'The Count' Puppeteer Dies At 78

Manila Bulletin Online published this article on August 25, 2012. It can be accessed at: http://www.mb.com.ph/articles/371031/the-count-puppeteer-dies-at-78

By YFUR PORSCHE P. FERNANDEZ

Sesame Workshop announced that Jerry Nelson, who suffered from emphysema,
died at age 78 on Thursday, Aug. 23, in his Massachusetts home on Cape Cod.
(AP/Sesame Workshop)

CAPE COD, Massachusetts — Jerry Nelson, the puppeteer of the character, “The Count” on the long-running American children show, “Sesame Street,” has died. He was 78.

Nelson, who suffered from emphysema passed away in his Cape Cod residence in Massachusetts, as confirmed by Sesame Workshop, the company that produces “Sesame Street.”

He joined "Sesame Street" in its 1969 debut, taking on key characters including “The Count,” “Mr. Snuffleupagus,” and “Sherlock Hemlock.” He worked with the show for more than 40 years.

"He will forever be in our hearts and remembered for the artistry in his puppetry, his music, and the laughter he brought to children worldwide through his portrayal of Count von Count [The Count], Herry Monster, Fat Blue, Sherlock Hemlock, the Amazing Mumford and many other beloved characters. We will miss his extraordinary spirit and the joy he brought to our Street," a statement on the Sesame Workshop's website.[more]

A talented musician and actor, Nelson was a part of several Muppet projects, spanning from the 1971 movie “Tales From Muppetland: The Frog Prince” to 1979’s “The Muppet Movie” to 2011’s “The Muppets.”

Nelson also performed the character, “Gobo Fraggle” in the 1983’s “Fraggle Rock” show. He also took non-Muppet roles in films, including 1985’s “The Nail Gun Massacre” and 1990’s “RoboCop2.”

He stopped operating “The Count” and other “Sesame Street” puppets in 2004, but still served as their voices up until his death.

Fans from social networking sites have already started commemorating Nelson’s artistry by spreading a picture of the crying “The Count” with a message, “He taught children how to count.”

Sesame Street’s 43rd season starts September 24 and will still feature Nelson’s voice as “The Count,” according to Sesame Workshop. —with reports from LA Times and Washington Post