I just read that Jerry Nelson, the voice of Sesame Street’s Count, died.
Obviously I didn’t know him personally, and I’m sure that, had I not read about his death, I wouldn’t notice the difference the next time I catch an episode of Sesame Street. So while it’s always sad when someone dies, I have to be honest and say that I’m not all that torn up.
I am, however, thinking about how ingrained the Muppets are in my life. Whether I’m thinking of my own childhood or now the raising of my daughter, it’s interesting to see how big a part those funny puppets have played.
It’s a well-known fact that I love TV and books, but aside from the pure entertainment they give me, I love them for another reason. I believe TV, books and movies often serve as a cultural glue, holding our families and friendships and memories together in a way little else can.
- I think of the way my mom – (fine! and I) – can’t seem to hear the word “llama” without singing “Me and My Llama” from Sesame Street.
- I think of watching The Muppet Show in the living room with my brother and my parents – and then taking my daughter to see last year’s Muppet Movie, with my parents.
- I think of how many of my family’s inside jokes are actually Muppet-related. That might seem kind of weird, but it’s who we are!
- I think of the three years I spent with Smitty in high school French class, singing our French numbers to the tune of a Sesame Street song.
- I think of how much fun my husband, daughter and I had on vacation last year, when we visited Sesame Place – or as Annalyn calls it, Elmo World.
- I think of how tickled my daughter and husband get, sneaking up on each other and saying, “Mahna Mahna!“
And I think maybe it is a little sad to say goodbye to one of Sesame Street’s beloved voices after all. And I’m thankful for these characters that, strangely enough, have been – and continue to be – one of the ties that bind us.
Did you watch the Muppets or Sesame Street growing up? Which Muppet is your – or your kids’ – favorite?
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I sing “Me and My Llama” all the time, too! I don’t think you and I have ever talked about this similarity between us. I wonder what my girls think of the song since they hear me sing it all the time but have never seen the video. There’s something so satisfying about taking those great big ugly teeth to the dentist, not to mention the important rite of passage in growing out your mullet.
True, true. One must take time for proper dental care AND the growing of the mullet. Ha! It’s funny – although, honestly, not really surprising – that we both sing this song. Great minds, once again. ;)
We love the Muppets. My daughter loves Elmo. Oddly enough, when I was a kid, Elmo was a new character and I’m pretty sure he was introduced as Grover’s nephew. Well, he is no longer Grover’s nephew and that irks me a bit. However, “Nelmo”, Abby Cadabby, “Cookie”, and others are staples in our house. Also, I’m glad my daughter is starting to straigthen out which one is Bert and which one is Ernie and we have “The Count Counts Scary Things” currently checked out of the library. I guess this love of Sesame Street in our daughter should not be a surprised. While my husband and I were dating, we watched a lot of old Muppets Shows and I bought him an “antique” Kermit. We even used Muppets on the place cards of our wedding to seat our guests at the reception. I got various stuffed animals off of Ebay and they were a hit with everyone. We told people the particular Muppet character didn’t have anything to do with the people at the table, but my college friends were at the Gonzo table.
Sarah! I love that you used Muppet place cards at your wedding! And knowing some of your college friends, placing them at the Gonzo table cracks me up!!
I loved Sesame Street as a kid, however I must confess that I was petrified of ‘The Count’. I would literally cry when the lightening would flash and he would start in with, “One, two, three, Ah, Ah, Ah…” Maybe it was the creepy organ music…I’m not sure. He doesn’t seem to have the same effect on my kids, so I was probably just a big baby :)
When we went to Sesame Place last fall, I was afraid the Count would scare Annalyn, too. Thankfully, she was fine, but I am sure you’re not the only person to have been scared of him as a kid!