Evolution of Gonzo The Great - DIStory Ep. 54

To celebrate the new #HauntedMansion #Muppets special lets dive into the weird wild whatever puppet... Gonzo! What is a Gonzo? Where is a Gonzo? Why is a Gonzo?
Special thanks to Jarrod Faircloud at Tough Pigs for helping me hone this episode in!
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Edited by Kenny Johnson
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[@unknown_limes]

Gonzo is a whatever. That's all he's ever needed to be, and we love him for that

[@VinceHagenbeek]

Does that make Muppets from Space non-canon?

[@mediocre_sandwich2113]

@@VinceHagenbeek hopefully yes

[@rhodiumveil7072]

@@VinceHagenbeek aren’t all the Muppet Movies non-canon? They’re movies with the Muppets playing parts, they even do ‘behind the scenes’ segments where the Muppets talk about playing themselves.

[@VinceHagenbeek]

@@rhodiumveil7072 Makes sense, especially when you talk about The Muppet Christmas Carol and Muppet Treasure Island. Has anyone also seen Muppets Haunted Mansion yet?

[@rhodiumveil7072]

@@VinceHagenbeek I have, both Miss Piggy and Bunsen Honeydew complain about how small their cameos are, seemingly confirming that it is completely fictional in Muppets canon

[@DigiRangerScott]

Honestly, “Gonzo is the new Kermit” is a sentiment I can get behind. Vogel’s Kermit DOES bother me, so if Goelz really is the last OG, give his characters the forefront. A special for each one of them until he’s ready to hang it up or passes on.

[@februaryschneck]

Yeah. Of the original core 5 muppeteers (Jim Henson, Frank Oz, Dave Goelz, Jerry Nelson, and Richard Hunt) only 2 are still alive (Frank and Dave) and 1 is still with the muppets (Dave) he really should be the new front man because Vogel’s Kermit is just so off, and they have horribly forgotten how to write for Piggy and Fozzie and many more.

[@garrettcarter5622]

Vogel is perfectly fine. Yes, it does sound weird, but that's only because he's new at doing Kermit and I imagine the voice will be honed in as he gets more and more experience.

[@februaryschneck]

@@garrettcarter5622 yes but no. See here’s the thing, firstly he’s not new.. he’s been playing Kermit for more than 4 years now so he’s not exactly new.. he may have only had a few new projects since taking over the role but he has had plenty of downtime to keep working on it. Secondly even before he took it over he should have been getting trained as at least back in the 90s they were always training new puppeteers to fill in when the older ones eventually couldn’t be as present. Lastly and most importantly.. Kermit is more than a voice. He is a character with a personality that I haven’t seen since 2015. Kermits personality is completely devoid when he is performed by Vogel (who is a great puppeteer just not as Kermit) and that’s the biggest problem with modern muppets, as much as I love and miss th classic characters these aren’t characters that you can pass the torch down and expect them to remain the same they are going to change, Steve Whitmires Kermit is very different from Jim’s but the soul remained similar enough that it didn’t affect the overall work, however Vogel’s Kermit lacks depth, and personality. Frank Oz has even pointed it out in a recent interview! And again I want to say Vogel is great! His work as Constantine and Uncle Deadly is incredible.. but there is sgomething blocking him from connecting to Kermit and adapting him into his new form. (Deadlys a great example he used to just be creepy but lately he has become far more queer coded which is a fun and new idea that doesn’t detract from who deadly was but elevates who he is now… he needs to find that with Kermit…)

[@Taydar]

Vogels Kermit is more like Jim original than Steve's was, with his wit and comebacks (Frank Oz talks a load of rubbish)

[@invaderpez12]

@@februaryschneck "he should have been getting trained" Thats neither his fault nor anyone at Disney/Muppet Studios. If rumors are to be believed, Steve Whitmire didn't want an understudy which is a problem with Muppets since you might have to pass on the role to another person at any moment.

[@laurendouglas6452]

Gonzo as Gonzorella just made me realize HE ONLY HAS 3 FINGERS. HAS HE ALWAYS HAD ONLY THREE FINGERS?! PS- Gonzo Dickens is PEAK Gonzo and if seeing him doesn't make you feel warm and fuzzy inside I don't know what will.

[@tuckerhawkey9561]

Yeah he's always had 3 fingers

[@mediocre_sandwich2113]

SRSLY I DIDN'T NOTICE UNTIL GONZORELLA OML-

[@megelizabeth9492]

Most of the Muppets have three fingers, since it simplifies the hand. I think Dr. Teeth may have four, but I'm not I’m not entirely sure on that.

[@oblivion715]

Charles Dickens is my favorite Gonzo role, followed by the Tin Man.

[@terribleeditor4556]

Wait he has only three fingers!? Why did I think he had four all this time!?

[@makaylin5972]

It’s not a Disney Dan video without his contagious laughter! :D

[@maple855]

True @Makaylin!

[@nodesire9291]

Gonzo has probably been my fave since childhood, though it rotates between him, Kermit, and Fozzie. it is a family TRADITION to watch Muppet Christmas Carol at least ONCE during the Christmas season. me and my sisters quote the Gonzo and Rizzo bits all the time. and he looks down right ADORABLE in that dress. the dude is as much of a fashion ICON as Miss Piggy.

[@vbsenthusiast]

if you don't watch muppet christmas carol every holiday season then what are you doing with your life

[@tattoonkids7138]

Next thing you should do is make a history of the Muppet babies

[@WannabeRedcoat]

I watch it every Christmas eve

[@clarktooncrossing3975]

Gonzo, an awesome character who reminds us all that being weird is far more fun and rewarding than being like everyone else.

[@shinyagumon7015]

Gonzos fashion sense is unironically great. Move over Miss Piggy, Gonzo is the *real* Fashionista here!

[@SirBlackReeds]

Or is it?

[@perrilewis180]

You act like they both don't hold the entire fashion spectrum of the lgbt community.

[@clarktooncrossing3975]

Dan as the Ghost of Christmas Present... A large figure with boundless energy... nope, don't see it.

[@rachelmurray3434]

The first time I ever saw the muppets was in the original movie and I just remember Gonzo hopping up and down in the back of the studebaker saying he was "hopping mad" and I knew immediately he'd be one of my favorite characters ever.

[@lPsychoMax]

Wait people were concerned about baby gonzo wearing a dress? He's a weird guy, maybe there isn't a deep reason he wants to wear one, maybe he just wanted to? Gonzo is Gonzo, he tries new things, does stuff nobody expects because that's who he is! It's actually a great message. More people need to be true to themselves like Gonzo!

[@SirBlackReeds]

Except the crux of the issue is that he's a boy. Now, imagine if the crux was him being a Whatever instead.

[@DokkaChapman]

He wore a dress in the 80's show and no one batted an eyelid back then.

[@inkling457]

People are just transphobic and sexist, wanting boys to be traditional, and tough, and only wearing pants.

[@christinathomas1417]

The root of the issue is assholes just wanting to ruin ANYTHING for a freaking headline. Honestly it's a lazy story.

[@TheClockworkgal]

sorry gonzo is trans he just is now gonzo. is. trans.

[@geoffreyrichards6079]

To be fair, “Muppets From Space” wasn’t the first Muppet production to imply that Gonzo was an alien. The song he sings in “The Muppet Movie”, ‘I’m Going to Go Back There Someday’, has lyrics that seem to indicate a possible extraterrestrial origin.

[@MrMadshepherd]

Way I see it all Muppet movies are technically “non-canon” the muppet show and the other shows where they just put on shows and have guest stars are set in real life. But in my opinion all the movies where they tell origin stories, have celebrity cameos, break the 4th wall and contain contradicting information then it’s the Muppets making a movie. Acting, sometimes as fictional versions of themselves. So you can say that Muppets from Space is just a movie where the Muppets decide to make a film pretending Gonzo was an alien

[@alofoop]

Absolutely agree with this!

[@maddyj3911]

Yeah I just like to think of all muppet media being canon in some way shape or form

[@grey.helfrecht]

The sad part about "Goelz being the last original Muppet" is that Frank Oz (Fozzie Bear, Miss Piggy, Animal, Cookie Monster, Bert, Grover, and Sam the Eagle) is still alive and well. Oz has even gone on to say that he would be happy to come back to the Muppets. Disney just doesn't want him. Honestly, I don't hate Matt Vogel's Kermit, it sounds a little 'fakey' but, Steve Whitmire didn't sound like Jim Henson either. I would like to see some of the original performers' characters develop more (like Gonzo, Fozzie, etc.) I thought that the Halloween special was really good, but as said by Dr. Bunsen Honeydew IN THE SPECIAL: "Oh Beakie, I was so hoping we would get a bigger cameo." Basically, more character development for original characters but don't rely on it for the sake of the plot.

[@SirBlackReeds]

Disney or the Hensons, or both?

[@grey.helfrecht]

Both

[@megelizabeth9492]

The bunsen and beaker joke was referencing a cut scene with Bunsen, Beaker, Van Neuter and mulch, where they were looking inside of Gonzo’s head trying to see if there was any fear inside. (Gonzo and the Ghost Host also get a reference to it as well.)

[@PD-mi3qj]

Was so excited Muppets haunted Mansion was Gonzocentric! Only thing missing was Rizzo by his side along with Pepé. Another great Distory, Dan! Keep up the amazing work!

[@MistbornPrincess]

I love Rizzo, have ever since The Muppets Take Manhattan.

[@hayleywaalen2612]

Gonzo loves his chickens.

[@moonlightbunnny6842]

I liked muppets from space. I grew up with that. It sucked that Gonzo felt alone. It made me feel sad. I honestly loved that Gonzo’s “family” came to take him back and he says that he isn’t alone, he has his friends

[@mistyvod6934]

Literally just finished muppet haunted mansion then got two surprises in one day! Great video as always Dan! Love you man 🖤

[@DisneyDude1928]

Gonzo is and always will be my favorite Muppet, he’s such a great character and I love all the hijinks he gets into in stuff like Great Muppet Caper and Treasure Island

[@FreeSpiritPaulette]

Wow I see you everywhere

[@scarhead11]

Fun fact! When I was little Gonzo was my favorite muppet to the point where I wanted to marry him when I grew up. The fact that I'm a lesbian now honestly leaves a lot to unpack there but Gonzo will always hold a special place in my heart as a result

[@deshawnedwards6412]

His nose get longer and bigger with ever new designs.

[@SEGASister]

“Let’s just say the attic matches the basement, okay?”

[@Monkeyboy1138]

Dave Goelz had to be convinced by Henson to become a Muppeteer. He originated in the workshop, but Henson saw something in him and his ability to perform. Goelz doubted himself, doubted his ability, doubted that he was good enough. If you watch Gonzo and his character development on screen, it lines up perfectly with Goelz. Shy, meek, a little weird, but still willing to put himself out there, all the way to this confident guy who proudly lets his freak flag fly. As a shy guy racked with doubt my whole life myself, Gonzo has always meant the world to me.

[@megelizabeth9492]

Performer actually.

[@Monkeyboy1138]

@@megelizabeth9492 back in Henson’s day, when Goelz stepped in to the role, they referred to themselves as Muppeteers. It’s only a relatively recent thing that they called themselves performers. Starting with the new generation of performers who felt it trivialised their work, though Frank Oz often still refers to what he used to do as being a Muppeteer.

[@megelizabeth9492]

Wrong way around actually. Frank prefers performer.

[@firstflowerinspace]

I can’t believe Gonzo’s dad doesn’t believe in what was my favorite movie as a kid… But to be fair peak Gonzo for me is still the dancing cheese bit

[@charityrochford2175]

Does anyone else tear up when hearing ‘I’d like to go back there someday’? ❤️

[@Schaperart]

That is peak Gonzo - glad someone else thinks so too

[@brandielee7971]

Yup

[@KitKat_Kt]

Absolutely.

[@vilstef6988]

Every time!

[@cookiesontoast9981]

Probably my least favourite song of the movie. But it's alright.

[@neocelestia]

Regarding the Gonzo in a dress situation, I can see the push back possibly being because of the presentation. The way it's written, they highlight it and make it an issue the other characters questioned. Gonzo's weirdness is part of his character and has traditionally not been questioned as "is this okay?". The other Muppets just accept him for the lovable weirdo he is. By highlighting it in the way they did here, they went against this and created a "problem" where there was none. Gonzo has always done things off the beaten path and embraced his unique weirdness as a positive. Him in a dress is just a normal Tuesday and that's how it should be treated.

[@maddyj3911]

I agree with u: it shouldn’t be a problem it definitely isn’t. But remember it’s muppet BABIES. Babies/ toddlers naturally find things confusing that they’re not used to . I’d personally think of it as gonzo ( as a baby) working up to embracing his gonzality lol sort of an origin story for how his whole attitude is today . Ik not everyone is a fan of muppets from space and it’s fine to have preferences like that I totally respect that. But just know that embracing who u r doesn’t mean u can’t feel alone. I’ve embraced the fact I was autistic since elementary school but still didn’t feel complete cuz I wasn’t really friends with anyone else on the spectrum. Self acceptance isn’t just “ oh it’s okay to be the way I am boom everything is fixed.” Knowing it’s ok is just the first step , self acceptance ( and acceptance of others) is an ongoing journey.

[@GinnyNReviews]

Honestly, so many things have been about Kermit and Miss Piggy relationship for so long, I welcome anything about anyone else. And really, Gonzo is the best anyway.

[@TheAnchorArmsChad]

The Steve-O of the muppets *THAT IS A PERFECT COMPARISON!*

[@webculbreth3261]

You know Gonzo once put on a dress in the original muppet show series. So this is entirely in character for him in fact he's done crazier and more problematic! He's juggled a baby grand piano, shoots himself semi regularly out of a cannon, has intament relations with chickens, and almost shot kermit's nephew Robin out of a cannon! He almost shot a five year old out of a cannon if Kermit hadn't intervened and your mad about him putting on a dress and heels? I'm so done!

[@SirBlackReeds]

The issue is that the message and delivery is obnoxious at best. Let's not forget that Rizzo was completely out of character. He wouldn't help Gonzo in that endeavor. He would mock the living crap out of him. Plus, it already looks like Generation Alpha is going to grow up in a world where dogs are able to tell the males and females apart better than humans. Do you not see how sad that is?

[@altakaka55]

I've been waiting for someone to say that because I'm an autistic man who wants to wear a dress, if not be a little girl. And alot of people think I'm some crazy, gay weirdo. But like gonzo, I've learned not to worry about what everyone else thinks and be true to myself and embrace being different. And for the record, gonzo is one of my favorite muppet characters, and I've been a muppet fan since birth. In fact I'm an aspiring creative mind who hold jim Henson and walt disney in the highest regard.

[@Pixis1]

Gonzo was always my favorite Muppet. The moment that stands out for me is him singing "I"m Going to Go Back There Someday" in The Muppet Movie. You see that there's a wistful, melancholy side to him. That underneath all the weirdness and crazy stunts, he's an outsider who just wants to belong. I really related to that.

[@DC-wk7yo]

The Muppets did Toy Story like a decade earlier too. Anyone else seen The Christmas Toy (1986). Now I see why Disney had to buy the Muppets 😂

[@kristinmarie862]

Had it on VHS

[@MCRgrrl4ever]

I've always ADORED Christmas Carol Gonzo and he'll forever hold a place in my heart!! He's probably one of my favorite muppets that I can actually see a lot of myself in-- us little weird whatevers gotta stick together!!! :)

[@ArcadeHunters]

Sam: “Would you stop this foolishness?!” Gonzo: “What foolishness would you like to see?”

[@Nerd_with_internet_access]

I’m not sure why, but I feel like Disney Dan absolutely nailed the role of Christmas present. He just has a really good vibe for the role.

[@twixieshores]

Watching this immediately after Muppets Haunted Mansion is the perfect companion piece

[@ElyseExplosion]

Gonzo is my favorite Weirdo and I love him forever. If he was allowed to be weird, then for sure I could too, right? He was and is very important to me.

[@asock2138]

As a kid I saw gonzo and always thought he was a mosquito

[@wendymccoy1093]

my favorite memory of my last Disney World trip was meeting these two adorable kids, a boy and a girl, on the Lilly Belle. The boy sees a girl walk by dressed as Mal from disenchanted and tells me he went as her for Halloween the he pointed and loudly proclaims "that's my short daddy! My tall daddy is over there!" I just thought 'Wow these kids are awesome!'

[@MOVEDAWAY420]

My favorite gonzo appearance is in the muppets Christmas carol when rizzo kisses him on the nose, and they just stare at each other after. Its so awkward i love it.

[@mediocre_sandwich2113]

As an enby trans person i seriously welcome gonzo as a fellow whatever. He’s honestly been a huge inspiration to me since forever. He kinda helped me accept me, for me. Be who you want to be my fellow whatevers! I love ya, and have a wonderful day! 💜

[@pookiepooh]

Gonzo is not mentally ill though.

[@narcopsy]

So happy for you!

[@mediocre_sandwich2113]

@@pookiepooh what? Im not understanding your statement

[@pookiepooh]

@@mediocre_sandwich2113 lol

[@narcopsy]

@@mediocre_sandwich2113 they're just being transphobic, pay em no mind

[@sunnyquinn3888]

You go, lil Gonzo! Pretty dresses are for anyone who likes to wear them! 💙🐤

[@WannabeRedcoat]

My favourite Gonzo moment is “Light the lamp, not the rat!”

[@NathanSpies]

Can you do the evolution of Fozzie?

[@silentpaw]

Two things to say here. One, thank you for telling me about the Muppets Haunted Mansion. I went onto Disney+ to watch it as soon as you mentioned it. Two, there needs to be an episode of Foolish Mortals about the Muppets Haunted Mansion Special.

[@Alberto_Tellez]

I've been in love with The Great Gonzo for as long as I can remember. Seriously. The fact that he keeps withstanding everything, including PHYSICAL pain, is that he listens to his own heart at ALL advice and NO complaints. He sometimes asked the triumph of being his own self, and that makes me want to love him as much as Kermit.

[@SEGASister]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="32">0:32</a> “Kermit is a frog, Fozzie Bear is a pig, wait…” Don’t worry; I do that too! Mostly with writing. As for the video itself, Gonzo has always been my favorite Muppet. My favorite Gonzo-related media/role? Probably Christmas Carol and Treasure Island, but Haunted Mansion is getting up there now too! <a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="790">13:10</a> Oh! Here's how they came up with the idea, straight from Dave Goelz from an interview circa 2011: "When I went on the Today Show a few years ago, his eyes malfunctioned. During the bit, I realized that only one eye was opening. It was a fantastic expression. We made it into a funny thing because it just happened on live television. I immediately asked the Workshop if we could incorporate that, and eventually, when they built some more Gonzos, they did do it. So I have the ability to open one eye separately, and it gives you a very perplexed, crazy expression that I love." Also, nice words about the, “Gonzo in a dress,” piece. I honestly loved what it represented, and that it was done with my favorite Muppet.

[@magictoast15]

Gonzo has always been my favorite Muppet. Watching him as a kid helped me not be afraid to be myself.

[@moonprincesst.s.h.4ever115]

When I was little girl, I thought that Gonzo was a type of animal named weirdo, because of the original Muppet Babies Saturday morning TV show. 😂📺👶🏻🐸🐷🐻

[@zuglymonster]

Yes! That's where I learned it. I've always thought his species was weirdo

[@Emthe30something]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="11">0:11</a> Kenny is already giving Dan sass about the video editing. This is going to be a great episode.

[@Gimebooze19792]

My favorite Gonzo moment was the Christmas morning when I came out to see a stuffed Gonzo and a Rawlf puppet under the tree. Always loved tweeking that Gonzos nose with the plastic bubble inside.

[@TheAnchorArmsChad]

My Favorite Gonzo moment has been when he shot cannons to the 1812 overture on Muppets Tonight, just KNOCKING OUT EVERYONE 🤣

[@BrightBlueInk]

The dress moment made total sense to me. Gonzo's always been about not conforming, so why would he conform to gender roles, right?

[@SirBlackReeds]

It's a show meant for toddlers. Maybe, just that crap isn't something they need to see. Maybe they don't need to be told "see, boys can wear dresses too. Why don't you put one on." Plus, Rizzo was completely out of character.

[@BrightBlueInk]

@@SirBlackReeds maybe they DO need to be told they can wear dresses if they want to. Why not? It's fabric.

[@lizgranado4239]

My favorite Gonzo moment will always be Muppet Treasure Island, when he's mistaken for being Jim. That entire exchange always makes me smile.

[@d33jus]

Yes!!! More Muppet Evolutions!!!!

[@KitKat_Kt]

Gonzo has always been hands-down my favorite! At the risk of sounding lame, I always felt like I was weird growing up, but Gonzo always made me feel better b/c he didn't just accept that he was different, he EMBRACED it fully and enjoyed anything life threw at him, he was always fearless & just rolled with the punches. I have a serious soft spot in my heart for the little guy - thank you so much for doing this video! Brought a reminiscent smile to my face today! :-)

[@joshberman3659]

My favorite Gonzo moment is when Gonzo as The Tin Man acts like a big brother to Fozzie as The Cowardly Lion by holding his arms out just to help Fozzie walk over that creepy creeky bridge in The Muppets Wizard of Oz. Not a favorite Muppet Movie, but a favorite Muppet Moment.

[@Lionloverky]

I don’t know my favorite Gonzo moment yet, but if I had to choose it might be on an episode of the Muppet Show which I shall put in quotes Kermit: We have skiers on crutches, and chickens on springs Gonzo: These are a few of my favorite things. woo hoo wait for me girls! Also, my favorite Muppet is Rowlf the Dog, but I don’t think Disney Dan could do much of an evolution of him, as the current puppet has been in use since Muppets Take Manhattan

[@draginl]

my all time fave is gonzo playing the bagpips on the pole and then comes the beaver roflmao

[@VaraVTTV]

DAN!! I can’t believe you missed out on one of the best Gonzos (not to mention the other masterpiece) from Muppets Classic Theater!! Gonzo as Rumpelstiltskin!! It was like giving a Brother’s Grimm aesthetic mixed with Aughra’s aesthetic!

[@zurint]

This is now my favorite character evolution video you have created @DisneyDan. Also Gonzo is my favorite Muppet and I just love him.

[@RebekahLeiplein]

Dan as Ghost of Christmas present is a gift. I need more info about this. Tell us about your theatre past, Dan!!! Please!!!

[@MissTrish1993]

I remember suggesting an evolution of Gonzo video a while back after seeing how different he was on The Muppet Show so thank you for doing this video Dan. The best version of Gonzo has to be the Muppets Christmas Carol one, he's brilliant and bounces off Rizzo so well.

[@wendymccoy1093]

I'm so happy to hear you be so cool with gonzo wearing a dress. it makes me so happy!

[@SirBlackReeds]

You need to sort out your priorities.

[@wendymccoy1093]

@@SirBlackReeds I think it's you who needs that.

[@thedisneyverse9201]

Gonzo has always been my number 1 favorite Muppet hands down. Any moment of his from Muppet Treasure Island is gold👏🏻This is probably my favorite evolution video you've ever done.

[@drawwing]

My favorite Gonzo moment is tied between two Muppet Show Sketches. Gonzo catches the Cannonball is tied with Gonzo jumps the Bike into the balcony almost killing Statler and Waldorf. Honorable mention: Gonzo defuses a Bomb.

[@Wendish1971]

Question: What would a Gonzo-scented candle smell like? Gunpowder and sulphur, perhaps?

[@freckle_face2254]

OMG I SAW THIS AND FREAKED OUT!!! I’m obsessed with the muppets and can’t wait to watch the video!! I’m also super excited to watch the New Haunted Mansion!! ❤️

[@MicheleKlinger]

After a long and stressful work week, unwinding with a glass of wine and learning about the evolution of our beloved Gonzo is making my Friday night so much better.

[@LlanoRiverBlue]

Gonzo was a huge role model for me growing up, and I would not be the weird queer artist I am today without his influence. Just rewatched Muppet Treasure Island, and I had that Muppet Show Book on Dan's table growing up! No way I can choose just one favorite Gonzo moment. All of them. Great video.

[@SirBlackReeds]

That sounds like a lot of projecting. Gonzo's only queer in the archaic sense. Not this meaningless blanket term that's commonplace today.

[@LlanoRiverBlue]

@@SirBlackReeds I called myself queer, not Gonzo. Since there was virtually no queer representation when I was a kid, we had to project queerness on fellow misfit characters, some of which writers intended but had to be subtle about, some not. Queer is not a meaningless blanket term, it's just a big umbrella term to describe yourself if you don't fit in a heteronormative world, like say if you identify as a "whatever" whose attracted to chickens...

[@CinnamonGrrlErin1]

<a href="#" class="seekto" data-time="120">2:00</a> now I'm imagining Jim tossing out puppets like Oprah giving away cars. I think my favorite Gonzo moment of all time is the Madeline Kahn episode. There's some really funny parts, but also really genuine emotions.

[@christopherwall2121]

That's basically how we got Elmo as we know him; Richard Hunt, frustrated that he just couldn't seem to get the character to work, tossed the puppet to Kevin Clash and basically said, "here, you try and get something out of this"

[@aprilzackary]

“Gonzo is the new Kermit” Hearing that made everything click into place

[@AmyC531]

God, there are soooo many fabulous Gonzo moments, it would take an hour for me to sift through just the ones from the movies. Especially Muppet Christmas Carol, which I ADORE. But for all his zany antics, the first Gonzo moment that popped into my head was his singing I'm Going to Go Back There Someday. So simple and beautiful and emotional; it still makes me cry.

[@martinnguyen2458]

Gonzo is my favorite Muppet because of his blue appearance, long nose, and I accept the fact that he is truly an alien.

[@cookiesontoast9981]

Yeah I've never quite understood why people care so much about what Gonzo is. Whether that be a "whatever" or an alien, who cares? Gonzo is Gonzo and I'm happy either way. Plus Muppets From Space is an extremely fun Muppets movie.

[@MiladyMacabre]

Thanks for celebrating Gonzo in all his Whatever-ness! Christmas Carol Gonzo is my favorite!

[@doctorwyrms]

thank u for being a true gonzo fan, hes my favorite something or other

[@Powherkrangunch]

Wow, so much Gonzo appreciation! Did you know he also got a close-up freeze in the anti-drug story; Cartoon All Stars to the Rescue? No joke, it was baby Gonzo in an artist outfit, showing that he drew the backgrounds for the Rollercoaster scene! I still love this story strangely even if iiid was just made as part of a just say no revolution. Also your Little speech about Gonzo teaching us to be ourselves is just so sweet! i thought that was great too!

[@RynDummer]

I love gonzo in prop culture on Disney plus. It’s a very entertaining section of the muppet movie episode

[@heididepotter8136]

Gonzo is my favorite. Loved the non-specificated birdlike creature. He s the brave weirdo. Love him! He was the creative one in my eyes.

[@StickySauce101]

wearing dresses has always been a thing men have done, unless they are super-insecure.. everyone from Bugs Bunny to Gonzo has done it and honestly who cares? plus we can't argue guys like Mario look good in a dress (yes Mario has a dress too), we have bigger things to worry about in the world than guys wearing dresses (plus no one bats an eye at robes, do they?)

[@AdrianneBrown]

I feel this misses the point Back then it was absurd and funny - comedy gold. Now it's a political statement being fed to 3-5 year olds.

[@SConArt87]

“This is so cool, I’m taller! I may even have a future with the NBA!” ❤️ our blue whatever!

[@QueenTJ1991]

I love Gonzo! He is so funny and unique! I especially love his sweet relationship with Camilla. It's so beautiful. Camilla and Gonzo are so adorable together!

[@nakkari100]

I love this segment about mental health. Dan world really needs this kind of talk. Thank you

[@tannertaylor6716]

Act Naturally is my absolute favourite Gonzo bit. That performance has stuck with me for 25 years. Back when I first rented Muppet Treasures on vhs from Blockbuster.

[@minidwarf4266]

Honestly Gonzo in a dress makes so much sense, I feel if he did this way back no one would’ve questioned it cause he’s GONZo

[@AshtonGarland]

Had I been a child when the muppet babies episode came out with gonzo wearing a dress, I would have been so happy. I would have felt less alone, I’m so glad kids now are able to see themselves no matter who they are in the shows they watch.

[@PogieJoe]

Always appreciate what you do, Dan. Glad you also loved the new special!

[@tuckerhawkey9561]

I love how you described Gonzo in this video it was absolutely perfect!

[@half-faust]

Watching Muppet Christmas Carol so often as a kid, Gonzo definitely occupies a special place for me. Haunted Mansion was a joy to watch.

[@HandsomeFrankenstein]

Thank you for address the Gonzo dress debacle so well. I really appreciate that. It means the world to me that Gonzo can be who he is so the rest of us can, too!

[@KayleeFarnes]

"Gonzo is the new Kermit." 😬 That hurt me... but you're also not wrong. I love Gonzo.

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

When I first heard the idea of Gonzo being a trans character I was like WHAT? But then I remembered he dressed like the Blue Fairy in the original 80s Muppet Babies & he (under the management of Scooter) performed a female impersonation act on The Muppet Show. Then they brought it up again in the new Muppet Babies, I thought why not? I accept Gonzo as a trans Muppet. :p

[@pookiepooh]

Crossdressing isn’t trans. SMH

[@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety]

@@pookiepooh Maybe not, but I can see where they got the idea. People (like myself) experiment with labels & ideas until they find a comfortable existence. Some trans people do experiment with how they dress.

[@jagerzaku9160]

👎🏾

[@pookiepooh]

@@DaddyOfTheSugarVariety Take your meds.

[@amelieteakanga6151]

This is the first time I have ever subscribed to someone after one video! You have a GREAT laugh

[@naadeiashie6053]

Absolutely loved A Muppet's Christmas Carol. I saw it when I was in third grade during the holidays (remember throwing Christmas parties in your classroom in elementary school) The new Muppet babies are adorable too. Baby Gonzo animated or as a puppet is just too cute. If I could get the puppet version of Gonzo as a stuffed animal I would.

[@alyssamdenovio8559]

Ever since I was little and watching anything The Muppets related, Gonzo was the one muppet i loved the most. Kermit and the rest are great dont get me wrong. But Gonzo stood out in the best fun ways he can. your video of him is amazing, I especially love it when you talked about that whole Gonzo wearing a dress thing. There have been some episodes in the original Muppet Babies and Muppet Babies comic where he is wearing a dress. I think today people forget the word "dress up" and playing "pretend". I never saw Gonzo wearing a dress then and now as a big deal. He's gonna be true to himself, let Gonzo be Gonzo. Whatever makes you Happy. Anyway hope you have a great day, and thank you for making a great video on Gonzo the Great.

[@chloeeveld1104]

Dude Dan was probably THE BEST ghost of Christmas present to ever perform the role. Just his LAUGH would absolutely kill it

[@RPena98]

Gonzo!! I love him! Another amazing video like always! Keep up the great work! :)

[@RikuKingdomHearts_II]

I grew up with only the OG Muppet movie, The Great Muppet Caper, and Muppets from Space all on VHS. These were my childhood and Muppets from Space was always was my favorite growing up. So that movie always has a special soft spot in my heart.

[@LadyOnikara]

My favorite Gonzo moment is in Muppet Christmas Carol when he brings the frozen Rizzo inside and a chicken in a fancy headdress walks by him. He seemed very interested in that chicken. I don't blame him.

[@abbiethegoodnoodle4900]

Watched Muppets Christmas Carol a total of 9 times last season, and I'm hoping to make it even MORE this year! Never enough Gonzo (;

[@LamangoKaijura]

"People got upset with gonzo in a dress" despite the fact he's worn a dress MULTIPLE times. And no one gave a crap when Rizzo is CLEARLY WEARING A SKIRT IN THE SAME SCENE. KERMIT HAS DRESSED IN WOMEN'S CLOTHES BEFORE, EVEN WRESTLED AS A FEMALE WRESTLER. FOZZIE DRESSED AS MISS PIGGY TO IMPRESS HIS MOM. YOU'RE GETTING MAD OVER A PUPPET WITH PING PONG BALLS FOR EYES AND WIRES DANGLING FROM IT'S WRIST PEOPLE.

[@incubuskills3608]

i loved this video!!! you have such a wonderful and charming energy, perfect for discussing muppets, especially gonzo!!!!!!!