- Richard Hunt (puppeteer)
Richard Hunt (
August 16 ,1951 -January 7 1992 ) was an Americanpuppeteer . Born in theBronx ,New York City , Hunt resided inCloster, New Jersey . He was best known for his association withThe Muppets . [Alex, Patricia. [http://www.highbeam.com/doc/1P1-22617386.html "RICHARD H. HUNT, AT 40; BROUGHT MUPPETS TO LIFE"] , "The Record (New Jersey) ",January 8 ,1992 . AccessedMarch 6 ,2008 . "Richard H. Hunt, a puppeteer who created several Muppets characters including Kermit the Frog's zealous sidekick 'Scooter,' died Tuesday. The Closter resident was 40."] He was frequently partnered withJerry Nelson . His Muppet characters included Scooter, Janice, Beaker, Statler, andSweetums . He also sharedMiss Piggy withFrank Oz until Season 2 ofThe Muppet Show . Hunt performed many characters on "Sesame Street ", includingForgetful Jones ,Placido Flamingo ,Don Music , and an earlyElmo .Following Hunt's death from
AIDS , the role of Beaker was inherited bySteve Whitmire , that of Statler byJerry Nelson until his retirement at which time Whitmire took over, that ofSweetums by John Henson, and those of Scooter and Janice byBrian Henson ; Scooter's most recent performer is Rickey Boyd and Janice's most recent performer is that ofTyler Bunch . "The Muppet Christmas Carol " was dedicated to Hunt andJim Henson .He was cremated after his funeral service. Richard's ashes were scattered at the Hunt Family house in
Closter, New Jersey .References
External links
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* [http://rhuntfan.tripod.com/ Your Face!]
* [http://www.muppetcentral.com/articles/tributes/hunt/index.shtml Muppet Central's Tribute to Richard Hunt]
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