Kevin Clash
Encyclopedia
Kevin Jeffrey Clash is an American
puppeteer
and voice actor whose characters include Elmo
, Baby Sinclair, Clifford
, Splinter
and Hoots the Owl
. He currently serves as Sesame Street
Muppet Captain and co-executive producer.
In the fall of 2006, Clash released an autobiography titled My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud.
affiliate in Baltimore, WMAR, on a show called Caboose. He also performed a pelican character for Zep, a local Washington, D.C.
show airing on WTOP-TV.
In the early '80s, he performed regularly, with Jim Martin
, on Bob Keeshan
's long-running Captain Kangaroo
series, as well as building puppets and occasionally appearing on-camera.
From 1981 to 1986, he appeared in The Great Space Coaster
, as Goriddle Gorilla and Huggle Scuffy. On that show, he attracted the attention of Muppet designer Kermit Love
, who invited him to work on various Henson projects.
He divorced his high school sweetheart Genia in 2003. They have one daughter named Shannon, who was born in 1993.
. In 1979, the main Muppet performers were performing in the bus scene in Muppet Movie
the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
, and extra puppeteers were needed for the Sesame Street float, so Clash got to perform Cookie Monster
in the parade.
Later, in 1983, he was officially hired to perform in ten episodes of Sesame Street. However, at the time Clash was performing full-time on two other shows, and the producers of both shows refused to work around his schedule, so he was forced to tear up his contract to appear on Sesame Street.
Clash was also given the opportunity to perform in The Dark Crystal
, but Love talked him out of being involved in the movie, saying that he should concentrate on his work in the series with which he was currently involved.
Clash officially became a puppeteer on Sesame Street in 1984. Some of his earliest characters included Hoots the Owl
, Baby Natasha, and Dr. Nobel Price, but it was Elmo
who became his main character. Clash has also sung in voice-over in a variety of film and animation songs on Sesame Street, including "In My Animal Book" and "Take Care of That Smile". During the late 1980s, Clash was involved with a variety of Henson productions. He performed P.J. in the Play-Along videos, and Father Bunny and Be-Bop in Tale of the Bunny Picnic. He would also perform Eliott Shag on Dog City, various characters in Muppet Time insertials, and he performed a number of characters—most notably Baby Sinclair, but also Howard Handupme—on Dinosaurs
. He also performed the title character in the Muppet Sing-Along video Billy Bunny's Animal Songs.
. His two main characters on that show were the lizard-like Leon
and the bass player Clifford
. Of these two, only Clifford has remained a major character, having also appeared in The Muppets at Walt Disney World
; The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson; an appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show
; the albums Muppet Beach Party and Kermit Unpigged
; and the feature films Muppets from Space
and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
. However, Clifford became a star when he hosted the short-lived Muppets Tonight
. On that show, Clash also performed Mulch
and Craniac.
's fantasy film Labyrinth
; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
; The Muppet movies Muppet Treasure Island
, Muppets from Space
, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
, and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
; and the Sesame Street
films Follow That Bird and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
.
, co-producer for The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
, and co-executive producer for CinderElmo
and Elmo's World
. He has also served as either puppet coordinator, assistant puppet coordinator, or puppet captain on many productions, including Labyrinth
, Muppet Treasure Island
, The Puzzle Place
, Big Bag
and Dog City
.
He occasionally played Miss Piggy
and Statler in Muppets Tonight
.
series Grill It! with Bobby Flay
, where he shared his "Killer Ribeye Steak" recipe.
, released in 2011 and screened at American film festivals. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg
, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz
, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney
and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street
and the Jim Henson Workshop.
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
puppeteer
Puppeteer
A puppeteer is a person who manipulates an inanimate object, such as a puppet, in real time to create the illusion of life. The puppeteer may be visible to or hidden from the audience. A puppeteer can operate a puppet indirectly by the use of strings, rods, wires, electronics or directly by his or...
and voice actor whose characters include Elmo
Elmo
Elmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...
, Baby Sinclair, Clifford
Clifford (Muppet)
Clifford is a Muppet character, performed by Kevin Clash. He is a violet-colored creature with multi-colored dreadlocks and big lips. Like many other Muppets, it is never specified what kind of creature he is, but it is speculated that he is in fact a catfish.He was created to be the bass guitar...
, Splinter
Splinter (TMNT)
Master Splinter, or simply Splinter is a fictional character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. -Origin Story:Splinter has two origin stories, and which one is used depends on the medium...
and Hoots the Owl
Hoots the Owl
Hoots the Owl was a character on the children's television program, Sesame Street, performed by Kevin Clash. He was an owl that plays a saxophone...
. He currently serves as Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
Muppet Captain and co-executive producer.
In the fall of 2006, Clash released an autobiography titled My Life as a Furry Red Monster: What Being Elmo Has Taught Me About Life, Love and Laughing Out Loud.
Television appearances
His first television work was for the then-CBSCBS
CBS Broadcasting Inc. is a major US commercial broadcasting television network, which started as a radio network. The name is derived from the initials of the network's former name, Columbia Broadcasting System. The network is sometimes referred to as the "Eye Network" in reference to the shape of...
affiliate in Baltimore, WMAR, on a show called Caboose. He also performed a pelican character for Zep, a local Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C.
Washington, D.C., formally the District of Columbia and commonly referred to as Washington, "the District", or simply D.C., is the capital of the United States. On July 16, 1790, the United States Congress approved the creation of a permanent national capital as permitted by the U.S. Constitution....
show airing on WTOP-TV.
In the early '80s, he performed regularly, with Jim Martin
Jim Martin (puppeteer)
Jim Martin is a puppeteer, best known for his roles on Sesame Street. As part of the cast, he has won an Emmy Award. He has been nominated multiple times, and won for "Outstanding Achievement in Costume Design/Styling" at the Emmys, also for Sesame Street.-Early life:Martin graduated from St...
, on Bob Keeshan
Bob Keeshan
Robert James "Bob" Keeshan was an American television producer and actor. He is most notable as the title character of the children's television program Captain Kangaroo, which became an icon for millions of people during its 30-year run from 1955 to 1984.Keeshan also played the original...
's long-running Captain Kangaroo
Captain Kangaroo
Captain Kangaroo is a children's television series which aired weekday mornings on the American television network CBS for nearly 30 years, from October 3, 1955 until December 8, 1984, making it the longest-running children's television program of its day...
series, as well as building puppets and occasionally appearing on-camera.
From 1981 to 1986, he appeared in The Great Space Coaster
The Great Space Coaster
The Great Space Coaster is a children's television show that ran from 1981 through 1986. The series was directed by Dick Feldman, and distributed by Sunbow Productions.-Show summary and history:...
, as Goriddle Gorilla and Huggle Scuffy. On that show, he attracted the attention of Muppet designer Kermit Love
Kermit Love
Kermit Ernest Hollingshead Love was an American puppeteer, costume designer, and actor in children's television and on Broadway...
, who invited him to work on various Henson projects.
He divorced his high school sweetheart Genia in 2003. They have one daughter named Shannon, who was born in 1993.
Coming to the Muppets
Clash first met puppet-builder Kermit Love in 1978. Love was occasionally able to arrange for Clash to visit the set of Sesame StreetSesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
. In 1979, the main Muppet performers were performing in the bus scene in Muppet Movie
The Muppet Movie
The Muppet Movie is the first of a series of live-action musical feature films starring Jim Henson's Muppets. Released in 1979, the film was produced by Henson Associates, Children's Television Workshop and ITC Entertainment....
the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade
The Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade, often shortened to Macy's Day Parade, is an annual parade presented by Macy's. The tradition started in 1924, tying it for the second-oldest Thanksgiving parade in the United States along with America's Thanksgiving Parade in Detroit, and four years younger than...
, and extra puppeteers were needed for the Sesame Street float, so Clash got to perform Cookie Monster
Cookie Monster
Cookie Monster is a Muppet on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is best known for his voracious appetite and his famous eating phrases: "Me want cookie!", "Me eat cookie!", and "Om nom nom nom" . He often eats anything and everything, including danishes, donuts, lettuce, apples,...
in the parade.
Later, in 1983, he was officially hired to perform in ten episodes of Sesame Street. However, at the time Clash was performing full-time on two other shows, and the producers of both shows refused to work around his schedule, so he was forced to tear up his contract to appear on Sesame Street.
Clash was also given the opportunity to perform in The Dark Crystal
The Dark Crystal
The Dark Crystal is a 1982 British-American fantasy film directed by Jim Henson and Frank Oz. Although marketed as a family film, it was notably darker than previous material created by them. The animatronics used in the film were considered groundbreaking. The primary concept artist was the...
, but Love talked him out of being involved in the movie, saying that he should concentrate on his work in the series with which he was currently involved.
Clash officially became a puppeteer on Sesame Street in 1984. Some of his earliest characters included Hoots the Owl
Hoots the Owl
Hoots the Owl was a character on the children's television program, Sesame Street, performed by Kevin Clash. He was an owl that plays a saxophone...
, Baby Natasha, and Dr. Nobel Price, but it was Elmo
Elmo
Elmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...
who became his main character. Clash has also sung in voice-over in a variety of film and animation songs on Sesame Street, including "In My Animal Book" and "Take Care of That Smile". During the late 1980s, Clash was involved with a variety of Henson productions. He performed P.J. in the Play-Along videos, and Father Bunny and Be-Bop in Tale of the Bunny Picnic. He would also perform Eliott Shag on Dog City, various characters in Muppet Time insertials, and he performed a number of characters—most notably Baby Sinclair, but also Howard Handupme—on Dinosaurs
Dinosaurs (TV series)
Dinosaurs is an American family sitcom that was originally broadcast on ABC from April 26, 1991 to July 20, 1994. The show, about a family of anthropomorphic dinosaurs, was produced by Michael Jacobs Productions and Jim Henson Television in association with Walt Disney Television and Buena Vista...
. He also performed the title character in the Muppet Sing-Along video Billy Bunny's Animal Songs.
The Jim Henson Hour
Clash became one of the main Muppet performers on The Jim Henson HourThe Jim Henson Hour
The Jim Henson Hour was a short-lived television series that aired on NBC in 1989. It was developed as a showcase for The Jim Henson Company's various puppet creations, including the popular Muppet characters. Only nine of the twelve episodes produced managed to air on NBC before the low-rated...
. His two main characters on that show were the lizard-like Leon
Leon (given name)
Leon is a name of Greek origin, derived from the first known Leon, the King of Sparta, Leonidas I . In Greek, Latin, French, and Spanish Leon means "lion". Derived from the Greek λεων meaning "lion", this name was borne by a 5th-century BCE king of Sparta...
and the bass player Clifford
Clifford (Muppet)
Clifford is a Muppet character, performed by Kevin Clash. He is a violet-colored creature with multi-colored dreadlocks and big lips. Like many other Muppets, it is never specified what kind of creature he is, but it is speculated that he is in fact a catfish.He was created to be the bass guitar...
. Of these two, only Clifford has remained a major character, having also appeared in The Muppets at Walt Disney World
The Muppets at Walt Disney World
The Muppets at Walt Disney World is a television special starring Jim Henson's Muppets at the Walt Disney World Resort in Lake Buena Vista, Florida. This was the last Muppets project that Jim Henson worked on before his death on May 16, 1990. The special aired on NBC May 6, 1990.-Plot:In this...
; The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson; an appearance on The Arsenio Hall Show
The Arsenio Hall Show
The Arsenio Hall Show is an American variety/talk show that aired late weeknights in syndication from January 3, 1989 to May 27, 1994. The show was created and hosted by comedian/actor Arsenio Hall.- Background :...
; the albums Muppet Beach Party and Kermit Unpigged
Kermit Unpigged
Kermit Unpigged is a music and comedy record released by The Jim Henson Company through BMG Kidz in 1995, and the last album released by Jim Henson Records...
; and the feature films Muppets from Space
Muppets from Space
Muppets from Space is a 1999 science fiction comedy film and the sixth feature film to star The Muppets, and the first since the death of Muppets creator Jim Henson to have an original Muppet-focused plot. The film was directed by Tim Hill, produced by Jim Henson Pictures, and released to theaters...
and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz is a 2005 musical telefilm directed by Kirk Thatcher and starring Ashanti and The Muppets. The film was produced by Bill Barretta and written by Debra Frank, Steve L. Hayes, Tom Martin, and Adam F...
. However, Clifford became a star when he hosted the short-lived Muppets Tonight
Muppets Tonight
Muppets Tonight is a live-action/puppet television series created by Jim Henson Productions and featuring The Muppets. Much like the "MuppeTelevision" segment of The Jim Henson Hour, Muppets Tonight was a continuation of The Muppet Show, set in a television studio, rather than a theater.-Format:The...
. On that show, Clash also performed Mulch
Mulch
In agriculture and gardening, is a protective cover placed over the soil to retain moisture, reduce erosion, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth and seed germination. Mulching in gardens and landscaping mimics the leaf cover that is found on forest floors....
and Craniac.
Film credits
Clash's film credits include Jim HensonJim Henson
James Maury "Jim" Henson was an American puppeteer best known as the creator of The Muppets. As a puppeteer, Henson performed in various television programs, such as Sesame Street and The Muppet Show, films such as The Muppet Movie and The Great Muppet Caper, and created advanced puppets for...
's fantasy film Labyrinth
Labyrinth (film)
Labyrinth is a 1986 British/American fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas, and designed by Brian Froud. Henson collaborated on the screenwriting with children's author Dennis Lee, Terry Jones from Monty Python, and Elaine May .The film stars David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin...
; Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (film)
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a 1990 American live-action film adaptation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise directed by Steve Barron. The film was followed by three sequels: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze in 1991, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III in 1993, and...
, and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze is a 1991 American live-action film, It is the second Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles film, being the direct sequel to the 1990 film, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. The Secret of the Ooze was then followed by a third film in 1993, and a fourth...
; The Muppet movies Muppet Treasure Island
Muppet Treasure Island
Muppet Treasure Island is a 1996 American musical film based on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. It is the fifth feature film to star The Muppets and was directed by Jim Henson's son Brian Henson....
, Muppets from Space
Muppets from Space
Muppets from Space is a 1999 science fiction comedy film and the sixth feature film to star The Muppets, and the first since the death of Muppets creator Jim Henson to have an original Muppet-focused plot. The film was directed by Tim Hill, produced by Jim Henson Pictures, and released to theaters...
, It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie
It's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is a 2002 television film that aired on NBC on November 29, 2002. The film is directed by Kirk Thatcher, written by Tom Martin and Jim Lewis and stars the Muppets and was filmed at Lionsgate Studios. The film revolves a plot similar to "It's A Wonderful...
, and The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz
The Muppets' Wizard of Oz is a 2005 musical telefilm directed by Kirk Thatcher and starring Ashanti and The Muppets. The film was produced by Bill Barretta and written by Debra Frank, Steve L. Hayes, Tom Martin, and Adam F...
; and the Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
films Follow That Bird and The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland is the second theatrical feature-length film starring the cast of the popular U.S. children's series Sesame Street...
.
Additional work
Clash was co-executive producer for ElmopaloozaElmopalooza
Elmopalooza is a Sesame Street special that aired on ABC on February 20, 1998.-About the show:The show is a musical, featuring performances from guests Jon Stewart, David Alan Grier, Rosie O' Donnell, Gloria Estefan, En Vogue, The Fugees, Kenny Loggins, Shawn Colvin, Jimmy Buffett, and The Mighty...
, co-producer for The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland
The Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland is the second theatrical feature-length film starring the cast of the popular U.S. children's series Sesame Street...
, and co-executive producer for CinderElmo
CinderElmo
CinderElmo is a television special that aired on Fox in the United States on December 6, 1999. It was released on VHS in the United States/Canada and the Netherlands....
and Elmo's World
Elmo's World
"Elmo's World" is a segment of the children's television show Sesame Street featuring Elmo, a small, three and a half year old, bright red monster. It debuted on November 16, 1998. Since then, it has been regularly shown during the last fifteen minutes of every Sesame Street episode...
. He has also served as either puppet coordinator, assistant puppet coordinator, or puppet captain on many productions, including Labyrinth
Labyrinth (film)
Labyrinth is a 1986 British/American fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas, and designed by Brian Froud. Henson collaborated on the screenwriting with children's author Dennis Lee, Terry Jones from Monty Python, and Elaine May .The film stars David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin...
, Muppet Treasure Island
Muppet Treasure Island
Muppet Treasure Island is a 1996 American musical film based on Robert Louis Stevenson's Treasure Island. It is the fifth feature film to star The Muppets and was directed by Jim Henson's son Brian Henson....
, The Puzzle Place
The Puzzle Place
The Puzzle Place is an American children's television series produced by KCET in Los Angeles, California and Lancit Media in New York City, New York...
, Big Bag
Big Bag
Big Bag was a live action television puppet program for preschoolers that was produced by The Jim Henson Company and aired from 1996 to 1998 on the Cartoon Network. There were also localized versions for Canal J in France and Yorkshire Television in the UK.-Plot:The principle Muppet character was...
and Dog City
Dog City
Dog City is a television series that was produced by Nelvana Limited and Jim Henson Productions and aired on FOX from September 26, 1992 to January 28, 1995, and in Canada on Global in 1993, then on Teletoon until 2000. The show contained both animation by Nelvana, and puppetry by Jim Henson...
.
He occasionally played Miss Piggy
Miss Piggy
Miss Piggy is a Muppet character who was primarily played by Frank Oz on The Muppet Show. In 2001, Eric Jacobson began performing the role, although Oz did not officially retire until 2002....
and Statler in Muppets Tonight
Muppets Tonight
Muppets Tonight is a live-action/puppet television series created by Jim Henson Productions and featuring The Muppets. Much like the "MuppeTelevision" segment of The Jim Henson Hour, Muppets Tonight was a continuation of The Muppet Show, set in a television studio, rather than a theater.-Format:The...
.
Food Network
Clash was also a featured guest on the Food NetworkFood Network
Food Network is a television specialty channel that airs both one-time and recurring programs about food and cooking. Scripps Networks Interactive owns 70 percent of the network, with Tribune Company controlling the remaining 30 percent....
series Grill It! with Bobby Flay
Bobby Flay
Robert William "Bobby" Flay is an American celebrity chef, restaurateur and reality television personality. He is the owner and executive chef of 12 restaurants: Mesa Grill in Las Vegas, New York City, and the Bahamas ; Bar Americain in New York City and Uncasville, Connecticut; Bobby Flay Steak...
, where he shared his "Killer Ribeye Steak" recipe.
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
Clash is the subject of an award-winning documentary Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's JourneyBeing Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey
Being Elmo: A Puppeteer's Journey is a 2011 American documentary film directed by Constance Marks about Kevin Clash, the puppeteer behind Elmo, the widely beloved Sesame Street character.-Synopsis:...
, released in 2011 and screened at American film festivals. Narrated by Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg
Whoopi Goldberg is an American comedian, actress, singer-songwriter, political activist, author and talk show host.Goldberg made her film debut in The Color Purple playing Celie, a mistreated black woman in the Deep South. She received a nomination for the Academy Award for Best Actress and won...
, this documentary includes rare archival footage, interviews with Frank Oz
Frank Oz
Frank Oz is a British-born American film director, actor, voice actor and puppeteer who is known for creating and performing the characters Miss Piggy and Fozzie Bear in The Muppet Show, Cookie Monster, Bert and Grover in Sesame Street, and for directing films, including the 1986 Little Shop of...
, Rosie O’Donnell, Cheryl Henson, Joan Ganz Cooney
Joan Ganz Cooney
Joan Ganz Cooney is an American television producer. She is one of the founders of the Children's Television Workshop , the organization famous for the creation of the children's television show Sesame Street. Cooney received her B.A...
and others and offers a behind-the-scenes look at Sesame Street
Sesame Street
Sesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
and the Jim Henson Workshop.
Puppeteer credits
- Muppet Characters: Black Dog, Carter, CliffordClifford (Muppet)Clifford is a Muppet character, performed by Kevin Clash. He is a violet-colored creature with multi-colored dreadlocks and big lips. Like many other Muppets, it is never specified what kind of creature he is, but it is speculated that he is in fact a catfish.He was created to be the bass guitar...
, LeonLeon (given name)Leon is a name of Greek origin, derived from the first known Leon, the King of Sparta, Leonidas I . In Greek, Latin, French, and Spanish Leon means "lion". Derived from the Greek λεων meaning "lion", this name was borne by a 5th-century BCE king of Sparta...
, MulchMulchIn agriculture and gardening, is a protective cover placed over the soil to retain moisture, reduce erosion, provide nutrients, and suppress weed growth and seed germination. Mulching in gardens and landscaping mimics the leaf cover that is found on forest floors....
, Polly Lobster, Real Old Tom, Spa'am, Sam the EagleSam the EagleSam the Eagle is a character from the syndicated television show The Muppet Show, performed by Frank Oz. The name "Sam" is possibly derived from Uncle Sam. The Bald Eagle is the official symbol of the United States, and Sam's patriotic spirit differentiates him from the rest of the Muppet cast, as...
(in It's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas MovieIt's a Very Merry Muppet Christmas MovieIt's A Very Merry Muppet Christmas Movie is a 2002 television film that aired on NBC on November 29, 2002. The film is directed by Kirk Thatcher, written by Tom Martin and Jim Lewis and stars the Muppets and was filmed at Lionsgate Studios. The film revolves a plot similar to "It's A Wonderful...
) - Sesame Street Characters: ElmoElmoElmo is a Muppet character on the children's television show Sesame Street. He is a furry red monster and currently hosts the last full 15 minute segment on Sesame Street, Elmo's World, which is aimed at toddlers. His puppeteer, Kevin Clash, uses falsetto to produce his voice...
, Baby Tooth, Benny Rabbit, Hoots the OwlHoots the OwlHoots the Owl was a character on the children's television program, Sesame Street, performed by Kevin Clash. He was an owl that plays a saxophone...
, Kingston Livingston III, Mel, NatashaNatashaNatasha is a Russian female given name, originally a pet name of Natalia, which in turn derives from the Latin Dies Natalies, meaning "Natal Day" or "Birthday" in reference to the traditional birth of Jesus...
, Wolfgang the Seal, Ferlinghetti Donizetti, The Big Bad WolfBig Bad WolfThe Big Bad Wolf is a term used to describe a fictional wolf who appears in several precautionary folkloric stories, including some of Aesop's Fables and Grimm's Fairy Tales.-Interpretations:...
(several '80s Sesame Street News FlashSesame Street News FlashThe Sesame Street News Flash was a recurring segment on the children's television show Sesame Street. First aired in 1971, the series starred Kermit the Frog as a trench coat-dressed roving reporter who interviews Muppet versions of characters from fairy tales, Mother Goose nursery rhymes and key...
skits), The Duck - Sesame BeginningsSesame BeginningsSesame Beginnings is a line of products and a video series, spun off the children's television series Sesame Street. The line is targeted towards infants and their parents, and products are designed to increase family interactivity.-Product line:...
: Baby Elmo - DinosaursDinosaurs (TV series)Dinosaurs is an American family sitcom that was originally broadcast on ABC from April 26, 1991 to July 20, 1994. The show, about a family of anthropomorphic dinosaurs, was produced by Michael Jacobs Productions and Jim Henson Television in association with Walt Disney Television and Buena Vista...
: Baby Sinclair, Howlin' Jay, Dinosaur Chief (face), Ethyl (sometimes, puppetry only), Howard Handupme, Monster (face), Mr. Ashland (face), Pterodactyl (puppetry only) - Dog City (special): Ace Yu
- Dog City (series): Eliot Shag
- LabyrinthLabyrinth (film)Labyrinth is a 1986 British/American fantasy film directed by Jim Henson, produced by George Lucas, and designed by Brian Froud. Henson collaborated on the screenwriting with children's author Dennis Lee, Terry Jones from Monty Python, and Elaine May .The film stars David Bowie as Jareth the Goblin...
: Fiery 1, Ambrosius (puppetry only), One of The Four Guards (puppetry only) - Muppet Sing-A-Long: Billy Bunny's Animal Songs: Billy Bunny
- The Tale of the Bunny Picnic: Be-Bop, Father
- The Great Space CoasterThe Great Space CoasterThe Great Space Coaster is a children's television show that ran from 1981 through 1986. The series was directed by Dick Feldman, and distributed by Sunbow Productions.-Show summary and history:...
: Goriddle Gorilla (voice) - Teenage Mutant Ninja TurtlesTeenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (film)Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles is a 1990 American live-action film adaptation of the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles franchise directed by Steve Barron. The film was followed by three sequels: Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles II: The Secret of the Ooze in 1991, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles III in 1993, and...
: SplinterSplinter (TMNT)Master Splinter, or simply Splinter is a fictional character in the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles universe. -Origin Story:Splinter has two origin stories, and which one is used depends on the medium... - The Adventures of Elmo in GrouchlandThe Adventures of Elmo in GrouchlandThe Adventures of Elmo in Grouchland is the second theatrical feature-length film starring the cast of the popular U.S. children's series Sesame Street...
: Grouch Jailer and Pestie - A Sesame Street Christmas Carol: Sam the Super Automated Ghost of Christmas Future (voice only)
- Follow That Bird: Additional Muppet Performer
Awards & honors
- Clash won Daytime Emmy Awards for Outstanding Performer in a Children's Series for his work as Elmo and Hoots the Owl on Sesame StreetSesame StreetSesame Street has undergone significant changes in its history. According to writer Michael Davis, by the mid-1970s the show had become "an American institution". The cast and crew expanded during this time, including the hiring of women in the crew and additional minorities in the cast. The...
in 1990, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004, 2005, 2006, 2007 and 2009. - He was the first recipient of the 'Miss Jean' Worthley Award for Service to Families and Children given by Maryland Public TelevisionMaryland Public TelevisionMaryland Public Television is a non-profit, state-licensed Public Broadcasting Service non-commercial educational public television state network which serves U.S. state of Maryland. Its six transmitters cover nearly all of the state, plus Washington, D.C...
on June 9, 2007.
External links
- Downloadable 15-minute interview with Kevin Clash from Wisconsin Public Television Kevin Clash talks about the development of his love of puppetry, how he became Elmo and what it's like to voice the most popular toy ever.
- CNN profile an in-depth interview with photos for Black History Month
- 'Sesame Street' Turns 35: Kevin Clash and Elmo audio interview on National Public Radio
- 2011 interview
- "Being Elmo : A Puppeteer's Journey" documentary film about Kevin Clash
- Muppet wiki: Kevin Clash
- Let's Rock Elmo Elmo Toy with Kevin Clash Voice