He has a pet goldfish named Dorothy and a dog named Togo, which was introduced in 2021. [17][18][19], Captain Kangaroo was canceled in 1984 after 29 seasons, and Great Space Coaster ended, freeing up Clash to work on projects with Henson such as the film Labyrinth and Sesame Street. Clash served as an additional Muppet performer on Follow That Bird, where he performed the voice of one of the feathered friends,[5] and reprised Elmo, along with other characters, in the feature film The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland and innumerable specials, appearances, and videos. [44] His life was featured in the 2011 documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey. He was most often puppeteered by Kevin Clash, but since his resignation in late 2012, he has been puppeteered by Ryan Dillon. Photo courtesy of Submarine Deluxe/Being Elmo Clash also performed in the Muppet films Muppet Treasure Island and It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie. [51][52], Clash resigned from Sesame Workshop on November 20, 2012, and released a statement saying, "Personal matters have diverted attention away from the important work 'Sesame Street' is doing and I cannot allow it to go on any longer. The joke is poking fun at the debate around the use of the N-word in songs and the tweet has amassed more than 151,000 likes at the time of publishing. Sesame Street's YouTube Channel Hacked and Swapped With Porn: Cue those big bird jokes! While locals referred to it as Turner's Station, its official name is Turner Station. Who Actually Voices Elmo From Sesame Street? - Looper Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey (2011) - IMDb Kevin Jeffrey Clash[1] (b. September 17, 1960) is an accomplished puppeteer whose characters include Elmo, Clifford, and Hoots the Owl. [42] Clash performed in the films Muppets from Space (1999) and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz (2005), and the TV series Muppets Tonight (19961998), in which he reprised Clifford, who served as the show's host. Among his television viewing were such series as Shari Lewis and Lamb Chop, Kukla, Fran, and Ollie, and H.R. In 1979, the main Muppet performers were performing in a Muppet Movie float in the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, and extra puppeteers were needed for the Sesame Street float. We are not about intervention, we are about prevention." He explored puppeteering throughout his childhood and teenage years and used his performances to raise money for college tuition. Like 3-year-olds, he doesn't always have the skills or knowledge to speak proper English."[7]. Clash has admitted he watched television inches away from the screen, with no permanent eye damage. Sans continues that "one day in 1985, Kevin Clash, a talented puppeteer, raised him up and brought energy and life into Elmo and from that day forward we would all write for Elmo. A resurfaced clip from a 2004 episode of Sesame Street recently went viral on social media, showing the beloved red puppet going. According to Behind the Voice Actors, Elmo was voiced by Kevin Clash since Elmo made his first appearance as a main character in 1984. It's about teaching moderation. April 24, 2014 / 4:34 PM "When you're a performer, once you go into the character, you don't think about yourself. Of course, Romney lost, and we can't help but think that somewhere, Elmo is tickled with laughter. It's very hard for me, because I don't know what to say to them. Spinney later joined the cast for the show's inaugural series in 1969. You show the picture of that red monster to kids . Both Clash "and" Elmo join Fresh Air's Terry Gross for a conversation about Sesame Street, performing with Henson, and creating educational material for preschool-aged children. Can Elmo say it then? Reflecting on his decades as a puppeteer, Clash released an autobiography titled My Life as a Furry Red Monster in the fall of 2006. Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash exits Sesame Street, denies inappropriate relationship with 16-year-old boy. "We are always trying to grow and make choices that will allow the character to grow, but not feel out of character. Elmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. During the late 1980s, Clash was involved with a variety of Henson productions. Photo courtesy of Scott McDermott/Being Elmo On a special episode of Oprah called "The Faces Behind the Famous Names", Kevin Clash and Elmo appeared at the same time.[12]. The strikes left 34 people injured, including three children, and caused widespread damage. As a named character, Elmo was performed by Brian Muehl from 1980 to 1984, and later Richard Hunt from 1984 to 1985 upon Muehl's departure. Spinney's work on the children's programme has earned him two Grammy honours and six Emmy awards, plus a Lifetime Achievement Emmy award which he received in 2006. Read about our approach to external linking. The First Lady, Elmo, and Rosita Partner to Encourage Healthy Food Choices for Kids The Obama White House Original Muppeteers open up about bringing their legendary characters to life Good. "He didn't like the . He had previously spoken of the show's importance to his life. Parents, on the other hand, wanted anything but. After 1985, Elmo, a furry red monster, became his main character. Elmo - Wikipedia He was also given the opportunity to perform in The Dark Crystal, but Kermit Love dissuaded him, urging Clash to concentrate on his other series work. Clash, 53, was accused by multiple men. Kevin Clash: Elmo Puppeteer agrees to pay his accuser $125,000 to Mommy and Daddy were there to explain a little bit more, and we're there to entertain and try and take them away from it. They see the characters in front of them. But New York law states that a lawsuit must be filed within six years of the alleged event, or three years after a plaintiff turns 21, THR reports. [38], Clash worked on the first film version of Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, in 1990 and the sequel, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze, which was dedicated to Henson, in 1991, voicing Master Splinter. Clash in The News American news clipping, the first article to feature him. Clash performed Aughra in The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance. He has performed in projects such as The Happytime Murders, The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance (puppeteering Aughra), and Earth to Ned. He is a furry red monster who hosts the last full fifteen minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. . Baltimore Sun The furry Muppet is the star of his own 15-min. crime 9:12am Dec 11, 2012 Man dies after killing 3 on US reservation Sesame Street tells Obama campaign to take down Mitt Romney Big Bird ads. 02:00 Now playing - Source . [1] Clash developed an interest in puppetry at an early age, inspired by children's shows like Kukla, Fran and Ollie and Sesame Street. And occasionally, they'll open up about other parts of their lives. . Sesame Workshop had initially been presented with the allegation in June, and its investigation found the allegation to be unsubstantiated. Dillon's Elmo tenure formally began in 2013, and as of 2022, he's . Her arrival fired up conservative critics, who accused the show of promoting homosexuality and prematurely educating youngsters on AIDS. Kevin Clash | Muppet Wiki | Fandom Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day. Clash was born and raised in Turner's Station, a predominantly black suburb of Baltimore, Maryland. Dorothy is inquisitive and possesses an active imagination. Elmo puppeteer Kevin Clash resigns from 'Sesame Street' Elmo -- Replaced By New Voice Actor (or Actress?) - TMZ Clash in an on-camera role as weatherman Caspar Pfluegy in Episode 2870 of Sesame Street. The character's popularity led to his own segments on Sesame Street beginning with " Elmo's World ." Character background Elmo with his mom and dad. In 1993, the show's producers went as far as to issue a statement insisting that the duo "do not portray a gay couple, and there are no plans for them to do so in the future." Clash became synonymous with the fictional character, giving Elmo the distinct voice and personality we have all grown to know and love. In its FAQ, the Sesame Workshop addresses the allegation that Elmo referring to himself in the third person will teach children improper English, by stating that this behavior "mimics the behavior of many preschoolers. He has appeared on Martha Stewart Living and Martha, The Tony Danza Show, Rove Live, Wait WaitDon't Tell Me!,[11] and The View. Kevin Clash was born on 17 September 1960 in Baltimore, Maryland, USA. [7] Clash was subsequently charged in court and has since been cleared, citing a technicality related to the statute of limitations and an out-of-court settlement which one accuser alleges was made under pressure.[8][9]. Bert's Osama Bin Laden Connection: Poor, Bert: When he's not skirting gay rumors, he's being labeled a terrorist. But they understand it, too. In 1996, a Tickle Me Elmo doll became a fad toy.[14]. No one in his inner circle . [10], After becoming a regular guest on The Rosie O'Donnell Show, Elmo began touring the talk-show circuit. "I tried to pull them away from it as much as possible. He performed on Baltimore's Harbor Front as a teenager. "Sesame Street Puppeteers Explain How They Control Their Puppets", https://en.wikipedia.org/w/index.php?title=List_of_Sesame_Street_puppeteers&oldid=1104559302, This page was last edited on 15 August 2022, at 17:08. Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey: Directed by Constance Marks, Philip Shane. Can Elmo say it then?" A furry red monster who has a falsetto voice and illeism, he hosts the last full five-minute segment (fifteen minutes prior to 2017) on Sesame Street, "Elmo's World", which is aimed at toddlers. [11][12] In 1979, on Love's recommendation, Clash appeared as Cookie Monster in the Sesame Street float during the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade and met Jim Henson, who later became his boss, mentor, and good friend. He had retired last year at the age of 84. He'd stick with the part from 1985 to 2012 before passing the torch to the current Elmo voice actor and puppeteer, Ryan Dillon. The 2nd Circuit U.S. Court of Appeals made its . With Whoopi Goldberg, Bill Barretta, Tau Bennett, Fran Brill. Explore in 3D: The dazzling crown that makes a king. Ryan Dillon took over performing Elmo in 2013. "The research department goes out and watches the show with kids, to see how they react to certain characters," he says. "Elmo specifically is all about love, he couldn't lie to somebody if he wanted to," he said of the character. The series, produced by Sesame Workshop (formerly known as the Children's Television Workshop), has created some of the most beloved figures in children's programming, including Big Bird, Elmo,. "[51] They stated that other puppeteers had been trained to serve as Clash's understudy and would take over his roles on the show. However, it was Elmo who became his main character; once Clash assumed the part from previous puppeteers Brian Muehl and Richard Hunt, and placed his own imprint on the red monster. I am deeply sorry to be leaving and am looking forward to resolving these personal matters privately". Oral History: When Tickle Me Elmo Ruled the World. In April 2014, the decision to dismiss the three lawsuits was upheld by the U.S. Court of Appeals. The characters are a Black dad Elijah and his son Wes have been introduced as part of the show's Coming Together, initiative, Sesame Workshop's ongoing commitment to racial justice. Clash is accused of stringing along Citibank for $100,000 on his corporate credit card, according to a lawsuit. Grundgetta, Crystal of the Squirrelles (puppeteering only), Mae (2005), Black and White Moo Wave Cow, Nani Bird, Various, Ernie (voice for Sesame Street Live shows (20092014); regular performer (20142018)), Zoe (2016present), Gladys the Cow (2003present), Mama Bear (2003present), Francine Lloyd Wright, Granny Snuffle, Goldilocks (2005), Super Chicken (2005), Granny Bird (2018present), Mommy Snuffleupagus (2000s), Various, Mona Monster, Cookie Monster's Grandma (1982), Forgetful Jones' Mother and Forgetful Jones' cousin, Various, Meryl Sheep, Ruby, Clementine (19871992), Goldilocks (19911996), Mama Bear (19931996), Gladys the Cow (1992-1996), Juliet, Loretta, Stella, Countess von Backwards (1990), Ingrid (Anything Muppet), Velma the Grouch, Grandma Count, Herry Monster's Mother (1993), Polly Darton (1990), Various, The Twiddlebugs (voices for CGI segments), Cookie Monster's Grandmother, Prairie Dawn (19702015), Zoe (19932015), Betty Lou (19701984), Little Bird, Roxie Marie, Polly Darton, Mrs. Crustworthy, Wanda Cousteau, Countess von Backwards (19942005), Nora Nicks, Helena, Goldilocks (2007), Mae (20062015), Gladys the Cow (1996-2003), Various, Betty Lou (19931998), Darlene of the Squirrelles, Various, Sherry Netherland (19931995), Betty Lou's Mommy, Mama Countess, Sophie (1995), Various, Louie (2007present), Mr. Can You Guess, Big Bad Wolf (20072013), Super Chicken (2008), Various, Abby Cadabby, Goldilocks (2012present), Rosa, Rose, Gretel (2006), Velvet, Mae (2006), Baby Natasha (2014-present), Various, Elmo (19852012), Hoots the Owl (19852012), Baby Natasha (1989-2012), Benny Rabbit (1990-2007), Wolfgang the Seal, Kingston Livingston III, The Grand High Triangle Lover, Clementine (19851987), Dr. Nobel Price (19841988), Chip Cat, Ferlinghetti Donizetti (19841986), Mel, Big Bad Wolf (1980s2008), Preposterous, Watson, Segi (puppetry), Mario, Professor D. Rabbit, Dexter (head), J. P., Baby Fats Domino, Oliver, Gus, Warren Wolf, Buster the Horse (1980), Sophie (1985), Big Jeffy (1988), Cookie Monster's Mommy (2004), One of the Fuzzy Funk, One of the Git Along Little Doggies, One of the Rockheads, Various, Prairie Dawn (2016present), Curly Bear, Mae (2004; 2019present), Lulu, Elizabeth, Mrs. Crustworthy (2016present), Googel, Cookie Monster's Mommy (2016), Grover's Mommy (2001; 2016), Herry Monster's Mother (1998), Diva D'Abruzzo, Various, Snuffy, Poco Loco, Leslie Mostly, Slimey the Worm, Forgetful Jones, Cowboy X, Sullivan, Tarnish Brother, Various, Elmo (2013present), Roosevelt Franklin (puppetry - 2019present), Lefty the Salesman (2019present), Don Music (2019present), Dr. Nobel Price (2019), Various, Mama Bear (19962002), Goldilocks (19962004), Sherry Netherland (19951998), Little Murray Sparkles, Loretta (19961998), Phoebe (20012002), Various, Mr. Snuffleupagus (back end), Two-Headed Monster (right head (1978) debut sketch), Various, Barkley, Dexter (hands), Garbo Gorilla, Various, Sally Messy Yuckyael, Loretta (1993), Various, Tessie Twiddlebug (2008-present), Various, Maisie Weatherberry and Samson Bookworm (series 2 on Sesame Tree), Ernie, Kermit the Frog, Guy Smiley, Little Chrissy (puppetry), Bip Bippadotta, Thomas Twiddlebug, Sinister Sam, Bad Bart, Little Bird (1969), Granny Fanny Nesselrode (1970; 1972), Spaceship Surprise Captain, The Genie (1973), Barry Rhymie (1978), Captain Vegetable (debut sketch), Charlie (occasionally), Yip Yip Martian, Two-Headed Monster's Mother, Harvey Monster (occasionally), Beautiful Day Monster, Various, Two-Headed Monster (right half), Forgetful Jones (19811991), Gladys the Cow, Sully, Don Music, Placido Flamingo, Elmo (19841985), Sonny Friendly, Ferlinghetti Donizietti (19801984), Aristotle, Leo the Party Monster, Dip Cat, Brad, Timmy Twiddlebug, Captain Vegetable, Gilbert, Dr. Kvetch, Richard, Zero, Spaceship Surprise Mate, Worby the Grouch, Earl, Green Alphabeat, The Beetles' Lead Singer, Tarnish Brother, Grandpa Count, Grandpa Grouch, Larry Rhymie (1978), Mrs. Bolinski (1982), Tough Eddie (1984), Frazzle (1989), Harvey Monster (occasionally), Maurice Monster (occasionally), Yip Yip Martian, Mr. Snuffleupagus (back half, 1970s), Slimey the Worm (1978), Duke, One of the Rockheads, Various, Grover (1998present), Bert (1998present), Oscar the Grouch (2015present), Guy Smiley (2005present), Two-Headed Monster (left half) (2016present), Harvey Kneeslapper (2019), Various, The Amazing Mumford (2004; 2018present), Various, Ernie (2017present), Herry Monster (2017present), Osvaldo, el Grun, Timmy Twiddlebug, Samuel, Hansel (2005), Elmo (voice only, Spaghetti Space Chase grand opening ceremony) (2013), Captain Vegetable (2019), Various, Daddy Snuffle, Mommy Snuffleupagus (1980s1990s), Granny Snufflie (occasionally), Gretel (20052006), Smiley (2014-present), Ernie (1989-1992), Various, Preston Rabbit, Lassie, Irvine (1991), Betty Lou's Dad, Various, Daddy Dodo (puppeteer), Various on Sesame Park, Murray Monster, Papa Bear, Two-Headed Monster (left head) (20012016), Horatio the Elephant, Stinky the Stinkweed, Ingrid, Narf, Joey Monkey, Merry Monster, Colambo, Baby Tooth, Bernie Broccoli, The Fairy Godperson, Cousin Bear, Figby, The Tooth Fairy, Cyranose de Bergerac (2007), Frazzle (2014), The Big Bad Wolf (occasionally), Various, Barkley (19781984; 1987), Telly Monster (19801984), Elmo (19801984), Dr. Nobel Price, Grundgetta (19801984), Clementine, Pearl, Rusty, Alphabet Bates, Tarnish Brother, Gilbert (1980), One of the Rockheads, Various, Grover's Mommy (1981), proto-Elmo (1981), Telly's Mom, Various, Count von Count (19722012), Mr. Snuffleupagus (19711978), Herry Monster (19702003), Mr. Johnson (19712012), Two-Headed Monster (left half) (19782000), The Amazing Mumford (19702011), Biff, Sherlock Hemlock, Little Jerry, Frazzle, Fred the Wonder Horse, Farley, Simon Soundman, Sam the Robot (occasionally), Herbert Birdsfoot, Big Bad Wolf (19712012), Poco Loco (19741976), Tina Twiddlebug, Rodeo Rosie, Mr. Chatterly, Noel Cowherd, Phil Harmonic, Sir John Feelgood, Tough Eddie, Cyranose de Bergerac, H. Ross Parrot, Japanese Storyteller, The Genie, Ernest the Grouch, Granny Grouch, Lefty's Boss, Marty, Joe Busby, Jack Be Nimble, Lord Hog, Vern, Cousin Monster, Jackman Wolf, Mary Rhymie (1978), Barry Rhymie (1980), Dr. Kvetch (1997), Cookie Monster's Pop, Cookie Monster's Sister, Charlie (occasionally), Harvey Monster (occasionally), Tarnish Brother, Mommy Snuffleupagus (1970s), proto-Elmo (1980), Yip Yip Martian, Officer Krupky (Episode 0441), Various, Bert (19692000; occasionally - 20032006), Cookie Monster (19692000; occasionally - 20012004), Grover (19692000; occasionally - 20022012), Roosevelt Franklin (puppetry), Harvey Kneeslapper, Lefty the Salesman, Professor Hastings, Tessie Twiddlebug (19741982), Prince Charming, Rufus, Officer Krupky (Episode 0581), Moe Busby, Beautiful Day Monster, Bart, Betty Lou (19691970), Charlie (occasionally), Harvey Monster (occasionally), Tarnish Brother, Larry Rhymie (1980), Various, Telly Monster (1979 debut), Georgie, Slimey the Worm (1978), Mary Rhymie (1980), Various, Snuffy, Telly Monster (1984present), Slimey the Worm, Fluffy, Buster the Horse, Irvine, Monty, Vincent Twice, Mrs. Grouch, Sullivan, Shelley the Turtle, Old MacDonald, Dicky Tick, Ralphie, Tito, Otto the Grouch, Earl (1995), Bart (2017), Mommy Snuffleupagus (1980s), Freddy (2018), Big Bad Wolf (occasionally), One of the Rockheads, Various, Cookie Monster (2001present), Baby Bear, Two-Headed Monster (right half) (1998present), Humphrey, Chicago the Lion, Davey Monkey, Athena, Flo Bear, Sully (19931999, 2020present), Sonny Friendly (19922000), Tessie Twiddlebug (19871996), Norman, Dr. Edwynn, Ernestine, Rudder Rabbit, Velma Blank, Duane, Tyrone, Freddy (2017), One of the Fuzzy Funk, One of the Git Along Little Doggies, Granny Snuffle (1989), Dip Cat (1992), Cookie Monster's Grandma (1994), Mommy Snuffleupagus (1990s), Yip Yip Martian, Various, Big Bird (occasionally), Guy Smiley (debut sketch), Various, Big Bird, Oscar the Grouch, Bruno the Trashman, Granny Bird, Granny Fanny Nesselrode, Sam the Robot (occasionally), Shivers the Penguin, Lefty the Salesman (occasionally - 1970), proto-Cookie Monster (1970 sketch), proto-Grover (1970 sketch), Beautiful Day Monster, Various, Alfred Duck, Ernie (Play with Me Sesame, Sesame Street 4-D Magic - 2003), Phoebe (2002), Cookie Monster's Mommy (in Episode 4059), Yip Yip Martian, Various, Big Bird (1997-present), Count von Count (2013present), Mr. Johnson (2014present), Herb, Hansel (2006present), Harvey Kneeslapper (2010), Forgetful Jones (2012; 2019), The Big Bad Wolf (2013), Kermit the Frog (2019), Sherlock Hemlock (2019), Biff (2020present), Various, Ernie, Kermit the Frog, Dr. Feel, Various. Clash denied the claims, stating that any relationships that occurred were between consenting adults. "Caroll was an artistic genius whose kind and loving view of the world helped shape and define Sesame Street from its earliest days in 1969 through five decades, and his legacy here at Sesame Workshop and in the cultural firmament will be unending," the statement said. Kevin Clash - Wikipedia He performed P.J. Elmo, you know, the furry red fella from Sesame Street, went viral this week for clearly despising a rock. Can't please everybody, huh? He was most often puppeteered by Kevin Clash, but since his resignation in late 2012, he has been puppeteered by Ryan Dillon. "[50], In 2015, Clash moved to Los Angeles to work on other Jim Henson Company productions, including The Happytime Murders and The Dark Crystal: Age of Resistance, performing Lyle and Mr. Bumblypants in the former and Aughra in the latter. [citation needed], In November 2012, 23-year-old Sheldon Stephens alleged that he had been in a sexual relationship with Clash that began when Stephens was 16 - which would be a felony under New York law. "It's like, 'Do you know my child's first word was Elmo?' hide caption. Kevin Clash, the longtime puppeteer who brought beloved Sesame Street Muppet Elmo to life, has been accused of having had an improper relationship with a teenage boy.
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