Down for the Count

(Props to Monty)

Or

Zero, Zero Wonderful Beats Per Minute

Or

It’s Time For Saying Goodbye

Jerry Nelson, whose hand filled the ass of some of the most beloved characters of your childhood, has died at 78 of emphysema, likely the result of 30 years of felt inhalation. The longtime puppeteer was one of the Jim Henson originals, and worked on Sesame Street, Fraggle Rock and The Muppet Show. Among the characters for whom he provided movement and voice are Count von Count, Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock, the Amazing Mumford, Sgt. Floyd Pepper, Lew Zealand, Dr. Julius Strangepork, J.P. Grosse, Robin, Emmet Otter (of Jug-Band Christmas fame), Camilla the Chicken, Uncle Deadly, Crazy Harry, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Herbert Birdsfoot, Fleet Scribbler, Simon Soundman, Lewis Kazagger and Pops the doorman. He made a rare visible appearance as the telethon announcer in last year’s big screen version of The Muppets, providing a link to their storied history. Nelson retired from physical puppetry in 2004, but continued to voice several Muppets up to his death, and he will be heard as Count von Count in several episodes of the upcoming 43rd season of Sesame Street.