Remembering Count von Count
Fans of Sesame Street are in mourning after the man behind popular character Count von Count – Jerry Nelson – has died aged 78.Nelson began working with Jim Henson’s puppet creations in 1965 and went on to work on several of Henson’s television series including ATV’s The Muppet Show in the UK as well as CBC’s Fraggle Rock. It was however his involvement with children’s educational series Sesame Street that his most memorable character appeared. The number loving Count von Count has appeared voiced by Nelson from 1972 up until the show’s most recent recordings this year.
“Jerry Nelson imbued all his characters with the same gentle, sweet whimsy and kindness that were a part of his own personality. He joined The Jim Henson Company in the earliest years, and his unique contributions to the worlds of Fraggles, Muppets, Sesame Street and so many others are, and will continue to be, unforgettable.” said Lisa Henson, CEO of the Jim Henson Company.
The Sesame Workshop said in a statement that Jerry Nelson “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, 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.”
Jerry Nelson July 10th, 1934 – August 23rd, 2012
