Muppet Mini: Fran Brill Remembers Jim Henson, Jerry Nelson, Richard Hunt, Caroll Spinney

On this Mini episode, The Barretta Brothers welcome Muppet Performer, Voice Actor, and Actress, Fran Brill.

Episode Outline:

• Fran remembers special moments and pays tribute to:
• Richard Hunt
• Caroll Spinney
• Jerry Nelson
• And Jim Henson

 

ABOUT OUR GUEST:

Fran Brill Kelly was the first female Muppet performer hired by Jim Henson for SESAME STREET.  During her many years there she won an EMMY AWARD and created the characters of Zoe, Prairie Dawn, the Countess and many others.  Her other work with the Muppets includes THE MUPPET SHOW, SATURDAY NIGHT LIVE, THE JIM HENSON HOUR, DOG CITY, THE ADVENTURES OF ELMO IN GROUCHLAND, CINDERELMO and ZOE'S DANCE MOVES with Paula Abdul.  Fran was also in Frank Oz’s documentary MUPPET GUYS TALKING.

As an actress, Fran appeared on and off Broadway at the Roundabout Theatre, Manhattan Theater Club, Playwrights Horizons and was twice nominated for the Drama Desk Award.  She also played leading roles at many regional theaters including Actors Theatre of Louisville, the Mark Taper Forum, and Yale Rep.  Her film credits include MIDNIGHT RUN with Robert De Niro, WHAT ABOUT BOB? with Bill Murray and BEING THERE with Peter Sellers.

She had running roles on several soap operas and guest-starred on many night-time dramas including LAW AND ORDER and its spin-offs.  Her voice was also heard on hundreds of radio and TV commercials and the cartoon series' DOUG and SHEEP IN THE CITY.

She retired, happily, on Sept. 30, 2014.  www.franbrill.com

 

BRIEF ADDITIONAL BIOS

Richard Hunt:

Muppet performer, who performed characters like Beeker, Sweetums, Scooter, Statler, and Janice.

Caroll Spinney:

Puppeteer, author, cartoonist, and Muppet performer, who originated and performed Big Bird, and Oscar the Grouch.

Jerry Nelson:

Actor, Musician, and Muppet Performer, known for dozens of characters, including Count Von Count, Sherlock Hemlock, Mr. Snuffleupagus, Robin the Frog, and Sgt. Floyd Pepper.

Jim Henson:

Puppeteer, filmmaker, animator, director, writer, and creator of The Muppets. His characters include Kermit the Frog, Ernie, Dr. Teeth, Rowlf, and The Swedish Chef.