green face on the front. Carefully opening it and removing the contents, there before the both of us were my childhood dreams laid out on 8 1/2 X 11 paper, my caricatures, fully autographed by my childhood and adult heroes, amongst them, you, the great Jerry Nelson. Needless to say, I was touched beyond belief that she went to this trouble, and just as much that you guys took the time to honor her request. So now that I hear that you're on the road to recovery and saw this chance to catch you attention, I just wanted to say thank you for your simple, kind gesture, which not only made my birthday (the greatest by far) but my life a little bit brighter. You'll always be one of my heroes.

[CookieCountDawn]

I wish that you'll get well soon, Jerry.

[BEAR]

Again to repeat what others have said, please keep us updated whenever you can. We wish you the warmest wishes as always. As a side note, would you be able to give us any hint as to how involved you will be in the new Fraggle Movie?

[Kiki]

Hi Jerry!!

This is Amanda (Richard's niece) ... I just found this site my self and joined the Richard Hunt Lovers Club... let me tell you these are some amazing people who keep memories alive! Hope you are feeling better, I would love to stop in and see you my next visit to my mom if you are still up there!? If there is anything me or anyone in the family can do for you PLEASE let me know!! asmith4u@msn.com You and Richard were always so close and I always felt a certain attachment to you especially when we would spend time at the Rose Cottages or top or bottom of The Hill!! My love to Jan! Miss you! Love you! Amanda:flirt:

Welcome to the MC forum, Amanda! Richard's neice?? Wow... get out of here! :excited: You'll probely see my in the RHLC too.

[Kiki]

I know this question was posed a long time ago but I have had other things on my mind and have not read or posted for quite a while. It is long and boring but I have had health issues for a couple of years now. Different ones. I have COPD which is cronic obstructive pulmonary disease generally and emphysema specifically.I have had this for fifteen years or so but only in the last four years has it become problematic. Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through radiation treatment sucessfully. This spring I was in the hospital with pneumonia and am still recovering from that. Complicated by the COPD, this recovery process takes some time. I am happy to say that as of this posting I do intend to work with my old friend Count Von Count again this next season.

To all who have written, I thank you and apologize for not responding.
You guys are the best fans ever.

Hey Mr.Nelson,
Whoa... it's such an honor to have you on the MC forum! :excited:
How are you feeling? Sounds like you've been in the wars a bit. Well, i hope you recover- look after yourself!! I wrote to you early this year and in august t sent you another letter with an illustration of The Count i drew. Did you get it? I really hope so!!
Saaay, you should post on this forum more often (*hint hint*)
Cheers,
Kiki

[ravagefrackle]

Jerry , Glad to hear your doing better , just wanted to say it was a pleasure to meet and talk with you , as well as work with you(even if it was only a one day shoot)

all the best
Jw

P.S.
it was quite a few years ago, when i was still at the Old Henson Shop

[MrsPepper]

Wow, this is so cool. It is great to see you posting on here, Mr. Nelson!
It's good to hear that you are recovering and I wish you the best of luck and hope that you can heal up soon. :sing:

It's so nice of you to drop by MuppetCentral to let the fans know what you are up to. I really love your work and your characters - especially my main man Floyd! - so hearing from you on the forum is really amazing. Your characters have always been favourites of mine, and listening to them/you sing is really inspiring. Music is such a big part of my life, and the music has been and always will be my favourite part of all the muppet projects. I particularily love the Fraggle songs of my fellow Canadian, Gobo.

It's amazing to hear you've dropped by. Take care of yourself!

Love and well-wishes from MrsPepper :smirk:

[Faylo]

Awesome to see you posting, Mr. Nelson! :)
You are a great inspiration to me. I also wish you a speedy recovery!

Love,
Faylo

[Xerus]

Thank you for posting. And I am so sorry to hear about your health ordeals. I pray you'll be well soon and thank you for bringing to life a whole bunch of wonderful characters over the years and still performing The Count and Fat Blue. And I'll always like Floyd, Lew Zeland, Uncle Deadly, Lewis Kazagger, Camilla, Strangepork, Robin, Herry, Farley, Biff, Gobo, Pa Gorg, and Marjoree.

[Robin]

Jerry,
Conan O'Brien went very well!!!! The Animals were very funny!!!! the Audience loved it! We did the Rachael Ray show too... that will air in late September or early October... Thanks again Jerry!!! You're the Best!!!!

[JaniceFerSure]

Thank you for updating us on your health Mr. Nelson.May you have a great recovery.Your vocals are incredible,you've been an inspiration to me.I've watched your work since the early 70s,on Sesame Street.You're an entertainment genius.

God Bless you for all the work you've done over the years.:sing:

[OverUnderAround]

Hi Jerry,
You are loved by all.

P.S.- If your doctor hasn't suggested it, look into Pulmonary Rehabilitation Therapy.
It's not a cure, but it can improve your way of life.

[CommanderD]

Wow, I had no idea that the Muppeteers posted here!

Anyway, Mr. Nelson, I'll just repeat what everyone else here has said and say that you'll be in my prayers and I hope you get well soon! I've been a fan of yours (and everyone else connected with the Muppets, really) years before I knew any of your names. :)

[Camellia]

take care Jerry!

God Bless! :)

best wishes,
Camellia

[Muppet Pro]

WOW!!!!!! You got Jerry Nelson on The Muppet Central Forum!!!!! Wow, I didn't know that. WOW! Hello Jerry, I hope you get well soon. ;)

[MeepBorkMeep]

Where is Jerry, anyway? How come Twiddlebug isn't registered as a user?

Oh, and Jerry, if you are still reading, expect your get well soon thingy soon, pro'ly 'll be sent to sesame street.

[Infinity Sirius]

Though we have never met I like consider all the Muppeteers old friends who I have known through childhood through their respectful alteregos. My sincerest wishes for you to get well again and continue with what brings you joy in life.

We all love you!
Sirius

[BEAR]

Forgot to also mention that it is nice to see that Jerry is involved with the new Dark Crystal movie to come out soon.

[Ilikemuppets]

That's great!

[wembleyfraggle]

Is it the Pebble pox? Well just to let you know! Jerry you are my favorite Muppetier! Im sorry you are i'll. I will keep ypu in my prayers. I hope you feel better soon, we got to see you in tip top shape to play Gobo again :) :smirk:
Anyways, we all love you to death!

[Convincing John]

Mr. Nelson, if you're reading this...

Thinking about all you've done to make my childhood (and beyond) so warm and welcoming with your characters...all I can do is quote Gobo Fraggle from "Honk of Honks" as Doc gave him the party favor...

"Thanks! Thanks for everything!":smirk:

But here's a Jerry Nelson story I don't think I've shared with you guys here at MC.

It was my senior year in college, (quite a while ago) and I was taking an art course that involved a lot of long hours in front of a computer tinkering with "Photoshop"-like programs. Those of you who work on this stuff for a long time know what it's like having to tinker with all those pixels.

Anyway, I had sent an email to Jerry Nelson (via a Henson Associates email that forwarded messages to the Muppeteers) sometime in November. (The course I took was in January). I remember the email was just something like "How's it going? Hope you're well." Pretty basic. I didn't ask him anything, I just wanted to say "hi", and if he ever wanted to write to me, I emailed him my address.

So anyway, here came January, and I was in this class, and one day near the end of the period, I felt warm. Figuring they had just turned up the heater a notch, I left class, walked back to the dorm. I was still warm. And getting warmer.

Confused, I felt my forehead, thinking "Am I getting a fever? Hmmm...maybe." I took my temperature. It was 103!

The weird thing was, I wasn't woozy or anything. I was completely alert. But nevertheless, my parents came to get me so I could go to the doctor. I was ticked off that I had to miss class, because I felt fine! It reminded me of Frank Oz talking about Jim having walking pneumonia once and he was outside...filming a commercial...at a gas station...and it was 5 degrees!

Now here's the cool part. I go home, get ready to go to the doctor, and just as I'm waiting in the van, my parents come out of the house with an ordinary-looking Christmas card-like envelope. They get in the van and Mom said "This came for you today. It doesn't say who it's from."

Confused, I figured it was a card from someone from my college. Someone who had graduated and moved?

I stupidly tore the handwritten envelope open with my finger (unaware of the treasure inside). As the van pulled out of the driveway, I pulled out a simple, little, blank green card. It was shiny and dark green and made from a paper like you'd get at an art store. Inside, it was addressed to me in some unfamiliar handwriting, which said:

"Thank you for your nice letter. Merry Christmas and have a happy, healthy New Year!" one side of the card said. I began to read the signature...three signatures.

"J...."

"Who's it from?" asked Dad, as we drove along.

Along with whatever medicine the doctor was going to give me, (if what I was reading was true), I would also need eye drops. Why? My eyes were frozen wide open! I honestly looked like Klaus Mueller from Muppet Sports (the guy who outstared the tree in the Lola Falana TMS episode). Finally, remembering how to blink, I read the signatures again...

The signature said: "Jerry Nelson". Beneath that, "The Count", and next to that "Floyd" (signed on a musical staff).:sing:

Now, even though I had an incredibly high fever, I felt like jumping out of the van and doing cartwheels in the snow! Instead, though, I just handed the card to Mom up in the passenger seat. She was so happy, she cried! Dad (who saw the card when we got to the doctor's office) was happy, too!

So there I was, a fever of 103 and a card in my hand from an extraordinary Muppeteer wishing me a happy and healthy new year!

I had one of the highest fevers I'd ever had in my life...but thanks to Mr. Nelson, it was one of the BEST days of my life! (And that card helped me get better a whole lot quicker than anything the doctor gave me!)

Thank you, Mr. Nelson. Please get well, take good care of yourself, and thank you so much for the wonderful card!

Convincing John

[Erine81981]

Nice to see Jerry on here. Glad to see your doing ok Mr. Nelson. Sorry to hear that you had to go through all those things. But just glad to see your doing well and that your still working on Sesame Street and other henson stuff. Thanks again for all the things you've done for us the fans. Thanks again Jerry. :sing:

[Ilikemuppets]

Wow! That's an amazing story Convincing John!

[AndyWan Kenobi]

Dear Jerry,

I just wanted to say thank you for checking in with us here, and for giving us so much to be happy about for so long! I join everyone else in sending you my love and my best wishes.

I will also, at least in my imagination, send you a giant jar of jelly beans to keep the Count busy.

:)

[dbarrie]

Hi Jerry,

I've been a Muppet fan my whole life and have particularly enjoyed your work. Some of my faves include The Count, Robin the Frog, Gobo Fraggle and Emmet Otter. Glad to hear you're getting better. Keep on truckin'! :sing:

DB

[Beauregard]

While we are on the subject of the fabulous Jerry, where would be the best place to send Fanmail for the man these days? Assumeing he won't mind being swamped with well-wishing postcards, boxes of Muffins and having the occasional stalker in future days to come?

[Pino]

Jerry all the best wishes.. and hope you can do what you like most very soon!

[Whatever]

Mr. Nelson, I hope you get better soon! As we say in Germany, gute Besserung! I wish you the very, very best!

[Erine81981]

Is there an address to send cards and stuff to Muppeteers? As in is it the Muppet address or does he have his own real address to send them too?

[Beauregard]

We used to send things via the Jim Henson Company...I don't know if that still counts?

Bea:zany:{Still counts? By jove, of course I still love to count! Ah ah ah}regard

[BEAR]

In Jerry's case, the best thing to do, I would think, is to send it to the Sesame Workshop address.

[MuppetMarc]

Dear Sgt. Floyd...I mean Lew Zealand...I mean The Count Von Count...I mean Robin..I mean Jerry,

It's an honor to be on the same forum with you. I hope you get better real soon. Now for a question...Do you know anything about the Fraggle Rock film? Have you been contacted or anything? Are you ever going to come to Indiana?

Best wishes,
MuppetMarc

[MrsWembly]

Take care Jerry! You'll be in my thoughts. :smirk: :sing:

[Bill Bubble Guy]

I hope you feel better soon Jerry. :)

[jkjkdf]

dear jerry,

I am praying every day for you. Hope you can get better soon. thanks for all the laughs over the years.:sing: sing make every one happy!

[jellopants]

Hope you feel better soon.

[Super Scooter]

We used to send things via the Jim Henson Company...I don't know if that still counts?

Yes, the Jim Henson Company is still able to get in touch with all of the Muppeteers as far as I am aware of. They were still doing it the last I wrote, although, it might be better/quicker sending to Sesame Workshop.

Get well, Jerry. And, it's good to hear you were able to do some Sesame Street. Coooooool! :sing: :smirk: :crazy:

[Morgan Clueless]

I know I'm not the biggest Muppet or Fraggle Rock fan on the forums, let alone the world, but I know--and had learned--that you've performed several of my favorite characters. And hearing about your health problems over the years made me a bit worried, but hearing that you're still alive and performing gives me relief on the inside.

Again, I'm not the biggest fan (I've never even seen the Muppet Show), but if you're reading this at this very second, a week from now, or even ten years from now, I hope you'll still give an ear to listen to a not-very-old-fashioned fan.

~ Morgan "Clueless" Goat

PS: I love your voice, and I was wondering if you can give me some advice as how to do voices like yours? I'm a girl, and a young one, as well, but I'm willing to try.

[swcrazyfan]

Hope you get better Jerry.

[pepestarr]

All the best wishes Jerry. Get well soon!

[MuppetMarc]

Are you ever going to come to Indiana?
Well........?

[tutter_fan]

Jerry! I HOPE YOU GET WELL SOON!!!!!! The count always makes me laugh!

Count: "That's 1, 1 wonderful post on the Muppet Central Forum, Ah Ah Ah!!!! (Lightning & Thunder SFX)

[MeepBorkMeep]

See, I don't think Jerry's a member anymore.
I think he's just a frequent visitor now...
So he wouldn't be able to answer your question MuppetMarc.

[Bill Bubble Guy]

Pardon me. I was just wondering if there is anybody who has any update on Jerry's progress.
I miss you here at MC Jerry, and I hope you are managing well with your recovery and your work with the Count. :)

[Fozzie Bear]

Last I heard he's doing fine, but he only lends his voice for Count and other characters.

[Fragglemuppet]

I'm glad to hear that he's doing well, and also that he's doing well enough to work, to any extent. Thanks for keeping us updated Kevin!
:smirk:
:crazy:
:sing:

[anytimepally]

I'm glad to hear that he's doing well, and also that he's doing well enough to work, to any extent.

me too! :sing:

[Erine81981]

Me three. Glad to know he's doing fine adn that he can still provide the voices we all love.

[Fozzie Bear]

He's been through MC a few times, here and there, so I hope he'll come back soon and update us himself.

[Bill Bubble Guy]

That'd be wonderful. I shall eagerly look forward to hearing from him again. :)

I wonder if he's bought a season 2 set of Muppet Show yet?

[Fozzie Bear]

Bought? They better be GIVING him one, HA HA!

[Reevz1977]

Oh My Lord!
The Jerry Nelson Posts On This Forum? That Is Soooooo Cool. I Genuinely Love Mr Nelsons Work And Really Believe Him To Be A Earth-bound God!
He Probably Has Know Idea Just How Close To Our Hearts We All Hold Him And The Positive Impact He Has Had On Our Lives.
Note To Jerry: Please Please Please Keep Doing What You Do And Take Care - Thanks For All The Wonderful Memories You Have Given Us!

[dabauckham]

Quick question: I was watching the Emmett Otter special feature the other night, and Jerry remarked that Emmett Otter was one of two favorite productions that he has been involved with. Does anyone know what his other favorite is?

I think it is wonderful that Jerry posts here, from time to time. Jerry, your fans love you. We hope that you are well.

[MrsPepper]

Quick question: I was watching the Emmett Otter special feature the other night, and Jerry remarked that Emmett Otter was one of two favorite productions that he has been involved with. Does anyone know what his other favorite is?Just an instinct but I have a feeling the other was Fraggle Rock, based on his interviews on the season 2 box set. He seemed to really be into that show. :coy: :excited: :smirk:

[anytimepally]

Just an instinct but I have a feeling the other was Fraggle Rock

that was my thought as well :busy:

[matleo]

Quick question: I was watching the Emmett Otter special feature the other night, and Jerry remarked that Emmett Otter was one of two favorite productions that he has been involved with. Does anyone know what his other favorite is?



I was actually at a Henson function once where he said Fraggles was one of his two favorite projects to do with Muppets so I think it's a safe bet that Emmet and FR are the two faves.

And Jerry, if you read this, know that you're very much in our hearts and minds. You've shared so many wonderful characters with us and your craft and skill are an inspiration to many of us here. :sing: :batty: :smirk:

--Matt

[Fozzie Bear]

Oh My Lord!
The Jerry Nelson Posts On This Forum? That Is Soooooo Cool. I Genuinely Love Mr Nelsons Work And Really Believe Him To Be A Earth-bound God!
He Probably Has Know Idea Just How Close To Our Hearts We All Hold Him And The Positive Impact He Has Had On Our Lives.
Note To Jerry: Please Please Please Keep Doing What You Do And Take Care - Thanks For All The Wonderful Memories You Have Given Us!

Yep, and if you read through the whole thread you can see his post(s).

[stephenjlizard]

Jerry recently had a bout with pneumonia, and is currently recovering and recuperating. Let's all keep him in our thoughts as he rests up! :sing:

[The Count]

Yep. Warm well-wishes from everyone here at the castle to da'Man, Jerry Nelson.
:batty:

[Robin]

Jerry is a very nice guy... I send my love and kind thoughts to he and his family.:batty:

[Xerus]

I'm wishing the best for a truly great man like Jerry. :sing:

[Colbynfriends]

Hope you feel better Jerry! Thank you for the wonderful things you have done over the past 40-50 years.
:sing: :batty: :smirk:

[Bill Bubble Guy]

Yes Jerry. I hope you get all better soon with no further complications. I still miss communicating with you.

[heralde]

Hope you feel better Jerry, hang in there!

[RedPiggy]

Get well soon!

[anytimepally]

Hope you're feeling better! :sing:

[pattywack]

Hope you get well Jerry! We miss you :)

[Gorgon Heap]

You're in my prayers, Jer.

(Was that too informal for an Internet forum?):insatiable:

David "Gorgon Heap" Ebersole

[Quesal]

Just in case no one's said so yet, Jerry Nelson is a member of Facebook. I am not kidding! I am actually Facebook friends with him. So far it doesn't look like a con. Look him up and befriend him and judge for yourself.

[Quesal]

Hope you don't mind me sharing that with everyone Jerry.

[MeepBorkMeep]

It's him. We spoke about some stuff.

But he put on the profile that he likes to be kind of distant, so it's probably best to send a message and then wait for him to friend you if he wishes.

[theprawncracker]

That's VERY exciting! I think I'll send him a message. :sing:

[The Count]

Yes... Had the good luck to have him accept my friend request too. He sent a rully nice message back... Though I haven't messaged or posted anything for him, that's more a fact that FB's giving me troubles lately... Would like to have something, even if just a simple poem for his B-Day this Thursday. And I haven't brought it up here before out of respect for one of my Muppeteer inspirations.

:batty: :sing: :smirk:
Now where's the Robin icon?
Take care Mr. Nelson, we wish you the best on another year of making millions of people happy.

[muppet baby]

wow that is really cool i have some friends who want me to be on face book so i think i will go ahead and get set up tomrow wow cool . Jerry is such a good guy i had heard something before seeing this theard .

cool that is so great , such a blessing for the world .
:) Jerry if u see this i hope that u are feeling better u have been such a blessing for the world and for me .

[muppetfan89]

Just in case no one's said so yet, Jerry Nelson is a member of Facebook. I am not kidding! I am actually Facebook friends with him. So far it doesn't look like a con. Look him up and befriend him and judge for yourself.

so many jerry nelson's pop up when I searched, which one is THE Jerry Nelson?

[MelissaY1]

so many jerry nelson's pop up when I searched, which one is THE Jerry Nelson?

Yeah that's what I was going to ask, I'm getting at least 119 results.....and most of them don't have photos. How about posting a link?

[The Count]

Well... Would do that, but like I said, I respect the man. Here's a hint: Refine your searches to Massachusetts' mapped hook-tailed area.
That should set you geographic gumshoes going...

*Flees thanks to one of Carmen Sandiego's V.I.L.E. henchcrook jetpacks.

[MelissaY1]

Well... Would do that, but like I said, I respect the man. Here's a hint: Refine your searches to Massachusetts' mapped hook-tailed area.
That should set you geographic gumshoes going...

*Flees thanks to one of Carmen Sandiego's V.I.L.E. henchcrook jetpacks.

You respect the man but yet you're announcing on a fan board that he has a Facebook?:confused:

[MeepBorkMeep]

You respect the man but yet you're announcing on a fan board that he has a Facebook?:confused:

Which is why people should just send a nice message to him, once, honestly thanking him for his fantastic work, and wait to see if he chooses to friend you.

[MelissaY1]

Which is why people should just send a nice message to him, once, honestly thanking him for his fantastic work, and wait to see if he chooses to friend you.

Well, I still can't find him, so I won't be sending him anything I guess.........:(

[Robin]

I couldnt find Jerry on Facebook... A guy who looked kind of like him... that is it...

I think puppeteer Jerry Nelson is not really on facebook...

It is some other guy who gets a kick out of playing the part...

Robin "Kermits nephew" lol:sing:

[MeepBorkMeep]

I couldnt find Jerry on Facebook... A guy who looked kind of like him... that is it...

I think puppeteer Jerry Nelson is not really on facebook...

It is some other guy who gets a kick out of playing the part...

Robin "Kermits nephew" lol:sing:

It's him, okay. He set his profile to private recently so it's unsearchable.

[The Count]

Ah... There you go then. And don't give up Melissa... Send me a PM and I'll help you out. And I wasn't the one who announced Jerry's on Facebook, that honor goes to Quesal who posted a few posts above mine.

BTW: Marianne, I have a question for you, but think PM would be better.

Ah, so many friends to count on! :batty:

[muppetfan89]

just out of curiousity, has any one ever heard Jerry's natural speaking voice, I never have, is there a video or something, which shows him talking in his natural speaking vocie.

[Luke]

Just in case no one's said so yet, Jerry Nelson is a member of Facebook. I am not kidding! I am actually Facebook friends with him. So far it doesn't look like a con. Look him up and befriend him and judge for yourself.

Probably not the smartest thing to have posted that, seeing as he's had to hide himself now. Remember its not just us guys who are responsible enough not to hassle someone who see these threads, we do get the occasional wierdos (i mean, weirder wierdos! lol)

I hope Jerry's doing fine, its an exciting time to be involved with the Muppets and Fraggles and it's always good to see Jerry back with the team!

[Super Scooter]

just out of curiousity, has any one ever heard Jerry's natural speaking voice, I never have, is there a video or something, which shows him talking in his natural speaking vocie.

:search: Jerry's interviewed on the Emmet Otter and Fraggle Rock DVDs.

He sounds like he does when he performs Jerry (http://muppet.wikia.com/wiki/Jerry).

Out of respect for Jerry's privacy, I'll just send him a letter through the proper channels rather than through facebook. He's always been kind enough to respond to fans in that way in the past. It'd be a shame to lose that privilege. :smirk:

[Pork]

Well the trouble is I tried sending him a letter, and it got returned :( It's a bit disapointing. I would just like to tell him how much he's appreciated and stuff, I mean, I'm sure he knows that already, but yeah. Tis a pity I can't send him a message on facebook, but i can understand he must get HEAPS of them. So I guess I'll just have to forget about it :(

[Convincing John]

Well, think about it, guys. Imagine you're a Muppeteer, one of the best there is and one that's been working since the mid 1960s on countless projects. After all those years of being in the spotlight and after all that work, wouldn't you want some rest and privacy?

I got a card from Jerry in January of 2000. It has Jerry's, Floyd's and the Count's signatures on it. I still have it and every time I look at it I feel like a million bucks. It will always make me feel that way.

Pork, and anyone else, just write to the Sesame Workshop address with a good old fashioned letter. It may take a while for a response, but you might be surprised! My card came months after writing to Jerry.

After all Jerry's done for us Muppet fans, we should be nice to him by:

Respecting his privacy
Hope and pray he stays healthy
Keep on posting on how much we love the Muppets and the positive impact they and Jim Henson have had on our lives.

With as much happiness Jerry's work and characters have given me, I wish I could do something incredibly awesome in return for him. If I had a Donald Trump budget, I'd get Jerry something like an all-expense paid vacation to some tropical island for his upcoming birthday. He could chill out on the beach as the sun sets, listen to the rolling waves and order room service from some swanky hotel. Of course, while he's on the beach he can still do some counting to keep in practice. "One, two, three, FOUR! (http://www.adrants.com/images/bikini_girls.jpg) Ah Ah Ah Ah Ah!"

;)

Seriously though, it's cool Jerry has a Facebook page somewhere out there. But it's much, much better that his work and characters are both touching the hearts of old fans (like me) and are introducing themselves to little kids everywhere watching Sesame Street for the first time. Jerry's work is just plain magic folks...and like Gobo once said: "You cannot leave the magic.":smirk:

Convincing John

[Robin]

WoW! people are so bonkers about this... I dont even have words! LOL!:batty:

[AnimatedC9000]

Happy birthday, Mr. Nelson! Hope you have a great birthday!

(Yeah, it's after midnight my time and I'm typing this. So what?)

:batty: :sing: :smirk:

~ AnimatedC

[stephenjlizard]

Convincing John above has it absolutely right. The best way to honor Jerry right now is by respecting his privacy and keep him in our thoughts and prayers. I heard that he was just in the hospital again recently, but he came home a few days ago and is resting comfortably. Not much energy, but his friends are keeping him company and lifting his spirits. I know we all want to see him healthy and happy so do keep him in mind.

[Fozzie Bear]

Convincing John above has it absolutely right. The best way to honor Jerry right now is by respecting his privacy and keep him in our thoughts and prayers. I heard that he was just in the hospital again recently, but he came home a few days ago and is resting comfortably. Not much energy, but his friends are keeping him company and lifting his spirits. I know we all want to see him healthy and happy so do keep him in mind.

Thanks for this, Stephen.

I think I had posted a thread with the rule of maintaining the respect of the company people.

Here it is:
http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=22372&highlight=respect

[Luke]

Thanks for this, Stephen.

I think I had posted a thread with the rule of maintaining the respect of the company people.

Here it is:
http://forum.muppetcentral.com/showthread.php?t=22372&highlight=respect

I think given the recent expansion of social networking, the rule could probably do with having their contact details, personal web links etc being added to it. Well said.

[RyGuy]

I haven't literally met Jerry Nelson but from what I read he sounds like a gentle, sincere man What's amazing to me is that he didn't really have a heyday . As Robin the frog states . he truly did "Leave us some magic "

Thank you Jerry for all the generousity, laughs and your singing is truly handsome to listen to . You're a truly wonderful gentleman.

[Ilikemuppets]

Convincing John above has it absolutely right. The best way to honor Jerry right now is by respecting his privacy and keep him in our thoughts and prayers. I heard that he was just in the hospital again recently, but he came home a few days ago and is resting comfortably. Not much energy, but his friends are keeping him company and lifting his spirits. I know we all want to see him healthy and happy so do keep him in mind.And the things is it's so amazing that he gives one hundred percent to his characters wish so much energy and passion despite the problems he has and is going through in his life. He just keeps going and doesn't let it stand in his way! That's amazing and a true hero and inspiration.

[zns]

I know this question was posed a long time ago but I have had other things on my mind and have not read or posted for quite a while. It is long and boring but I have had health issues for a couple of years now. Different ones. I have COPD which is cronic obstructive pulmonary disease generally and emphysema specifically.I have had this for fifteen years or so but only in the last four years has it become problematic. Two years ago I was diagnosed with prostate cancer and went through radiation treatment sucessfully. This spring I was in the hospital with pneumonia and am still recovering from that. Complicated by the COPD, this recovery process takes some time. I am happy to say that as of this posting I do intend to work with my old friend Count Von Count again this next season.

To all who have written, I thank you and apologize for not responding.
You guys are the best fans ever.

Jerry Nelson

I know that this is an old forum and that I already gave you my best wishes, but I wanted to say something anyway. I must say Jerry that you have really been a special person to the Muppets and that you mean the world to all of us here at the forum. I once saw you in New York at the Kaufman Astoria Studios during the last day of shooting season 39 of Sesame Street (4/10/08). I noticed that you were busy shooting inserts with the Count so I didn't want to disturb you while you were working, plus they wouldn't let me stay in the studio too long since they had other visitors coming in (I was invited by Martin P. Robinson who I met at a '07 Puppet Festival in 2007). I saw you when you came in during the afternoon shooting and I was thrilled when you said hello to me when you passed by me. I know I didn't get to talk with you, but having you say hello was just as good. I'm currently doing work in puppetry while I am in college and hope to have a career in it, hopefully with the Muppets (I have a video on youtube.com) Anyway, I know that this might sound cheesy and a little too preachy, but I just had to say this.

By the way. I made up this little poem not too long ago for you as a way of saying thanks from all the fans. I hope you like it:

Mr. Nelson Is...

Mr. Nelson is
A clueless detective,
Flexing his fuzzy and blue muscles,
As he "counts" the number of times he says those magic words,
"A La Peanut Butter Sandwiches" Ah Ah Ah :batty:

Mr. Nelson is
A fish throwing bass player,
Crooning his famous love song.
His amphibius uncle runs the theater,
But he still manages to stay strong and tall,
No matter what it takes. :sing:

Mr. Nelson is
A brave and daring explorer of the caves,
With a great big "Trash Heap" of wisdom.
He's not only the king of the Universe,
But he's also the Pa of a "Dumb Son of a Gun":smirk:

Mr. Nelson is
A man of heart and soul.
He lives each day to the fullest extent,
With as much courage as possible.
He's the man we all want to be.

God Bless you Jerry. We all love you

Zachary Snyder

[Fozzie Bear]

What a nice sentiment! Good work ZNS!

[The 11th UrRu]

What a nice sentiment! Good work ZNS!

Im going to have to second that...

[zns]

Thanks. I got the inspiration from the poem Jerry wrote for Jim Henson, "Floyd's Lament". We all love you Jerry. Keep in touch. :batty::smirk::sing:

[Skekayuk]

What a wonderful poem.

As a poet myself I can really appreciate the effort into that.Well done.
Emma

[Beauregard]

I read today here (http://rantingsofanarabchick.blogspot.com/2008/12/lengthy-review-of-emmet-otters-jug-band.html) that Jerry Nelson arrived at the opening of the Emmet Otter musical, carrying an oxygen tank. I do hope he is ok, and would love to do something to show him how much we appreciate him...as I can understand the reviewer's 'guilt' at asking him for an autograph without knowing how to thank him for all he's done...

[mikebennidict]

No reason for the guy to feel gulity.

As long as he was nice to Jerry and thanked him for signing his autograph.

Hopfully he wasn't pushy.

[vettech28]

I love you, Jerry Nelson!
You're one of my favorite Muppeteers. I wish you a full recovery. I'm sure the prayers of your fellow Muppeteers are with you. Since the Fraggle Rock movie is in development, it'd be nice if you would perform Gobo for the film just like you did in the series. I also liked the fact that you saw the stage adaptation of "Emmet Otter's Jug-band Christmas". I really hope you liked it. I hope you still keep in touch with the other Muppeteers.

Get well soon, Jerry!

Renee Angely

[animal0606]

Hope things go well for you Jerry. Jim, Frank yourself & others have been making us smile as kids for many years now you are making our kids smile & us still.I have never met you but from interviews I can honestly say your are an A+ classy guy just like Jim. you have the heart the size of six states & more. I wish you the best & hope you recover soon so you may once again bring joy to all with your amazingly passionate love of puppetry. Canada Loves you Jerry you are an Icon :sing::batty: :crazy:..etc.. Thank you

[Bears Wear Hats]

Jerry Nelson is doing well. Last week he was interviewed on the Cape and Islands NPR Station on Cape Cod. You can hear his interview here:

http://streams.wgbh.org/online/play.php?xml=cape2/thepoint/point_012209.xml&template=cape_audio

Or, go to capeandislands.org and look under The Point. His interview was Jan. 22. And he was in great spirits!

[vettech28]

I just heard Jerry's interview on The Point in Cape Cod. It was SO nice to hear him, although it sounds like he has some kind of oxygen tank with him if you listen closely in the background. I hope he gets back to performing soon.

[frogboy4]

:search: He sounded pretty good and in good spirits too. It sounds like he's given up his puppeteering duties for a while and that he's given the official hand-off for Floyd. :sing: I believe he's only doing some on-set voice work for the Count. :batty: I hope he can do the same for the Fraggle film. Nobody sounds like him and he really is much of the heart of Fraggle Rock.

[MrsPepper]

Aw, what a lovely interview! It's nice to hear his natural voice, even though he sounds so much like some of his characters!

[Fozzie Bear]

THANK you for sharing this!

I love your screen name. :o

Jerry Nelson is doing well. Last week he was interviewed on the Cape and Islands NPR Station on Cape Cod. You can hear his interview here:

http://streams.wgbh.org/online/play.php?xml=cape2/thepoint/point_012209.xml&template=cape_audio

Or, go to capeandislands.org and look under The Point. His interview was Jan. 22. And he was in great spirits!

[Convincing John]

Jerry's OK, then? (Whew!) I heard he wasn't feeling well there for a while and I am so relieved to hear he sounded good in the interview. (If you're still visiting MC from time to time, you're in my prayers, Jerry!)

I haven't had time to listen to the interview yet, I can't now 'cause I'm at work. (Checkin' MC during my break);)

I read at Tough Pigs where someone saw him voice, but not perform Fat Blue (Mr. Johnson) for a recent sketch and everyone applauded him! Wish I could've been there to applaud him too...(sigh)

Maybe the Fraggle Rock movie will be his last hurrah as far as performing characters. I could see him doing the voice for Count et al. while someone else performs the puppets for a while.

I agree with Jamie. Jerry really is at the heart of Fraggle Rock. It's impossible to imagine the Rock without him.

Convincing John

[skogs34]

Zachary, That is a beautiful tribute poem.
I love the way you wove his characters into the fabric of the piece.
Very nice and thank you for sharing that with us.

[skogs34]

I know I'm not the biggest Muppet or Fraggle Rock fan on the forums, let alone the world, but I know--and had learned--that you've performed several of my favorite characters. And hearing about your health problems over the years made me a bit worried, but hearing that you're still alive and performing gives me relief on the inside.

Again, I'm not the biggest fan (I've never even seen the Muppet Show), but if you're reading this at this very second, a week from now, or even ten years from now, I hope you'll still give an ear to listen to a not-very-old-fashioned fan.

~ Morgan "Clueless" Goat

PS: I love your voice, and I was wondering if you can give me some advice as how to do voices like yours? I'm a girl, and a young one, as well, but I'm willing to try.
Morgan-Clueless, The best way to do great voices is to play with your voice. Get to know all the things it can do and sounds it can make. Put it through its paces everyday. Clue for Clueless, do this in private or you will drive your parents or brothers or sisters or friends abso-every-kindo-lutely way crazy. Listen to Bobby McFerrin
<http://www.bobbymcferrin.com/> Be the very best you can be and it will be plenty good enough.

[skogs34]

Dear Sgt. Floyd...I mean Lew Zealand...I mean The Count Von Count...I mean Robin..I mean Jerry,

It's an honor to be on the same forum with you. I hope you get better real soon. Now for a question...Do you know anything about the Fraggle Rock film? Have you been contacted or anything? Are you ever going to come to Indiana?

Best wishes,
MuppetMarc
I know this is answering a post made years ago but: I know nothing about the Fraggle film, they have not contacted me and I lived in Franklin, Indiana for half a year when I was eight but can't think of a reason to return.

[theprawncracker]

I know this is answering a post made years ago but: I know nothing about the Fraggle film, they have not contacted me and I lived in Franklin, Indiana for half a year when I was eight but can't think of a reason to return.
I bet I can give you even fewer reasons to come to Southern Illinois... ;)

Mr. Nelson, please know that I'm incredibly honored to be on the same forum with you. And I'd like to thank you a million times over for sending me a signed picture of The Count a couple of years ago. I know you probably don't remember signing it for me, but my name is Ryan Dosier and it means more than you know!

Take care, Jerry! Thanks for popping in to visit us here!

[dwayne1115]

Mr. Nelson,

Hi My name is Dwayne, and I'm good friends with Jim Lewis. Jim has done a wonderful thing for fans by answering questions from fans. Now I know that you may be busy, or whatever and can not make it to the forums every day, or week. If you would like someone as a kind of go between, from the forum and you. I would be happy to help.

My e mail is dwayne1115@gmail.com

If you would like to do a kind of ask Jerry thing where fans can ask you questions and once a week month or whenever you can answer I would be more then happy to help you, just let me know. Thanks Jerry for all the wonderful work you have done, and are still doing.

[zns]

Zachary, That is a beautiful tribute poem.
I love the way you wove his characters into the fabric of the piece.
Very nice and thank you for sharing that with us.

It all comes from the heart. :)

[Fozzie Bear]

Hi, Jerry! Glad to see you at MC. I still appreciate the shout-out you and Dave Goelz gave at MuppetFest. :)

I hope you'll be able to visit on the site more often. You're a super person!

[heralde]

Thanks for keeping us informed, Jerry, take care! :)

[antsamthompson9]

Jerry Nelson is doing well. Last week he was interviewed on the Cape and Islands NPR Station on Cape Cod. You can hear his interview here:

http://streams.wgbh.org/online/play.php?xml=cape2/thepoint/point_012209.xml&template=cape_audio

Or, go to capeandislands.org and look under The Point. His interview was Jan. 22. And he was in great spirits!
May you please find the whole interview?

[Xerus]

Thank you for visiting us, Mr. Jerry Nelson. I always recognize your voice whether from a Muppet, a song, a cartoon character, or one of your live action roles. :sing:

Peace 2 U,
Xerus

[Colbynfriends]

Thanks for stoping by Mr. Nelson.

[antsamthompson9]

May you please find the whole interview?
Never mind, I just heard it. Jerry, I hope you get better soon!

[muppet baby]

Dear Mr nelson i am so glad that you are here on this fourm with us and i am so gald that you are doing well thank you so much for your work on the Muppets i am very honnored to be on the fourm with you .

You have blessed me so much with the muppets .

Thank you Thank you .

I hope things contenue to go well for you .

thank you for posting here with is and keeping us updated .

God bless you .

:)

[JoeyMuppet]

I've decided to possibly do an Online Interview with Jerry. :search::smirk::batty: And I was wondering if you guys have any questions that you'd like him to answer.. If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know. Thank you.

[zns]

I've decided to possibly do an Online Interview with Jerry. :search::smirk::batty: And I was wondering if you guys have any questions that you'd like him to answer.. If you have any suggestions please feel free to let me know. Thank you.

Well let me be the first to post a question here.

Jerry, in all of the years that you have worked for the Muppets, what advice would you give to somebody who would try to go into performing puppets?

I ask this because because I am trying my work and making my own videos and experimenting with a puppet on camera and in front of a mirror. Thanx.

[JoeyMuppet]

Thanks for that question, that's something I've been wondering aswell. But I will ask him that sometime soon, I just wanted to wait till I have atleast 5 or 6 questions.. I hope you don't mind.

[vettech28]

Here's one question I'd like you to ask Jerry. "What's your favorite Muppet to perform during your time as a Muppeteer?"

[skogs34]

Here's one question I'd like you to ask Jerry. "What's your favorite Muppet to perform during your time as a Muppeteer?"
I guess my all time favorite was a puppet made by Caroly Wilcox for "Saturday Night Live" whose name was Scred, or Skred as they say in the Land Of Gorch. Scred was the most responsive, expressive puppet I ever had a hand in doing, so to speak. :crazy:

[pattywack]

I know this is a given, but do you ever plan to come back to the Muppet Show franchise?

[frogboy4]

What are some of your favorite keepsakes from your years of Muppeteering? :sing:

[skogs34]

I know this is a given, but do you ever plan to come back to the Muppet Show franchise?

I don't see it in the cards I've got in my hand right now, no. But you know that old saying, "Never say never". Howzzat for nebulous?

[Beauregard]

I don't see it in the cards I've got in my hand right now, no. But you know that old saying, "Never say never". Howzzat for nebulous?

Hey Jerry,

I had a nebulous once...but I got it removed.

It's so good to see you are here at MC again, and I really do hope you are well. As always, it's such a pleasure to see you and to be reminded of all the wonderful Muppety moments you've given us in the past. Hope you're life is full of peace and laughter, right now.

-- Beau

[Convincing John]

I have a question for Jerry too. I just want to mention something first.

Remember when Gobo met Doc for the first time? Before Gobo went back into the Fraggle hole, he happily looks up at Doc with obvious gratitude and says "Thanks! Thanks for everything!"

When I think about Jerry's work over the years, that's exactly how I feel.

Coincidentally, my question is a Gobo-related one. Jerry, if offered the chance, would you consider lending your talents (or at least your voice) to the upcoming Fraggle film?

If you're reading this Jerry, have a great day and oh yeah, and "thanks...thanks for everything!"

Josh

[Traveling Matt]

Hello Jerry, nice to see you here.

What is your favorite Fraggle episode? What is your favorite Fraggle song?

[Krazedmuppet]

Hey Jerry,

Have to say Im a little star struck- :) You and your work, and the team you belong to have touched and changed my life in so many ways, and I cant tell you what an honor it is to even have a chance that you could be reading this, just does not seem possible. I look up to you guys, thank you for all your years of work to make us smile :)
Hope all is well, and you are feeling better,

Love,
Katie

[JoeyMuppet]

You've heard of the podcast "Muppet Cast", right? Well I was wondering if I could do alittle "Facebook question/answer session" with you.. via e-mail. The following questions are from Muppet Central.

1. Jerry, in all of the years that you have worked for the Muppets, what advice would you give to somebody who would try to go into performing puppets?

I ask this because because I am trying my work and making my own videos and experimenting with a puppet on camera and in front of a mirror. Thanx. -zns

zns,
I never set out to be a puppeteer so I'm not really qualified to answer this question. My advice to anyone wanting to do anything is to just keep doing it until you do it really well. "Practice makes perfect" is an adage for good reason. It's true! With puppets, Lip sync, focus and make it as real as you can. Tension makes it interesting so conflict has to be part of what is happening. Study everything. Acting, singing, music, dance, people, animals, yourself, nature, the universe and life with all it's vicissitudes. By the time you have all that down, you'll probably be working as either a puppeteer or a librarian and that'll be okay too because you can do puppet shows for birthday parties on your day off.


2. What are some of your favorite keepsakes from your years of Muppeteering? -frogboy4

Frogboy4,

Lori Champagne, Chris Smigliano and fans from Muppet Central sent me a Champagne Recognition Award after Muppet Fest, which I proudly display in my office. That's One, One favorite thing. Ah Ah Ah!

Marianne Murphy Made a beautiful Happy Birthday scrapbook with computer pictures of my characters with quotes from the Muppet show and Fraggle Rock. That is Two, two favorite things! Ah Ah Ah!

Muppet belt buckles, a silver Kermit, all those things are wonderful things but things are after all only things and are only important because they stir the memory of something better.

I keep in my heart the most precious of all, the love I have felt from all the friends and fans I have played with and met over the years.

3. Remember when Gobo met Doc for the first time? Before Gobo went back into the Fraggle hole, he happily looks up at Doc with obvious gratitude and says "Thanks! Thanks for everything!"

When I think about Jerry's work over the years, that's exactly how I feel.

Coincidentally, my question is a Gobo-related one. Jerry, if offered the chance, would you consider lending your talents (or at least your voice) to the upcoming Fraggle film? -Convincing John

Convincing John,

The children of Jim Henson can always count on me for anything. ( but I won't fly, they'll have to send a bus)


4. "On The Muppets you often seem to be teamed up with Louise Gold, and make a pretty dynamic duo (The Muppet Show, Sesame Street, Secret Life Of Toys, Muppet Treasure Island), what’s it like working with her?" -Skekayuk

Skekayuk,

Louise is so phenomenal. What a talent and such a dream to work with. She gives 120% 100% of the time. I loved working with Louise Gold and I miss her sunny personality and smile, her laughter, and her beautiful voice and everything about her. I wish I was young again and could do even more plays, songs and shows with Louise.

Does that give some idea as to how I felt and feel about working
with the "girl of my dreams" to play opposite.

[zns]

1. Jerry, in all of the years that you have worked for the Muppets, what advice would you give to somebody who would try to go into performing puppets?

I ask this because because I am trying my work and making my own videos and experimenting with a puppet on camera and in front of a mirror. Thanx. -zns

zns,
I never set out to be a puppeteer so I'm not really qualified to answer this question. My advice to anyone wanting to do anything is to just keep doing it until you do it really well. "Practice makes perfect" is an adage for good reason. It's true! With puppets, Lip sync, focus and make it as real as you can. Tension makes it interesting so conflict has to be part of what is happening. Study everything. Acting, singing, music, dance, people, animals, yourself, nature, the universe and life with all it's vicissitudes. By the time you have all that down, you'll probably be working as either a puppeteer or a librarian and that'll be okay too because you can do puppet shows for birthday parties on your day off.

Thanks Jerry. I appreciate your advice. As long as I still have my one character, Morris Monster, I will keep working with him and see where he takes me.

[theprawncracker]

Jerry... you are such an incredible man. I'm sorry I didn't get a question in for you this time around, but I'm just so thrilled that you grace our little site with your incredible talent and voice. Thank you so much for being her for us fans! You're awesome, Mister Nelson, and I can never thank you enough for gracing my childhood and my entire life with your talent, sir.

[beaker]

I guess my all time favorite was a puppet made by Caroly Wilcox for "Saturday Night Live" whose name was Scred, or Skred as they say in the Land Of Gorch. Scred was the most responsive, expressive puppet I ever had a hand in doing, so to speak. :crazy:

Ooh, I like that answer! Skred not only stood out as one of the strangest of all the Muppets, but also one who seemed gentle and touching at times. I always wished he would make a random cameo someday, as much as Im sure the original puppet deteriorated ages ago.

Also I'll never forget how they wheeled you out like a madman at Muppetfest 2001, so classic. Thanks so much for being a part of the fan community(I remember the old 1998 Muppet Central chats where you'd pop on!) and we can't wait to see you back in some sort of capacity.

OH! One more thing, Happy Birthday!(Just realized Im a couple days late)

[skogs34]

Thanks Jerry. I appreciate your advice. As long as I still have my one character, Morris Monster, I will keep working with him and see where he takes me.

ZNS & MM,

Something else, I forgot to mention, The I Ching - Chinese Book of Changes also gave me some insight and mental focus. You might check that out while you are doing all the other things I advised one to do in the study of puppetry.
JN

[skogs34]

Ooh, I like that answer! Skred not only stood out as one of the strangest of all the Muppets, but also one who seemed gentle and touching at times. I always wished he would make a random cameo someday, as much as Im sure the original puppet deteriorated ages ago.

Also I'll never forget how they wheeled you out like a madman at Muppetfest 2001, so classic. Thanks so much for being a part of the fan community(I remember the old 1998 Muppet Central chats where you'd pop on!) and we can't wait to see you back in some sort of capacity.

OH! One more thing, Happy Birthday!(Just realized Im a couple days late)

By this; "seemed gentle and touching at times", I guess you are referring to the piece Scred did with Lily Tomlyn on SNL.
Anyone that hasn't seen that piece can view it on you tube. It was one of my favorites of everything I did on that show.
JN

[skogs34]

Jerry... you are such an incredible man. I'm sorry I didn't get a question in for you this time around, but I'm just so thrilled that you grace our little site with your incredible talent and voice. Thank you so much for being her for us fans! You're awesome, Mister Nelson, and I can never thank you enough for gracing my childhood and my entire life with your talent, sir.


Thank you Prawncracker for sharing your feelings with me. It is paramount in a world with such negative things going on to try to counteract that with positive energy. Like pebbles dropped into a pond, the actions you create in the world spread out in ever widening circles and the more people you touch with good energy , the more people they affect with the energy you started, until hopefully it is greater, or at least equal to, the negative.
I assume you meant here rather than her, unless you were referring to the loud Rapunzel I did on Sesame Street or Madam Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock;>D :batty:

[zns]

ZNS & MM,

Something else, I forgot to mention, The I Ching - Chinese Book of Changes also gave me some insight and mental focus. You might check that out while you are doing all the other things I advised one to do in the study of puppetry.
JN

I'll remember that! Thanks again Jerry. As long as I have this sort of guidance, I will continue to work on my puppetry as much as I can.

[skogs34]

I'll remember that! Thanks again Jerry. As long as I have this sort of guidance, I will continue to work on my puppetry as much as I can.

If you want to be a puppeteer no matter what, you may be able to be a successful puppeteer. A puppeteer is someone who animates inanimate objects. How convincing you are in this would probably determine your success in this endeavor. If you depend on anything other than your drive and desire to achieve your goal, I wouldn't count on success.

A young person searching in life for a teacher, went to a master and knocked on the gate. When given an audience with the master he asked, "How long will it take me to become proficient in my craft?" The master replied, "five years."
The apprentice responded, "No, I mean if I really worked hard and studied night and day, how long would it take?"
"Oh", the master replied, "in that case, it would only take ten years."

Whatever you do in life, it should be something you are willing to dedicate your life to. If it takes ten or even twenty years, that shouldn't matter. What matters is, it is THE ONLY THING you want to do. It is the driving force of your life. You must love it, because if you don't, you are not doing the right thing. Don't dedicate your life to something you don't love as much as life itself.

Obviously, one has to make ends meet, so you do other things that enable you to continue on your path. Jobs that keep body and soul together and pay the bills. Even so, stay focussed on where it is you want to go and what it is you want to do. As someone very wise once said, "Keep your eyes upon the road and your hands upon the wheel."

ZNS, I wish you well,

JLN

[theprawncracker]

Thank you Prawncracker for sharing your feelings with me. It is paramount in a world with such negative things going on to try to counteract that with positive energy. Like pebbles dropped into a pond, the actions you create in the world spread out in ever widening circles and the more people you touch with good energy , the more people they affect with the energy you started, until hopefully it is greater, or at least equal to, the negative.
I assume you meant here rather than her, unless you were referring to the loud Rapunzel I did on Sesame Street or Madam Trash Heap from Fraggle Rock;>D :batty:
*trying not to fan-boy freak out* :sing: Thank you, Jerry! It's always SO amazing to hear from you--and your wisdom truly knows no bounds! You even caught my embarrassing typo. Look at me? Posting to one of my icons and I forget an E. I'll blame Lefty the Salesman. *shifty eyes*

Thanks again, Jerry! Oh! Also just HAVE to thank you for signing a picture I sent of you and your characters. It meant the world to me and is now hanging proudly on my wall next to the signed picture of The Count, and a picture Frank Oz was kind enough to sign.

Take care, Mr. Nelson! All the best!
Ryan Dosier
theprawncracker

[Nick22]

So the actual Jerry Nelson has been posting in this thread? *gasp*

Mr. Nelson, I think you're AMAZING. You're definitely one of my favorite puppeteers and one of my all time favorite performers. I hope, when I'm older, that i can be a puppeteer. i rully hope to work with the Muppets, if they're still around. Floyd Pepper is one of my absolute favorite characters from the Muppet Show. I think that you're truely an inspriation, at least to me you are, and one day, i would rully hope to meet you. I sent you a letter to the Sesame Workshop, but I'm not sure if you've received it yet. Also, happy birthday, even though I'm late. I just wanna thank you for lending your amazing voice and your skill to the Muppets, and sharing it with everyone. I wish you all the best!


--Nick T.

[beaker]

By this; "seemed gentle and touching at times", I guess you are referring to the piece Scred did with Lily Tomlyn on SNL.
Anyone that hasn't seen that piece can view it on you tube. It was one of my favorites of everything I did on that show.
JN

That be the skit! (Tho I also love bee costume Scred) The Scred/Tomlin duet is one of my favorite song pieces from the 70's Muppets era.

I also wanted to say how great its been to see you whenever possible over the last few years continue to perform The Count.
To this day I still see Count plushes at the mall, as well as (for better or worse) Count references in television pop culture and other media.

Its also striking reading your words of wisdom and beautiful thoughts on this thread. I think we'd all agree that as great as the Muppet performer books have been, you would be able to put out the most enthralling and thought provoking Muppeteer book of widom/memoirs/etc of them all. (even a short novella sized tome or something)

[matleo]

If you want to be a puppeteer no matter what, you may be able to be a successful puppeteer. A puppeteer is someone who animates inanimate objects. How convincing you are in this would probably determine your success in this endeavor. If you depend on anything other than your drive and desire to achieve your goal, I wouldn't count on success.

A young person searching in life for a teacher, went to a master and knocked on the gate. When given an audience with the master he asked, "How long will it take me to become proficient in my craft?" The master replied, "five years."
The apprentice responded, "No, I mean if I really worked hard and studied night and day, how long would it take?"
"Oh", the master replied, "in that case, it would only take ten years."

Whatever you do in life, it should be something you are willing to dedicate your life to. If it takes ten or even twenty years, that shouldn't matter. What matters is, it is THE ONLY THING you want to do. It is the driving force of your life. You must love it, because if you don't, you are not doing the right thing. Don't dedicate your life to something you don't love as much as life itself.

Obviously, one has to make ends meet, so you do other things that enable you to continue on your path. Jobs that keep body and soul together and pay the bills. Even so, stay focussed on where it is you want to go and what it is you want to do. As someone very wise once said, "Keep your eyes upon the road and your hands upon the wheel."

ZNS, I wish you well,

JLN

awesome. I was just on my way out to my non-puppetry job and not really looking forward to it. This was the perfect item to read before I went out. Thank you Jerry. That's an excellent piece of advice.

--Matt

[zns]

If you want to be a puppeteer no matter what, you may be able to be a successful puppeteer. A puppeteer is someone who animates inanimate objects. How convincing you are in this would probably determine your success in this endeavor. If you depend on anything other than your drive and desire to achieve your goal, I wouldn't count on success.

A young person searching in life for a teacher, went to a master and knocked on the gate. When given an audience with the master he asked, "How long will it take me to become proficient in my craft?" The master replied, "five years."
The apprentice responded, "No, I mean if I really worked hard and studied night and day, how long would it take?"
"Oh", the master replied, "in that case, it would only take ten years."

Whatever you do in life, it should be something you are willing to dedicate your life to. If it takes ten or even twenty years, that shouldn't matter. What matters is, it is THE ONLY THING you want to do. It is the driving force of your life. You must love it, because if you don't, you are not doing the right thing. Don't dedicate your life to something you don't love as much as life itself.

Obviously, one has to make ends meet, so you do other things that enable you to continue on your path. Jobs that keep body and soul together and pay the bills. Even so, stay focussed on where it is you want to go and what it is you want to do. As someone very wise once said, "Keep your eyes upon the road and your hands upon the wheel."

ZNS, I wish you well,

JLN

Thank you Jerry. If there is one thing I have gotten from you, Jim, and everyone else involved with the Muppets is to enjoy life and follow one's own dreams. I will keep your advice in mind. God Bless.

Zach Snyder (ZNS)
Lancaster PA.

[AndyWan Kenobi]

I just want to say a quick hello and a big thank you to Mr. Nelson. Your work has been entertaining, teaching, and uplifting me for my entire life!

I especially want to thank you for giving me a great voice and laugh to imitate while counting out handouts for my high school students. :batty:

All the best,
Andy Clinton

[Beauregard]

I agree with Beaker here, your little jems of wisdom here on MC are lovely to read and grow deeper upon reflection (You're not related to a Widomous Trash Heap by any chance are you? ;):halo:) And I too would love to read a biography or a 'Things I Have Learned' book from you one day if you were to ever write one.

God bless,
Beauregard

[Convincing John]

So the actual Jerry Nelson has been posting in this thread? *gasp*

Yep, he sure has, and he's been nice enough to spend some time chatting with us fans and even answering a few questions. He's one of my all-time favorite artists! I was listening to this song the other day and as many times as I've heard it, I always laugh. (though I don't understand why they put red hair on the Frank Oz Muppet).

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=imPaiELL_C8

Oh, and Happy (belated) Birthday, Jerry. Hope you had a blast! :crazy:("Did somebody say blast?" BOOM!)

Also, if Jerry decides to write his memoirs, count me in (ah ah ah!):batty: to buy a copy! I adored Mr. Spinney's book and I can only dream of what Jon Stone's memoirs consist of. I'd love to read about all of Jerry's adventures, wisdom and Muppeteering experiences, too.

It is paramount in a world with such negative things going on to try to counteract that with positive energy. Like pebbles dropped into a pond, the actions you create in the world spread out in ever widening circles and the more people you touch with good energy , the more people they affect with the energy you started, until hopefully it is greater, or at least equal to, the negative.

I couldn't agree more. It's kind of like the Fraggle song "Pass It On".

I've always admired Jim Henson's optimism. Since Mr. Henson isn't with us anymore, I now think of what Jocelyn Stevenson said: "We're Jim's seeds. And it's not only those of us who knew him. Everyone who was touched by his work is a Jim-seed...people die, but inspiration lives and grows."

One time a co-worker of mine called in to say she would be a little late. It was a cold, snowy day and the roads were passable, but still slippery.

In the meantime, I got her a coffee and a snack from the cafe next door. They were waiting there on her desk when she arrived. She was thankful, but asked "Why did you do that?"

I shrugged and said "Well, you needed it. Also, I think Jim Henson would've done the same thing for you if he was here, but since he isn't, I thought I'd fill in."

"Pass it on! Pass it on!
Wish upon all the good things that you do.
Pass it on! Pass it on!
Pass it on! Pass it on!
When it's gone, it will bring good luck to you!

When you're giving love away,
Love will come again to stay.
What you give is what you gain when you--":coy:("uh-uh")--"pass it on!"

Thank you for so many positive influences, Jerry!

Your fan,
Joshua Hankemeier
(Convincing John)