Back in 2020, I published an article titled “Things That are Not Muppets,” spotlighting characters and animals and people that may be mistaken for Muppets, yet are not. It was groundbreaking journalism, trust me.
Because of that article, I’ve been cemented as the world’s leading expert on things that are not Muppets. You’ve probably seen my TED Talk or heard my Golden Globe nominated podcast in which I expound on the criteria that makes a character a Muppet or a Not Muppet. I’ve now listed everything and everyone in the entire world (except for the Muppets, because the Muppets are Muppets), and thus my project is complete.
Looking at the list of things that are not Muppets, it feels strange to have a list of anything that doesn’t include Muppets. So that got me thinking: Are there Muppets that are not Muppets?
Recently, I was listening to an episode of the ToughPigs podcast 70 Years, 70 Muppets spotlighting ‘80s Robot. According to host Ryan Roe (citing the Muppet Wiki), ‘80s Robot wasn’t built by the Jim Henson Creature Shop, the Muppet Workshop, or Puppet Heap – he was built by special effects company Legacy Effects. So the question was raised: Is ‘80s Robot technically a Muppet?
This has led me to wonder about even more of these characters whose Muppethood is in question. I’ve compiled a list of Muppets that are not Muppets to break our collective brains.
’80s Robot
Why they are a Muppet: A featured player from The Muppets film, puppeteered and voiced by Muppet performer Matt Vogel. And clearly a part of the Muppet troupe throughout the movie.
Why they are not a Muppet: As previously stated, 80s Robot wasn’t built by any of the Muppet workshops, nor made of recognizable materials that are usually seen in the makeup of the Muppet family. We have now covered this fact at least 3 times, so you get it.
Limbo
Why they are a Muppet: Built, designed, and performed by Jim Henson, leaning into his love of experimental puppetry.
Why they are not a Muppet: Limbo is performed like no other character, with a series of strings attached to the fingers of gloves that pull down on his facial features. He exists in a non-universe, only ever seen in front of a black screen or projected video, and never interacting with any other Muppet characters, who normally exist in a universe. At least 80% of the time.
The Fuzz Brothers
Why they are a Muppet: Performed by Jim Henson and Jerry Nelson, singing the “Muppera” in an episode of The Muppet Show. They also feature Muppety embellishments, such as eyes and a red nose.
Why they are not a Muppet: Despite their tiny arm rods, they’re not performed like Muppets at all. They’re a couple of upside-down faces with beards for hair and a bunch of nonsense words. Which, admittedly, sounds Muppety enough, but just look at those guys.
Irving Bizarre
Why they are a Muppet: He’s Fozzie Bear’s agent, who’s so short (how short is he???), he appears as just a top hat balanced over a pair of shoes.
Why they are not a Muppet: He’s just a top hat and shoes. It seems like someone just went to a thrift shop and bought a few items off the discount rack. And honestly, bringing a hat to life is some Muppet magic.
The Hatrack
Why they are a Muppet:The Hatrack is a credited writer on an episode of The Muppet Show, who also appeared as a sentient character during the credit roll.
Why they are not a Muppet: They are a hatrack. Like, a literal hatrack.
See also:Other furniture, such as the man-eating lamp from this Muppet Newsflash sketch.
Charlie the Ogre
Why they are a Muppet: Taminella Grinderfall’s giant sidekick, Charlie is performed by Jim Henson’s legs. There are no rules that say that a puppet needs to be performed with hands. (And before you argue that Charlie isn’t technically a puppet, which is a true statement, just consider how similar this performance is to, say, Oobi – another body part puppet with minimal accoutrements.)
Why they are not a Muppet: They’re just Jim’s legs. Despite some dirty makeup and torn shorts to dress them up, it’s hard to see them showing up on, say, The Muppet Show.
See also: Other body parts, such as the foot from the Sesame Street game show “What’s My Part?”
The Muppet Theater Stagehand
Why they are a Muppet: A valuable member of the Muppet Show crew, he’s a clear presence with a deep Frank Oz voice.
Why they are not a Muppet: Well, this is probably the cheapest Muppet to produce, because as far as we know, he has no body.
See also: Any other unseen character, such as Ned Schimmelfinney, Miss Piggy’s agent, Pa Otter… the list goes on.
The Grasper
Why they are a Muppet: Appearing in one single Sesame Street sketch, this thing talks and has a moving “mouth” that performs like a puppet. It sure fits all the criteria of being a Muppet-like puppet, just without the fleece or fur.
Why they are not a Muppet: I don’t know what this grasper thing is, but it seems like the sort of thing Jim Henson found backstage, started fooling around with, and decided just to throw it on camera. It’s exactly the sort of thing I would do in one of my own videos, and that’s a LOW bar.
Mr. Bimbo
Why they are a Muppet: He’s referenced throughout a theatrical Muppet movie, possibly seen as a functional part of the confirmed Muppet Fozzie Bear.
Why they are not a Muppet: So, Mr. Bimbo lives inside Squire Trelawney’s finger? He’s not the actual finger? It’s all very confusing, and I’m not sure if confusion leads to Muppetry in this case.
Rocco
Why they are a Muppet: These days, Rocco is a core member of the Sesame Street cast.
Why they are not a Muppet: I’m with Elmo. Rocco’s just a rock. #elmowasright
So the question remains: Are all of these Muppets actually Muppets? That’s a question that can only be answered within your heart of hearts. Or by me, the expert on Things That Are Not Muppets.
Click here to talk to rocks, fingers, and feet on the ToughPigs Discord!
by Joe Hennes – [email protected]
