Ricky & Doris: An Unconventional Friendship in New York City. With Puppets!

[@PEREYRALA]

"I'd rather die on the street as a street performer, than try to create a life that satisfies someone else." Well spoken sir. Many people would love to be free, but few have the actual fortitude to make it happen.

[@isaiakrozell2409]

@PEREYRALA Free from what?

[@blueeyedsoulman]

@@isaiakrozell2409 The race of RATS. (Which are really more like ants or worker bees that serve the queen.)

[@scottbaekeland9750]

@@isaiakrozell2409 Free from the rat race!

[@beblissnow5947]

Free from other people's rules that kills my Soul

[@irenedavo3768]

Amazing

[@sophiechandler955]

That dog puppet is genius! What an amazing guy and talented puppeteer. 🤩 She is a fabulous lady too! Very heartwarming 🥰

[@maryannsinopoli1751]

Well stated!

[@lyndaproctor1128]

@@maryannsinopoli1751 p

[@tolfan4438]

I bet people ask to pet him

[@sophiabeatty3270]

Wonderful!!!!!!!!

[@JL-yt5hy]

i need this dog

[@Paladin70]

He seems to fill the role of the son that this sweet childless lady never had. Beautiful story.

[@ricpowers1475]

This is a guy who has followed his heart. He refused to continue being an imposter of himself as a laborer, and embraced his true self as a puppeteer type dude. Best to you brother.

[@fonziebulldog5786]

I also wants to make funny puppets but only wonder who,s gonna pay the rent. 🤔

[@oliewray8357]

@@fonziebulldog5786 lame comment

[@fonziebulldog5786]

@@oliewray8357 Oh, you are lame. Well,then you also have time to make funny puppets ... without possibility to paying the rent.

[@oliewray8357]

@@fonziebulldog5786 your mum can pay

[@fonziebulldog5786]

@@oliewray8357 😄👍

[@brooklynn1957]

Simple act of kindness is all it takes to start a beautiful friendship. Im so happy they found each other.

[@MsCRABBY39]

Just a little smile can brighten the saddest of hearts!!

[@dawnwinther376]

Yes, so true. ❤

[@lindaboo123]

I scrapped a windsheild for an older person & it changed my life from the very moment it happened... it's continued to change my life even 8 yrs later! GOD is good!

[@mikehoncho9344]

@@lindaboo123 could you elaborate a little, I just like life's stories, thank you

[@sheliabryant1911]

Struggling artist is one of the hardest lives to live. Bless him for letting his talent heal others and not giving up on his passion.

[@lektik2941]

"I was an artist trying to be all those other things." That line got me.

[@marlenemcmillan8891]

Yes I agree..

[@recoveringsoul755]

It's true though, but the starving artist cliché is true. To stay alive you have to try making money in more traditional ways. It's sad that we don't appreciate art or pay enough for it

[@2006glg]

Me too. That encapsulated how I feel perfectly.

[@2006glg]

Me too. That encapsulated how I feel perfectly.

[@jenniferd7170]

Never quit persuing your dream.🦁

[@jenweber2857]

I’m sitting here smiling like a dork watching this 😂 this is beautiful! I would love to meet them both

[@eenavid]

this sooo cute ,,i wonder if there both still around ,its been a while ,with all thats gone on ,,,??

[@Weirtoe]

I came here to say the same thing. Smiled all the way through it. I want this to be a series, watching and following all the people and the lives that gather in the square.

[@MoonSpinners]

@@eenavid ..unfortunately, Doris passed away on September 16th 2021, she was 92 years old and died in her apartment. She lived a Marvellous life, and at least she passed away in the apartment she loved so much.

[@pavlovsreject3172]

Me too! I say: ROAD TRIP!!!!

[@Weirtoe]

@@pavlovsreject3172 pick me up on the way please!

[@svenlundergard1]

"I was an artist trying to be all of those other things" and "I'd rather die on the streets doing what I love to do..." Love this talented guy and his beautiful friend. Such an amazing artist!!!

[@angelapietras1235]

These puppets are so cute I could have watched them for hours, love that dog.🥰

[@loraoflahrity130]

I love him! Another free spirit to remind us how to love life!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello how are you doing?

[@enravitara]

@@Godwinpounds4333 I'm fine and you?

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello Lora how are you doing today?

[@mikehoncho9344]

@@robertabrams4490 creepy af

[@leenabel]

My sister and I met Ricky and "Chops" about 6 years ago outside a bar in Dunellen, NJ. We were amazed by his talent and artistry and hired him to do a private performance for the children in our family. I was cleaning today and came across one of the photos. Decided to check online to see what Ricky was up to. So glad to see this video telling his story. Thanks AARP!

[@vairakkann8278]

Fine🎉sir

[@JAnotherday]

If you can make another person smile you've accomplished the greatest thing!

[@donaldtaylor6919]

Yo!Ricky I'm blown away man you special Dude!I wish I had one of those puppets of me🤔🙄

[@tacomamist]

I smiled first time today reading this.

[@earthangel8730]

I disagree. 😃

[@puffpuffpass2408]

It's Amazing how many people are out there with hidden talents that have never been seen. Totally Amazing to see. Thanks 👌👏

[@irenedavo3768]

Amazing! And amazing friendship

[@Kai0nTheMoon]

Such an uplifting story. Proof that you're never too late to learn something new, or make a new friend. Two fine souls. May Doris RIP.

[@mscpcrystal1829]

Some people are just "cool" without trying at all. God bless the artists.

[@betkay6684]

These are the kinds who make the world go round with joy !!

[@CarolAnnAmelian]

couldntv said it better 👍👍👍

[@Lilithofeden1]

God bless you too

[@cynthiasammy3668]

I agree.

[@joeestes8114]

I whole heartily agree with you! Some people are just interesting!

[@mtnwriter4011]

"I hated work more than anybody." ""Music was my half-step out." "I was an artist trying to be all those other things." Brother, you took the words right out of my mouth, and the mouths of so many others. Well said. I could even feel the anguish as you spoke those words.

[@nicholasforrester8587]

Agreed 👍🏻

[@KongKaiju]

Doris has sadly passed away in September of 2021. Thank you for sharing this amazing story. We need more uplifting content like this in our daily lives.

[@FuneraryGirl]

😢

[@lisalaughlin7568]

Sad, but I think she may have been so happy in her later years to have known Ricky

[@MrEric2cu]

Amen. RIP Doris, you were one in a million.

[@user-sk9vi2ql8b]

NOOOOOOOOOOOOO

[@atlantic_love]

😢 She was very sweet.

[@angelherbert3177]

He's so creative and the two of them together are amazing that's one cool friendship

[@gracehawley9628]

Wonderful story. Made me smile from the inside out

[@zoehumphrey4345]

Just a thought....can you imagine....a whole load of people like him teaching our children...as the song says...”what a wonderful place this would be”....peace❤️❤️❤️

[@Eugeniadella]

Yeah!!!!!! Here in Bolivia he would be invited to many schools to do a show for the students & inspire them.... I wonder why that's not happening in the US

[@terencebarrett2897]

Zoe what a wonderful magical world,also Zoe" imagine also being in government, our world would be extraordinary

[@Beer_Wolf]

Nopes, you'll have to make do with Marxist professors brainwashing the youth.

[@darioezequiel9855]

you prolly dont care but does anybody know a tool to log back into an instagram account? I somehow lost the account password. I would appreciate any help you can offer me

[@ianjaiden6905]

@Dario Ezequiel instablaster ;)

[@marniemontalbo]

I love this guy! Bad ass, confident and such an awesome puppeteer! So much talent. Love how his puppets come to life♡

[@joefranks2356]

This guy is cool! Love the puppets! The dog movements are so realistic. Thanks for making Doris feel special. Shout out to the elderly!

[@jamespsyfer]

Admire the dude is doing his own thing.. nobody pulling his strings! 😍

[@patriciaeddy7629]

Love that,"No one pulling his strings" Cute!

[@jasonchavez8706]

I don't get it.

[@lecommenter8528]

@@jasonchavez8706 he's not a puppet to world

[@jasonchavez8706]

Yes .the ship floats steady in the open sea.

[@FFeeLiT]

Ye, one of the few puppets who freed them selves.

[@joycohen938]

The creativity of people never ceases to amaze me. This is such a quirky, March to his own drum beat individual and his marionettes are exquisite. I would definitely stop, watch, laugh and donate to a show by these two! :)

[@tracyfox466]

Awww! How often do people just stop and talk to someone elderly let alone become dear friends?! Such a sweet story! I really love seeing that some people haven’t lost their humanity and are still generally caring about others.❤️ Ricky is soooo talented! His marionettes are absolutely fantastic!!😍

[@indiegun]

They are a real-life Harold and Maude.

[@tracyfox466]

@@indiegun And one of my all time favorite movies too! I absolutely Love that movie! ❤️😍 I think I have watched it at least a dozen times!😂

[@lambchop6278]

I love the clip where a man's actual little dog is interacting with the puppet dog!! ....An amazing puppeteer!!! And a cool older lady.

[@daveg3887]

She had such a big beautiful smile on her face when talking about this , thank you for sharing your life with her . We definitely need more people on earth like the 2 of you , peace harmony and love in your hearts ! May she rest in peace !

[@Havanacuba1985]

When I first started watching this I thought that was a real dog for a few seconds , the way it moves is amazing, what an inspirational pair of people

[@theresasquirestheresa]

My good man, yes you did THAT and much more than can be spoken... Keep it coming please 💚

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello dear how are you doing today?

[@mikehoncho9344]

@@robertabrams4490 this isn't Facebook bud

[@carriekayak8530]

Theresa, well said.

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello Theresa how are you doing today?

[@robertabrams4490]

@@carriekayak8530 Hello Carrie how are you doing today?

[@jeanengstrom1267]

Blessed are they who can parlay their inner child to fulfill their artistic inclinations AND maybe put some grub on the table. The DETAILS in his marionettes! The machinations that render their MOTIONS equally realistic! (The love that's gone into each & every character shows itself with every one). 💖

[@mlstroh7]

He is so true to himself, his love for others shines through ❣️ God bless him always... I hope he is doing great !!!

[@pattih7]

I love this couple of people, Each living their best life, and creating friendships. So creatively! I’m still smiling, as I get ready for sleep. God bless both of you precious people! The marionettes are museum worthy!

[@maryannsinopoli1751]

@Patti Hawks it’s just amazing this man’s artistic talent. His kindness to present her with her own look alike Doris Puppet. So generous, a nice new friendship for both. There are some heart warming people in our world still!……..❤️‍🩹

[@sherrylove2536]

I'm in love with this gentleman's art and puppets and creativity! I want to see more of this man and his awesomeness 😘

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello Sherry how are you doing today?

[@mikehoncho9344]

@@robertabrams4490 hello Robert, how you doing?

[@bookmouse2719]

@@mikehoncho9344 Hi Mike :-))

[@sabenarwestreich-brown3959]

I would also love to see more of Ricky and his puppets on You tube. I'd like to see that he has made his own show with these puppets and make a living at it too. Enjoying what you do is very fulfilling.

[@JF-kv1gm]

This man is a blessing to humanity. What a beautiful spirit - followed his heart and who he was/is.

[@TheresaPowers]

That is an overstatement. Both of them should clean up their filthy apartments.

[@tomfromoz]

@@TheresaPowers Your comment from 8 months ago is so, *so* sad. That you evidently possess no talent other than to pass your warped judgement upon people that you've never met is just the most depressing thing that I can think of. I saw not a speck of dust in either the artists house, or the apartment stuffed full of a life well lived. Your existence must be sterile to the point that you feel the need to sterilize all that you see in fear that it may contaminate you. I wonder why you felt compelled to watch this video, but it's apparent that you needed something to critique...to call _"filthy"_ . But so you understand for future encounters, *both* of those private living spaces are are clean and tidy, things are put where they are kept... because that is where the people _WANT_ them. They bring joy to the world. I feel sorry for you that you don't appear to be able to see or feel that. *Tom's wife Pam*

[@leonceboudreauxwolf]

He's doing his thing and I don't see anywhere in this story where he's out begging on the streets or a burden to society. I applaud him. He did what I couldn't, I worked hard and over years got so busted up, now it's too late to follow that dream I once had. Good for him 👍🏽

[@RainRemnant]

​@@TheresaPowers you're such a joyful person to be around, aren't you

[@jcripp7974]

​@@TheresaPowersreally?

[@DeborahGrubb-y5r]

You have to be kidding,I love that you are as real as they come and so talented.Love ,Love Love to Real people❤❤❤

[@fleaflicker1451]

I need this to be a series!! I need more of them!💞

[@bekindtoanimals3585]

Man the world needs more people like you,the lady is a cutie rudie x

[@tamo9520]

What a beautiful friendship these 2 have formed! Just form being caring, interested & intrigued human beings! Beautiful!

[@wellamrichard7297]

Hello 👋 Tanins how are you doing today?

[@robinr5669]

This is amazing. Such a treasure to stumble across. Gives me hope for humanity. Love this guy ♡

[@davidquintana8395]

In this life, if you can touch only one heart... You have done more than any job you can think of.

[@vaatc]

Not true. It all depends on the mentality of the person doing the work. Are you going to tell me many firefighters have not touched hearts. How about John Cena who has done exponentially more for the Make a Wish foundation than any other star. Or me, who has chosen to work in fitness with the senior and disabled populations when I could have easily chosen to chase the private rich people. Or let's say Bill Gates and his foundation. A job is a grind where as work is passion and if you do anything with passion you will touch someone's heart, somewhere, somehow.

[@fortyoddyears5295]

So much living! I think all us Americans are feeling that need for true freedom and our own gig. You did it man!!

[@jypseaspencer13]

Thankyou for keeping the craft ALIVE. Your puppets are amazing!

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello dear

[@rubytuesday7653]

Karen yr right🙂! Super amazing!

[@robertabrams4490]

@@rubytuesday7653 Nice 👍

[@robertabrams4490]

@@rubytuesday7653 how are you doing today?

[@mikehoncho9344]

@@robertabrams4490 how you doing?

[@candyqueen996]

wtf he can make the puppet play the drums!! so awesome

[@jillsmcfarland2001]

Seasick steve - Roys gang video ! It's brilliant !

[@deborahsmith7828]

Such a clever man. Thank you for sharing your gift of puppeteering, and the beautiful gift of your heart. God Bless you!

[@tfoy2778]

When i see people like this...i weep for what this country is capable of being ...and afraid of what it is becoming...we need more people who do not see age or color or anything but another interesting human being to connect with

[@Research0digo]

T Foy - music does this too. :D

[@47ronin61]

T Foy You're absolutely right, no one wants to have any talent anymore...I met some young kids that didn't know how to fly kites or even make paper airplanes. I taught my sons how to do it, and even tho they're grown now, we still get together and compete... WE LOVE IT!

[@marklynnanderson2025]

Yes! Agreed. Of course, it's absolutely fine to be a color or age or to perceive (to "see" them) these in others, to have these qualities of self to be meaningful and to make a difference . . . because you love all colors and ages.

[@patrickkenna6387]

Why do people like you push fear to sound self-righteous?

[@justachick7761]

@@patrickkenna6387 unless you are blind, you see colour. nothing wrong with that as long as you value people. She isnt pushing fear. If that's how you felt, that says more about you than it does about her. And actually its even ok to fear! If there were no fear, there would be no brave! I went to a country where I knew no one and where I didnt speak the language and the customs and everything were completely different from what I, or probably even you, would be used to. I was afraid, I must admit it but I straightened my spine and dug in. And was brave. There will be many times in every day and under all circumstances when you can be a schmuck or a hero. Choose wisely

[@rodelbunag9823]

The dog looks real, they have unique talent.

[@goldenagenut]

Terrific puppets, and his puppetry is absolutely top-notch - such natural movement. Awesome video!

[@McGovern1981]

Yep I'm old, but this is amazing! The life in those puppets is amazing! There's something to be learned here it's so fluid!

[@staceyconnick3122]

You two have made my day. Two amazing delightful character's. Being someone your not is not living. Being true to yourself is.

[@heckzotica]

Dudes a pro! World needs more folk like him.

[@angelotero7117]

this guy is unreal! he brings those puppets to life...great job!

[@leealexander3507]

I was an artist and horseman trying to do jobs of various types. Now I'm just old with a broken body but I can share lovely friendships. That's about it these days which is why this video made me tear up a little. So beautiful.

[@ernestoherrera2755]

I am from Texas always rode horses in my youth what kind of horseman were you?

[@AnitaLau-s5z]

My mother seems to say the same thing. Except she was an adventurer and a kayaker. And shes looking for a man.Are you single? lol

[@kurtolson627]

Simply awesome and amazing. Be blessed because you are a blessing to others.

[@Steampunksaly]

Mr puppet man - Thank you - you are an inspiration! I wish you all the happiness and success in your work of giving so much joy and light.

[@olivegarden1230]

I thought this said "purest puppet man" for a second lol

[@daniellesmagic]

This is a great reminder to do what you love and be who you are!! Thanks Ricky & Doris, you're both beautiful!!

[@angelaflemons1688]

Marley Langeree has always

[@celesteamberbagley3996]

Wow That's really great. A new life for them both. I thought it was so sweet of him to make that puppet for her. He has amazing talent.

[@claudiafinelle]

precious people. I miss NY. Such inspiring people,brave, kind and genuine. Thank you. Bless you.

[@deonacoke3595]

claudia finelle thank you ❤️

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello dear how are you doing today?

[@linward13]

Doris is so beautiful!

[@amy83079]

Amazingly beautiful. No Botox or fillers needed. This is true beauty people - this is it!

[@Elodie830]

Her skin is luminous & shiney hair i wish to be so beautiful inside & out

[@TallulaStarfishJones]

She’s amazing!!!!!

[@a.bevdfray6625]

Agreed, beautiful skin but that’s what you get when you don’t spend lots of time out in the sun.

[@immrnoidall]

One of the best feeling you will get, is from truly making others feel good and happy.

[@noradaly1]

Such a happy story. Made me smile! Love his creativity and craft! ❤️

[@suemeckin9125]

Please more of this very humble and artistic genius of a man. More of the lovely lady, his friend Doris too. They both made my day, I too am smiling like a very English dork, here in Shropshire !!

[@bananabreeding1362]

What inspiring individualists! This was a big part of what America once was. Brilliant.

[@Twsuf1]

Love it! Thank you brother for bringing a bit of joy in this harsh world

[@Hurdurdur369]

A dying art. I loved jim henson. Its nice to see people keeping it alive.

[@Research0digo]

Oh my - don't mention his name... :( I saw his face on Time magazine of all places right after he passed, and my heart was crushed. Did you know he and Oprah Winfrey come from the same lil Mississippi town?

[@arenitar.297]

Susan Slaphappy not a dying art! I loved puppets as a little kid and always begged my mom for one but they freak her out so I make them myself I’m 20 now and my youngest brother whose 12 is interested in them as well I’m currently studying visual and special effects I want to make props for movies puppets are used in movies and stuff all the time! It’s not dying you just haven’t payed enough attention

[@arenitar.297]

Research0digo it’s funny but Oprah is currently shooting a small documentary in the town my parents live at

[@Misseggy24]

Arriaga Two I was in Prague recently and was blown away by the marionette theatres and workshops! We definitely need to work to keep this art form alive!!

[@saintfisuto1072]

If you think puppetry is a dying art. Then sir you have a lot to learn :).

[@eddylorenzo5033]

I love my old people they have the greatest stories and sense of humor and always great conversators

[@lindaanderson7077]

Wonderful, wonderful!!! Thank you! Beautiful free spirits- and the puppets are genius.

[@darleneharris5157]

He’s so artistic and creative person !! Love all his amazing puppets. Such a wonderful friendship!!💖

[@calebb4782]

So in tune with what he loves. To the point he markets even on his jean legs. Kinda created his own life for what he needs. Inspirational.

[@stormjacobs5497]

I absolutely love puppets, i can watch them for hours...always watched "Thunderbirds"when little. Love all claymation, in awe of it all. Mad respect to ppl who create such a visual pleasure.

[@synthvault]

Ricky Syers is legend. Every kid in high school should have to watch this video.

[@claudiacastillo1568]

One step at a time

[@tomaram6938]

I agree!

[@Skitdora2010]

Nobody should HAVE to do anything. That makes people resist.

[@davidsmith4654]

When I first seen the beginning of this video I thought the dog was real. Once I seen that the dog was a puppet I thought that it was amazing and how it looks real. You must have put in a lot of work into making these puppets. You are very gifted on building these puppets and bringing them to life with character.

[@josefinagarza241]

Hope he gets a gig to display this gift he has amazing pup,I thought it was real too

[@rosebroadway2093]

You have such a God-given talent, and you're using it so perfectly! I love your strength and ability.

[@elspencer9779]

Dude has a lost gift. Meaning he is one of the few who still build his puppets from scratch. Wonderful ♥️

[@nbmooselovers]

Simply "Amazing"! The people that have the vision to build there own original props and creations, write their own original material.. and then perform it with such a rare and "Awesome" talent is "Fantastic"!

[@yeehbee]

"I wasn't a laborer trying to be an artist. Or a steelworker trying to be an artist. I was an artist, trying to be all of those other things. So, that's who I really am." Damn, this one hit deep.

[@user-22-]

That is AMAZING‼️. The puppy stole my heart but they’re ALL so cool, the drummer is a close second! 😁👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼👍🏼

[@rebeccajourney3183]

This gave me so much joy! You are both phenomenal!

[@punkyduck28]

More please! I love Ricky and his chilled vibe and Doris is amazing ..I could spend all my days hanging out with them and the puppets. We need more unique people ☮️💟

[@michellharvilla8344]

This is just the sweetest story!!! Love the friendship!! He is so talented too!!

[@dukecity7688]

I've never been a big puppet fan. You changed that for me. . I have a lot of respect for what you have accomplished. Good man.

[@ruzaff]

This man is a real gift for the world! Thanks for beeing like you are man! Very very nice!

[@GrannysGarage333]

I’m in love with both of them!!! Good on you sir and madam… living your best lives!!! Thanks for letting us in!!♥️♥️♥️

[@kristenmarosi8559]

"An artist trying to be all those other things". Beautiful. I am so glad you found the courage to be true to yourself. The world needs much much more of that. Thank you for being authentically you.

[@terencem8795]

This guy knows how to truly live the gift of life.❤

[@libertadrodriguez1999]

Me encantó este video.Las marionetas son fantasticas,la música tambien, la Sra.simpática y bella.El Sr.un GENIO!!!!Desde URUGUAY, FELICITACIONES!!!

[@marybarratt2649]

What lovely people. The marionettes are totally fascinating, I love them. You must give such a lot of pleasure to people. I’m from the U.K. and find this compulsive viewing. What a wonderful lifestyle. Thank you.

[@Rohlaren]

This was just what I needed today. Grab the joys when they come, especially the unexpected ones. Thank you for posting this.

[@sherrilllowrey7275]

How wonderful and uplifting! The real dog was fooled by the puppet, lol.

[@christybernal6114]

Wow what talent. Those puppets are amazing and so realistic looking. Im so glad sir you followed your passion. You're truly gifted

[@wayneclarke1727]

Marionette's are a special breed of expressionists! I'm so intrigued by there mastery! I could watch them all day and if I saw one performing on the streets, would open my wallet with 6 dollars in it and give him five just to watch more. Doris is one of a kind! I love her!

[@peace.404]

I love this story! And those puppets are amazing!! They should be in a museum!

[@tatianataylor5581]

Love people like these! Inspirational! Thank you!❤️😃❤️

[@Blessed-abc]

Awesomeness!! Love puppets too, love carving, and love you two❤️ God Bless You Both

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello Deborah how are you doing today?

[@robertabrams4490]

Hello Deborah how are you doing today?

[@woodsarthobbies6515]

This was really special. Thank you for sharing your story.

[@KingOfEssex]

Truly a master in his skill set. this take months even years to perfect such a dying art / skill..... thanks for this epic video

[@Queenie97]

This was too sweet! I pray that both of them made it out of this pandemic safely.

[@srpdesigns]

One of the most honest and inspiring vids on YT... Make Ya Smile all day long!!! God Bless

[@crispytoast6936]

What a wonderful pair. The puppets are also very good!

[@Sandalphon9]

Ricky & Doris so sweet! Such an inspiration.

[@lyndabee123]

Thank you for sharing this beautiful story. Sharing is caring and smiles are contagious 😍