Richard Hunt: The Gay Man Behind the Muppets

For over sixty years The Muppets have been entertaining kids and adults alike. You probably know their creator, Jim Henson, who brought everyone together, and you might be familiar with Frank Oz, Jim’s close collaborator. But there’s another Muppet performer you might NOT know - part of the core group who was there from almost the very beginning, and in the 1970s became one of the most famous gay men in the world… who nobody recognized.
Most of the direct quotes and details from personal interviews come directly from Jessica Max Stein's forthcoming full-length biography of Hunt. See JessicaMaxStein.com or / richard_hunt_biography to support the book!
Thanks to Joshua Gillespie for suggesting this video and helping with research!
/ muppethistory
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Want to see the Muppet Show's queer guests? Check out these episodes:
muppets.disney.com/
- Joel Grey - 1.01
- Jim Nabors - 1.04
- Vincent Price 1.24
- Rudolph Nureyev 2.13
- Elton John - 2.14
- Liberace - 3.09
More Muppet stuff to watch:
- The Muppet Movie: amzn.to/2Wh1pZY
- The Muppets Take Manhattan: amzn.to/3x7zbxo
- The Great Muppet Caper: amzn.to/3iEFuTY
- Street Gang: How We Got to Sesame Street: amzn.to/3x4FQIP

[@VioletCatbird]

"Gay Muppets? That'll be a fun one to watch while getting ready." *15 minutes later, WEEPING* "I guess I won't be wearing mascara today after all..."

[@rotomblack8389]

OMG I started watching this on break at WORK!?!?! I just told everyone I have bad allergies then politely excused myself lol

[@rafaelmonroyrojas4240]

Same 🥺😭😭

[@JamesChessman]

Really, I was about to watch this video and since I saw your comments about crying, well forget it, I'm not gonna watch it right now!! I don't feel like crying at the moment!!

[@zuglymonster]

Same. I'm sitting here bawling now

[@NoahSpurrier]

I know,,right? It hurts, but I’m also happy.

[@DennisDegan]

I worked on Sesame Street as part of the technical crew doing videotape and video control 1979-85 and remember Richard Hunt very well. Though we never had any direct conversations, he made a big impact on me as I watched him perform on the show. I thought he was one of the most talented, outgoing muppet performers on the show and I was deeply saddened when I heard of his passing. He will always be special to me as the shining star taken from us too soon.

[@AvgJane19]

❤

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@AvgJane19 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@philstrachan]

❤

[@Spankydoodle]

That’s really cool. Did you get to meet Jim?

[@SewardWriter]

Dude, you helped to build one of the good parts of my childhood. Thank you. 💖

[@ttintagel]

Richard Hunt is the unsung hero of the Muppets. It's about time he got the recognition he deserved.

[@erikschultz934]

I completely agree. Same should be said about Dave Goelz and the late Jerry Nelson.

[@RaymondHng]

@@erikschultz934 Hunt has won four Emmy Awards and two Grammy Awards.

[@erikschultz934]

@@RaymondHng I did not know that. Thank you.

[@ttintagel]

@@erikschultz934 While I totally agree about Dave's and Jerry's importance, I feel that they at least got a chance to be somewhat better-known due to their survival into the Internet age.

[@tyrone42ful]

I thought jim henson was gay as well .. then there was whalan and madam

[@sopraltenass13]

I will admit it. I got a little emotional when Frank Oz said "Thanks for helping me understand."

[@thebiggestcauldron]

I did too!

[@The11thEvilEx]

I would just like to add: There is a moment in Muppets: Wizard of Oz where the Muppets travelling with Dorothy refer to themselves as "Friends of Dorothy." The Muppets straight up told everyone they were gay.

[@LazyWaterZ-YT]

how?..... im seeing no connect. but if you aint serious ill do this r/whooooosh

[@renhousley1649]

Did you know that people used the passcode "are you a friend of drorthy " to get into stonewall

[@LazyWaterZ-YT]

@@renhousley1649 i did not know that

[@kiahmadison8541]

@@LazyWaterZ-YT I'm surprised you don't see the connection.. Friend of Dorothy is one of the most common LGBTI code words/phrases for someone being gay or lesbian.

[@kittyprydekissme]

I recently read an article about the US Navy and their attempts to hunt down and expell Gay sailors in the 1970s. If the article was correct, the Navy actually spent more than a decade trying to find Dorothy. They'd learned that Gay people were using the phrase to identify each other, and they just assumed that some woman known as Dorothy was arranging meet-ups for Gay guys all over the country. They supposedly spent years trying to track her down and get her list of all the Gay servicemen. They never found her. Should've just followed the Yellow Brick Road.

[@SchneiderGeorge]

This video has a special meaning for me. Back in the 70s I shared an apartment for a while with Chuck Gibson, who brought Richard over a few times. I never got to know him all that well, but he was there. Those lines you quoted of "Charles Gibson" meant a lot. Chuck moved to San Francisco about then. I lost track of him. I seriously doubt he's still alive.

[@ForrestFox626]

Lucky!

[@VeracityLH]

Thank you for sharing, George. We never know how we touch the lives of others.

[@TyrekeCorrea]

Are you using this identity as a guise?

[@gigiduhermoine890]

Check out Wikipedia...

[@gigiduhermoine890]

He died of Aids in 1992. Rip 🙏

[@wendymccoy1093]

I've been saying for years that Statler and Waldorf are just two old queens who just like to throw shade.

[@gingerkid1048]

So Bianca Del Rio and Lady Bunny?

[@wendymccoy1093]

Hell yeah!

[@jdwinks40]

Myself and my husband in any situation where we are people watching in public magically turn into them lol

[@ttintagel]

And Waldorf’s wife is Statler in drag!

[@creepyspookyicky]

@@gingerkid1048 completely! But Bunny's legs are better lol

[@MuppetHistory]

It was an honor to have helped with this video. Thank you for giving Richard the love he deserves ❤️

[@AvgJane19]

❤

[@miralcalugcugan7960]

I long pressed the like button thinking it'll pop the heart react *facepalm*

[@misterartist1603]

DUDE YOU'RE BI???

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@misterartist1603 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@miralcalugcugan7960 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@averyeml]

Literally at this point I can’t see a clip from any Muppet production without wanting to cry. There aren’t a ton of things made with half the love, warmth, and care that Muppet productions have. It warms my heart even in the sad moments.

[@UnicornFairy42]

@Emma Avery Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@IlaughedIcried]

Same. Exactly.

[@blackphillip8486]

The Fraggle Rock part about letting go and saying goodbye really hit me, it's not the same thing as Richard was talking about death, but my fiance who I had been with for 10yrs just left me this month and I've been having a very hard time with moving on. This brought me to tears. 💔

[@JimmyNails27]

I hope you find your peace.

[@Hiiiiiiiiieeee]

Same here. My partner of 7 years and I recently separated. Keeping the good memories and moving on is hard but its for the best. 💕

[@blackphillip8486]

@@Hiiiiiiiiieeee I'm sorry to hear that, I've actually been trying meditation and it seems to be helping to ease my mind a bit. I'll take any relief I can get right now.

[@blackphillip8486]

@@JimmyNails27 thank you so much. 💜

[@euansmith3699]

Jeez, dude, that is heartbreaking. All the very best to you and yours. ❤

[@jmondine1]

Jerry Nelson and Richard lived close to each other, and would hang out on each other's porch having full conversations in "Two headed monster" speech.

[@garfreeek]

That's pretty much what my goofy gay heart sees as a perfect couple thing! ♥️😂

[@mevb]

They were close friends cuz Nelson was his mentor on Sesame Street and taught him about puppetry. Aside from The Two-Headed Monster they played together as Floyd Pepper and Janice, who were (and still are) in a relationship, Robin and Sweetums in The Frog Prince and in the Muppet Show sketch Two Lost Souls, among others. Nelson took over the role of Statler after Hunt's death until he died himself (though Nelson did Statler in Sex and Violence). Though they were close friends, they weren't together as Nelson was married and had a daughter (who sadly passed away in 1982 due to cystic fibrosis, she cameos with her dad in The Great Muppet Caper).

[@garfreeek]

@@alexmollon933 I'll practice our Muppet audition next Saturday! 🤣

[@johnshoemakerpbc]

I bet that was amazing to see!!!!

[@Fan-zy5me]

I also heard they regularly toked up together. Even before taping segments for sesame street. Does that make them bad guys? Fuck no

[@vi0let831]

Lol ngl this is kinda ironic because so many homophobes say they don't want gays to influence their children, and yet they let their kids watch The Muppets which was practically co-founded/heavily influenced by a gay man 💀 It's kind of random, but this thought just came to me right now

[@RariettyC]

Just like the homophobic parents who idealize Disney movies despite Howard Ashman being a key reason why modern Disney is modern Disney 💀

[@stupidass69420]

Omg ikr!

[@andywinslow9638]

@@RariettyC Is he gay?

[@rattyeely]

@@andywinslow9638 yes, I believe this channel actually has a video on him

[@andywinslow9638]

@@rattyeely cool. I love him even more now

[@aliichi]

Damn... why am I crying over some clips from shows I didn't watch as a kid? RIP Mudwell.

[@brandonjustis]

same. the fraggle rock clip teared me up, and it stayed that way from jim henson's memorial to the wink at the end. goddamn this is a good video.

[@caloiboi]

Currently sobbing & I don't know if I'm just projecting but it looks like Matt was fighting back tears too.

[@stupidass69420]

Fraggle rock’s amazing if you plan on watching it!

[@rotomblack8389]

OMG I was NOT prepared for this video! I grew up in the 80's the muppets, Fraggles and sesame st were instrumental and formative to who I am as an adult.. I am currently aggressively weeping

[@josephyn89]

same here

[@ttintagel]

And then there's “Bein' Green,” that simple little tune sung by a cute frog, that's also one of the most powerful anthems of radical self-acceptance I've ever heard. I know the most obvious interpretation is about skin color, but it's so much more universal than that. For “green,” substitute gay, trans, disabled, lesbian, neurodivergent, intersex, nonbinary, different in some way I don't even understand yet, etc... but that's what I am and it'll do fine. It's beautiful, and I think it's what I want to be. What struggling person doesn't need to hear that until they start believing it?

[@creepyspookyicky]

& RAINBOW CONNECTION?!?! It's not even subtle. I love it. ❣️

[@amandagardner565]

20 years ago i stumbled across a very interesting personal account of someone describing the religious & social persecution they had endured while growing up at school and socially. the kicker was the last line where the writer explained they were LEFT HANDED. only when EVERYONES rights are protected will EVRERYONES rights be protected. trans lesbian and born in 1967, no 10 of 14 children to an extremely religious catholic mother. i have an older sister who regularly got the cane by the nuns at school if she was seen writing left handed, or homework was slanted the wrong way.

[@amandagardner565]

@@creepyspookyicky rainbow connection is very much in the top 100 songs for me.

[@doubletrouble5448]

@@2up3rm4n1 yeah you can substitute it with anything you want it’s about self acceptance

[@amb600cd0]

@@amandagardner565 i think that guy needed his lefts protected

[@jacobinman7054]

“Here he is in a sauna with a pig trying to get into his armpits” just became this channel’s beating heart

[@HellaGood1999]

I mean... who hasn't had that happen once or twice... or more

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

Past days at the baths. 😋😋

[@LucianCorrvinus]

Huh...sounds like my Thursday nights....

[@stupidass69420]

that’s the glue holding this world together

[@euansmith3699]

I felt that was meeting a world-famous ballet dancer and being told by them, "I bet you love to suck 🐓."

[@em-cj2zw]

i cried watching this. there’s just something so reassuring about a classic, widely-beloved tv show being so accepting and open minded so ahead of its time, even if just mostly behind the scenes.

[@UnicornFairy42]

@em Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@NotContinuum]

Re: Bert and Ernie. I can respect when a straight man says he doesn't feel he can authentically play a gay character or he doesn't want to create a token gay character just to pander to a group. That said, the way around that is to educate yourself on gay life/hire a gay person to do it, and create a gay character that isn't a token but an actual important part of the show.

[@CPTDoom]

I saw the special where the CTW executive apologized for denying the possibility they could be gay, and it was incredibly meaningful.

[@curtismartin2866]

I was on that Twitter thread!

[@TheSongwritingCat]

YMMV. Personally, I think queer readings can be valid and interesting but I don't like insisting that characters that are not canonically gay secretly are and pushing for that acknowledgement by the creators. I think it can be messy. However, while the best option is creating a new character, as new actors take on roles in long-running stories, why not let the characters evolve into a "new version" of the character? If you can do it with James Bond and Doctor Who, why not Bert and Ernie?

[@nathanfeatherstone9807]

the amount of rules gays have for how everyone should act is unreal

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@curtismartin2866 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@SanjayMerchant]

Statler having had a fling with Lionel Barrymore is my newest favorite thing.

[@ttintagel]

I've always said Miss Piggy was Fran Oz's drag persona.

[@happiestplace3754]

Richard Hunt was actually the first Miss Piggy in season 1 of the Muppet Show.

[@ttintagel]

True, but her character only really started to develop after Frank took her over full time.

[@happiestplace3754]

@@ttintagel considering what a major star her character became and so important to the Muppets, it's funny to think what a throw-away character she was in season 1, with no real name and not a consistent performer playing her. Most people don't even know that.

[@ttintagel]

I LOVE that one time she has both Richard’s and Frank’s voices in the same sketch!!

[@markwilliams2620]

I thought it was Yoda.

[@electrojones]

I'm not gay myself, but I have plenty of gay and trans people in my life who are important to me. Your channel really helps me to understand the world many of my friends inhabit and the culture that surrounds them (and all of us). You're doing a great job with these. They're really well produced, too!

[@nathancombs527]

I watched a recording of Jim Henson's memorial. It was sad. But at the same time, one of the most uplifting and optimistic things I've ever watched.

[@woody5551]

The characters evolve in our minds, and on some level people always joked kindly that Bert and Ernie were "two guys that lived together"

[@LucianCorrvinus]

A relationship is a relationship is a rekatuonship....

[@atanvardecunambiel8917]

oh my god they were roommates…

[@JamesChessman]

@@atanvardecunambiel8917 And bedmates. ;) Literally, in the older shows they shared a big bed. It changed to two beds in the same room later on!!

[@LucianCorrvinus]

@@JamesChessman what's REALLY funny...is that sharing a bed and was a regular thing in the 70s for people of color and in the poorer class. So for a big demographic it is familiar for two guys to have to share a bed...

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@LucianCorrvinus Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@raem7846]

It's not like I needed more reasons to love the Muppets, but here we are.

[@euansmith3699]

They were sensational, inspirational, celebrational, and Muppetational.

[@JamesChessman]

@@euansmith3699 Woah I didn't know that was the last word in the song lol!!

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@JamesChessman Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@euansmith3699 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@UnicornFairy42]

@RAE M Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@Vic35102]

The mudwell clip makes me cry

[@r053_p3t4l]

This channel is such a valuable source of queer history and so many episodes make me cry 😭

[@donaldewert2332]

I wish the word queer would die!!!

[@nathanfeatherstone9807]

you should be less beta

[@missm2925]

@@donaldewert2332 it’s a reclaimed word and a word to be proud of.

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@nathanfeatherstone9807 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@missm2925 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@neivilde.1242]

matt: "charles aznavour, who you've probably never heard of" me, a french speaker: how dare you sir!!!

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

I know him from anime He’s a really big deal in anime

[@neivilde.1242]

@@phoenixfritzinger9185 how????

[@phoenixfritzinger9185]

@@neivilde.1242 he kinda inspired the name Char Aznabul in Gundam You could actually do a culture cruise episode on Gundam, and I’m talking about the original one from 1979 where Char is from not Wing (which was the first breakthrough of popularity in America and was the one where the pilots looked like a boy band) He’s half of two of the most popular slash ships in early Japanese fandom history, like people still primarily used zines to talk about fandom early

[@NichtcrawlerX]

Even as a non-French person I felt insulted.

[@ToruKun1]

@@phoenixfritzinger9185 Too true, Char/Amuro was like the Japanese equivalent of Kirk/Spock

[@emorag]

What a loving tribute to Richard Hunt. I had no idea about so much of this history. Can't fully explain why but I'm crying over here, and there ain't an onion in sight.

[@liam1558]

I feel like the Muppets have a special connection for anyone who feels like an outsider. Sometimes people relate to them because they're a bunch of misfits who work together and become like a family.

[@InkieBlu]

I'm absolutely bawling. Scooter was always my favourite as a kid and knowing the actor behind him was such a loving bright soul makes him so much better.

[@ofmermaids2940]

Yes! This video is wonderful. I’m so glad the Muppets are finally being seen as part of queer culture. Many of those gay jokes went over my head but it makes so much sense! The Muppets impacted me more than any for of entertainment.

[@ttintagel]

Muppet humor is on SOOO many levels.

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@ttintagel Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@selalewis9189]

The timing of this is so uncanny. Just last night I rewatched one of my favorite Christmas movies, _Trading Places_ I wanted to know who the young trader who worked for the Duke Brothers. Then I see your video and I immediately recognized him as that guy! Thank you for doing a deep dive on this unspoken artist.

[@hestiathena4917]

Holy crap! I knew Frank Oz had a cameo in that film, but I never had a clue Hunt was the Dukes' guy on the trade floor. I'll have to keep that in mind next time I see it!

[@RosieTheMushrum]

I REALIZED THAT TOO HOW CRAZY

[@dreadlegend7365]

I knew he was on some movie i watched!

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@dreadlegend7365 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@RosieTheMushrum Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@bonestartapes]

why does this channel always make videos JUST as i'm thinking about the very thing thats the subject of the new video....currently working on an essay about how the muppet show is inherently queer in its form and characters and im gonna reference richard hunt bc he's such an incredible piece of the muppet world...i think there's a very lovely and also extremely heartbreaking anecdote about him in "gay new york" (i THINK that's the title?) about him & his ex partner...also the rudolph nureyev anecdote is in there too....absolutely go off i know so much about queer history just from watching this channel, your work is amazing!!! thank you matt baume!

[@jaida4547]

It's on The Agenda, ofc we are all thinking about stuff at the same time /j

[@bmas44]

I kinda wana read it 😮

[@Hardbody217]

Looking forward to this. Richard Hunt's performances are as important to the success of The Muppets as Jim & Frank.

[@Pencliff]

I didn't watch a whole lot of Muppets growing up, but this video still has me crying hearing them all singing.

[@ttintagel]

I watch that video from Jim Henson‘s memorial every time I need a good cry.

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@ttintagel Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@detritus10001]

Man, I didn't realize how open all of Henson's creations were. This made me cry so flipping hard, man. I used to be weirded out by homosexuality, but as I grew and matured, it's just a part of life. Forget the sexual orientation of any of these people or characters, and just look at the lessons about loving the people that mean the most to you. Live and love with all you are, because tomorrow isn't guaranteed. God bless and love you for celebrating these creative geniuses. All the best to you and yours, sir.

[@Kenobi624]

Skye, my spouse has been an active fan of all of Henson's creations since they were born (ironically the day after Jim Henson's death) and I am realizing more and more how much these characters mean to them, how openly queer they were and helping them find out more about their sexuality and gender.

[@HalfHeartedJG]

I got chills. Hearing my name from one of my favorite KZbinrs 😅😅😅

[@FatNorthernBigot]

Beaker and Dr Bunsen were a couple? I bet they had the freakiest toys. I mean plug-into-the-mains freaky.

[@Hojotoho.Yall504]

Not to mention that milking machine

[@FatNorthernBigot]

@@Hojotoho.Yall504 that would make steam gush from Beaker's ears 🤣

[@visualthinking]

"Plug-into-the-mains freaky" = 🏆

[@vi0let831]

Oh god 💀

[@joshuayeager3686]

The brainiacs are always the kinkiest

[@basil5980]

Soooooo excited for this video, I think it’s time we fully cement the muppets as a part of gay culture lol.

[@simonkisielewski3327]

Jotaro will be surely confused after seeing his daughter here Xd

[@JamesChessman]

I agree but unfortunately your comment makes gay culture sound like an alien blob who is consuming everything and it's becoming cemented as part of itself!!

[@eduardochavacano]

are you serious? Involuntary Celibacy can be hard, but please dont become a terrorist. Why must gay culture sound like its something that came from Uranus? Why the desperation. Madonna is 63 and still rules the Pop Universe, at least outside America where her gaydiance is celebrated in places like Fiji, Malawi, Uruguay, Krygystan, and Iran. So calm those tits, gay marriage will soon be legalized in more places including China. If you dont piss off the Chinese by calling everything a gay iconography. Oops, You were just being sarcastic.

[@euthymialy]

The story behind “Just a Dream Away” has me screambawling at work, thanks. I love it.

[@harleyludy6596]

I always thought that the original Muppet performers were a motley crew: each of them having incredibly unique story, with a relationship of building off of and working with each other. Every one of them has a special place in my heart, but it was good to know this great stuff about Richard Hunt. Probably the one of the original batch of performers I knew least about. Thanks for this wonderful video on an underrated Muppet performer.

[@Nothing_Israel]

For some reason teared up at that Frank Oz quote near the end.

[@anonymousannoyingmouse]

such a VERY Well timed video, just today a neighbor, a friends dad, a coworkers friends dad, passed away my lovers dad is suffering from old age complications and i m waiting to travel and be with him in these critical moments. thanks for the video, this has brought much needed serenity to me, stay focused and help with what i can.

[@creepyspookyicky]

**hug**❣️

[@anonymousannoyingmouse]

@@creepyspookyicky thank you

[@TransSappho]

I’ll be honest, I somehow never knew that Vincent Price was gay

[@unoriginaluid]

He was married to women three times. He was an ally and accepted his daughter's orientation. But I haven't seen any evidence that he was gay.

[@somecathchick]

@@unoriginaluid His daughter claims that he was bisexual, along with his third wife.

[@lumberingdinosaur9108]

The inclusion of Vincet Price feels... off. His daughter claimed both Vincent and his wife Coral were bi after their deaths. I don't know how I feel about family members outing their loved ones since those individuals chose not to disclose that information publicly, having someone else out them regardless feels disrespectful. Whether Vincent and his wife was or not, he was definitely an ally.

[@creepyspookyicky]

He was bisexual!! ❣️

[@amandamarklandyoga]

Omg. The Mudwell Fraggle episode. It makes me cry even now. Holy shit.

[@MegCazalet]

I’m weeping over Mudwell. That story meant so much to me. I was a sensitive child obsessed with death and anxious and fearful. Mudwell helped teach me a lesson I’m still practicing and learning and relearning today.

[@fishflake]

i cannot even describe how happy i am to see a video about richard hunt getting such wide exposure, his contributions to the muppets both on-screen and off-screen are immeasurable but never acknowledged. i think this video did a fantastic job getting that across in under 20 minutes also, shout out to j max stein!! i've been following the progress of the biography on the blog since i was in high school, im in my mid-20s now and it's still the best resource for so many delightful interviews and anecdotes about richard, i highly recommend anyone learning about him for the first time from this video to check it out!!!!

[@PuppetNerd]

This is great! We are working on a special episode celebrating Richard Hunt. We have a bunch of interview clips with the performers who worked with him.

[@MattBaume]

Oh that's so exciting! Can't wait to watch.

[@AnimeGames16]

Love the Puppet Tears podcast and that sounds very exciting! Would have been fitting to put it out on the 17th though as that would have been Richard's 70th birthday.

[@PuppetNerd]

@@AnimeGames16 Thanks! Oh it's going to take a while to put it together. These things take time. We have some unseen footage from the podcast and some still yet to be filmed. Stay tuned!

[@megelizabeth9492]

Have you gotten around to making this yet?

[@TheGFeather]

I'm not crying, you're crying... Okay, yeah, I'm crying. OG Muppet stuff just gets to me. And ditto on Fraggle Rock. It was such a huge part of my childhood. One of the best things about the way Henson and CTW made kids programs was that they embraced real and difficult things in a way that made sense to kids. If there is a single television moment I remember from my childhood, it was Mr Hooper's death on Sesame Street. I was a little too young to remember the initial broadcast, but episodes with Mr Hooper were still on air regularly in the few years that followed and I vividly remember Big Bird in that particular episode. Sad Wembly is pretty sad, but there is no sad like sad Big Bird. Sad Big Bird is the saddest thing I can imagine. It was a brave choice the studio made in directly addressing the issue, rather than simply replacing the actor or giving an off screen departure to the character. I know it wasn't the done thing at the time. And I still get teary eyed (okay properly crying) when I remember it, but it was definitely the right thing. They treated kids as real and complete people in their own right, and that's why we loved their shows.

[@rotomblack8389]

If you haven't yet, please check out the 6 part series DefunctTv did on Jim Henson's body of work here on youtube.. I think you would really enjoy them; They are so amazing and entertaining oh and *Bring Kleenex* I went through a full box! xo

[@kentgriffith3119]

This video had me in tears at points. Luckily, I have an apartment full of Elmos, Cookie Monsters and more to put a smile back on my face.

[@amydaskilewicz9076]

I never knew Richard Hunt was gay…that’s awesome! Also, didn’t know Vincent Price was gay either haha

[@creepyspookyicky]

Vincent Price was bisexual!!! ❣️

[@haileyshannon7548]

@@creepyspookyicky He had a wife and a daughter!

[@creepyspookyicky]

@@haileyshannon7548 so does my bisexual husband LOL. I'm also bisexual as well. Love & attraction are incredibly versatile!! :)

[@oliverbrownlow5615]

@@haileyshannon7548 And Oscar Wilde was married to a woman and had two children.

[@silyknow]

@@haileyshannon7548 … you’re aware that bisexual people can be in straight relationships and it doesn’t make them any less bisexual right???

[@cunard61]

Richard Hunt (Scooter) and John Denver presented one of the finest duets in television history when they performed "The Peace Carol" on the "Christmas Together" special.

[@nanamiharuka3269]

omg I seriously LOVED that cow and Janice! Plus one half of Statler and Waldorf? Some of the most iconic characters in my eyes!

[@megan2176]

That was so fun, though I did shed some tears, lots of good memories watching those shows!! Makes me want to curl up and watch them for an afternoon, with a bowl of sugar cereal, or grilled cheese and ketchup! Nostalgia ;)

[@cnmcginn1981]

Awww man. Here I am sitting in my car sobbing and I start a new job in 20 minutes. LOL Great work, Matt.

[@anithingartist]

45 yr old straight man. Teary-eyed watching this. Love it. Some amazing memories. That Fraggle Rock episode was amazing. Wow, mind-blowing with the Richards history.

[@HellaGood1999]

Some people get excited when a new Marvel movie comes out.. I get excited when a new Matt Baume video comes out. Keep doing what you do so well.. and if you ever find yourself in Philadelphia, let me buy you a beer.. thank you for making my whole day!

[@aisforapple25]

I have met Mr. Hunt when he was doing a production for MTV and he stayed at my hotel in New York. Including others like Steve and Mrs. Butterworth to name a few but I was amazed to meet a lot of the people that shaped my childhood and I thanked them over and over again.

[@carolinea3899]

This video among others you’ve posted have meant so much to me because it shows me how all through my childhood I’ve had queer story tellers helping me be more kind, creative, and aware of my world- all before I even knew about who I was inside. ❤️❤️❤️

[@chrismuskett6867]

Thankyou for making this film about the wonderful Richard Hunt. Something that you didn’t mention was that Richard used to hang out and chat with the crew who were working on The Muppet Show. If he found out that someone on the crew had kids, he would encourage them to bring their kids in to watch the show being filmed, and then after the show he would meet with them, show off the Muppets and do a little private performance for them. My Dad was a scenic carpenter who worked on the show at Borehamwood in Hertfordshire, England, back in the 70s. He worked on The Muppet Show (he built Rowlf’s piano amongst other things), and so I was one of the kids invited to see the show and meet The Muppets and Richard Hunt. I actually got to go twice, and saw the Petula Clarke and Roger Moore episodes being filmed. Richard did Scooter and Beaker and Rizzo Rat for me, but the thing that stands out most for me now was when he did Miss Piggy. He used to share Miss Piggy with Frank Oz on sketches like Veterinarians Hospital. I remember my meeting with Miss Piggy going something like this… “Oh hey, hiya handsome!” Then as an aside to my Dad “Is he rich?” Must have made quite an impression on me. I can remember everything so clearly despite this being over forty years ago and I was probably only eight or nine at the time. I was extremely saddened to hear of Richards passing. Thankyou for giving me an idea of how this beautiful man lived.

[@rocketbackhander6280]

I don't know why but this one really hit me hard. Such a good piece.

[@Osammar100]

Me too.

[@creepyspookyicky]

Maybe I'm hormonal today but I started tearing up & sniffling at the thumbnail. The Muppets mean so much to me even now that I'm 52. I literally grew up on them. 😻

[@Tustin2121]

Damn, that Fraggle Rock storyline synopsis made me cry. Idk how I would handle actually watching it. 🥺 PS. Thanks for correcting the subtitles!

[@stevena488]

I came here for cute happy muppets, not to have my heart broken by a tragic love story!! (For real though, the muppets were magnificent and I love that it's so inclusive)

[@wickedsistah4703]

Shakespeare: *Writes one of the most tragic love stories in all of literature history* God when he made Richard Hunt: Hold my beer… Who knew the life of a guy who helped to make millions of people happy would end so tragically? At least he (hopefully) died peacefully surrounded by people who loved and accepted him

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@wickedsistah4703 Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@emmaseckso1870]

Matt, you are a true and absolute gift to this world, this platform, and my life. Thanks you for bringing all of the queer influences I didn’t know were in my life. I weep at every video you make. You have a true gift. I can’t wait to someday have the expendable cash to support you on patreon and see all the extra videos.

[@berliozophile]

Who's peeling onions in here? Is that you Beaker???? Thanks, Matt, that was truly a great vid.

[@ttintagel]

Und nuo ve-a peel zee-a ouniuns. Bork Bork Bork!

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

Scotter!!!!!! Yeaaaaa! 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈😘. Never knew who gave Scooter/Beaker life. I just loved them. Heck all of them, it was just fun and happy. 😁

[@benw9949]

I always thought Scooter was great. He was this bright, eager new kid just starting out with that job back stage for the Muppet Show, as Kermit's gopher assistant. He always seemed like the "boy next door," maybe small-town, very wholesome, the kind of guy you'd want for a friend. I never really thought of him as gay, I just defaulted to, he's straight. But I tend to think that way anyway. That Scooter could be a low-key, very ordinary gay guy, just starting life on his own, smart, maybe some college, talented, enthusiastic -- Dang, do I have a crush I didn't know about? LOL. When I was little, I was a big fan of Grover, apparently, although I liked Ernie a lot. But I especially liked Snuffleupagus as a little guy. I don't know if this has some deeper meaning about me. Hahah. When I had seen clips recently of Grover, I'm not sure why I liked him so much as a little kid, but Grover was a lovable, ditzy goofball. -- And Richard Hunt as Snuffy's back half, now that's a real unsung hero, thankless task, haha.

[@mrpoohbearlvr]

@@benw9949 Snuffy was your/my first bear crush. Grover is just silly,sweet,and a free spirit. SUPER GROVER!!! Yeaaaaa🤪🏳️‍🌈

[@stellarjuju8788]

When all the muppets come together to sung Just one person at the memorial if gets me in the feels everytime. Really was a beautiful moment..🥲

[@christopherbubb2890]

What a beautiful, loving tribute. It brought tears to my eyes. I didn't know who Richard Hunt was until recently but I've learned quite a bit about him since I started rewatching "Fraggle Rock." His was a light and a talent extinguished far too soon, but as long as his work keeps bringing joy to new generations, he's never really gone. By the way, I'd be remiss not to mention another of my favorite characters of his... Don Music! "I'LL NEVER GET IT! NEVER!!!!" The Trash Heap Has Spoken! NYAAAH! (That line was his idea, by the way.)

[@callunas]

I never watched any of these shows as a kid but you brought me to tears over this story I'd never known.

[@jacobismithenshire1238]

Thanks again Matt, you’ve made yet another video that absolutely broke me. The legacy of Richard and his characters is one that shouldn’t ever be forgotten. Fraggle Rock still holds a very special place in my heart and Mudwell’s story is easily one of the most profound moments in the series. It’s so nice to have a closer look into the life of the man behind such an important part of my childhood. Again, thank you so much 💗

[@Green4CloveR]

This channel fills me with so much pride 🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈🏳️‍🌈 Straight people find out about their history automatically from parents, grandparents and school. As LGBTQ+, we have to go out on our own to learn about our history and this channel is a treasure trove. Thank you.

[@roivinikmossel2998]

Not Only Gay people but also people with nerological diffrences.

[@viktorberzinsky4781]

I did not expect to be crying happy tears at the end of this. I'd like to think that he died without regrets though so few knew his name. His legacy was perhaps greater that of many performers who are more widely celebrated, for he helped create enduring, iconic characters and left a behind a legacy of love, acceptance, and laughter that touched the hearts of people who truly needed it.

[@technicolordreamer]

I found a t.v. pilot of a show called "Puppetman" that Richard Hunt was in. It was about two guys who were local children's show puppeteers. It seemed pretty interesting. Sorry that it never got made. It's so rare that we actually got to see his face as a performer. Could have been cool. I miss hearing his voice. He voiced some of my favorite characters growing up like Scooter, Forgetful Jones, Bert's nephew Brad, and Gladys the Cow. I miss all of the original muppeteer voices in general. You can blatantly hear the vocal differences of the new muppeteers, and it's just not the same.

[@ttintagel]

Forgetful Jones is possibly my favorite of the Sesame Street Muppets. Whenever I forget something (which happens more and more these days), I hear Richard's voice in my head saying, "Oh! Ah fergot!"

[@CosplayCore]

I was born after all of this (in 1992) and it still makes me emotional to watch parts of Jim’s funeral.

[@CosplayCore]

If it weren’t for people like Richard Hunt and Jim Henson, I would have far fewer friends, I think. I prefer to keep kind hearted, open minded friends and I’m certain that at least 95% of my friends grew up more on Henson’s shows than I did. My two very best friends especially loved Jim Henson’s material a lot sooner than I figured I did so I might owe my very best friends in part to Richard and Jim. If ya’ll can read KZbin comments from Heaven guys, thank you for the wonderful gift of two lifelong best friends of mine!!

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@CosplayCore Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@CosplayCore]

@@UnicornFairy42 No but I would like to!

[@ingridfong-daley5899]

And here I am bawling again at footage of Jim Henson's memorial service. It's one of those things I rewatch periodically, just to remind me of the best parts of human nature and the magic of wonder and curiosity. Richard Hunt was my favourite muppeteer. Long live subversive jokes, puppetry, and bright felt!

[@crystalfairy912]

Most recently, Disney Channel’s Muppet Babies had Gonzo attend the group’s fairy tale ball in a Princess dress. He was told he had to dress as a knight because that’s how the boys dress for it, but Rizzo gave him a Cinderella style dress. By the end his friends apologize for telling him how to dress when he just wanted to be himself. It’s beautiful and very touching.

[@kilimenjiro3753]

Man, I remember watching that episode of Fraggle Rock when I was younger and being devastated... knowing the historical context and what they were trying to do makes it even moreso.

[@Drudenfusz]

I am not crying, you are crying!

[@rotomblack8389]

As a man who grew up in the 80’s and loves all of Jim Henson’s creations; Oh this looks charming,.... 12 minutes later *frantically scrambling for the Kleenex box as I am ugly crying*

[@GRAHFMETAL]

So, when are we going to get a Richard Hunt biopic starring Sacha Baron Cohen?

[@PhoenixRising87]

Someone needs to kickstart the hell out of that.

[@stupidass69420]

WAIT YES.

[@500TurtlesFilm]

Ah, SBC would be great. But Richard Hunt in a biopic should be played by a gay actor. Would be inauthentic otherwise.

[@agatharuncible5876]

Fraggle Rock was just about the only piece of Henson media I did not watch when I was a kid- this clip you shared is absolutely heart rending. It was brought to my attention this year that Jim Henson himself may have been in the closet, which is something I'd never considered before.

[@Muppoet83]

I LOVE this & CANNOT wait for Stein's Biography!

[@suzbone]

12:00 talk about professionalism, performing that without breaking up. I got choked up from all these decades away, and in the luxury of the love of my life sleeping nearby. No way could I perform that song in such grief. Mad respect to both of them.

[@suzbone]

14:10 whelp that's it, i'm down for the count 😭

[@UnicornFairy42]

@@suzbone Have you ever seen Jim Henson’s Animal Jam?

[@daltysmilth]

Of all the Muppet performers, Richard was the one who looked the most like a Muppet. And I mean that as a compliment. I believe he was an ordained minister by the time of Jim Henson’s death, which was one of the reasons why he was the main celebrant at Jim’s funeral. He and Jerry Nelson were close friends and frequent performing partners in various Muppet and Henson-related projects. Nelson dedicated a verse of the song “Eye of the Storm” to Richard on his album “Truro Daydreams”, which I recommend for any Muppet fan or fan of good, fun, carefree, feelgood music.

[@dovisbellwood]

Me at the start of this video: Oh fun, I love the Muppets, I grew up watching all their stuff! Me at the end of this video: Sobbing inconsolably, dissolving into a puddle of tears For real though, thanks for telling this story - that I wasn't aware of at all and that deserves so much recognition! ❤

[@NozUrbina]

This is the first episode that made me cry!!!

[@JoinHolmes]

I just wanted to say how constantly insightful and well laid out your essays are. You're one of my favourite creators on this site and I always love to see a new video in my notifications!

[@crazychicktwo]

I'm a new fan. As a salon owner, I always search for great conversation starters. You are a great story teller.

[@DikkieOBS]

Scooter has always been my favorite Muppet Show character, thank you for telling me about his creator...

[@omega__rat]

The way I busted out in tears multiple times while watching this, good Lord. Glad to see Richard Hunt getting his well deserved praise and his story told. Excited to get that biography on his life.

[@sara_sah-raezzat5086]

Thank you, that was wonderful. I adored Fraggle Rock as a kid, I shouldn't be surprised talented qveer folks were behind it. Love the shirt too.

[@valwest9199]

had to pause around 14:45 because i literally burst into tears when you said that frank oz and the other muppets performers stayed at richard's side during his final days. i already can't think about jim henson or the muppets too long without crying, but richard hunt-and that episode from fraggle rock, one of my favorite shows now even as a 20-year-old-holds such a special place in my heart. thank you so much for this; i'm happy to see him finally getting the recognition and the full-length biography that he deserves.

[@ElectricMuppet]

Wow, I didn’t think I would cry when I clicked on this video but here I am, sobbing. Excellent job on this video, thoroughly enjoyed it. ❤

[@yuckitupyo]

Was not expecting to be this emotional after watching this!!!

[@lordsxman]

This was so sweet. I'm crying.

[@ilahjarvis]

Thank you for sharing Richard's story and brilliance with him. My favorite character of his was Don Music. Whenever I feel frustrated and overdramatic I remember how Don would hit his head on the piano keyboard and I'm able to laugh and get a better perspective. My family calls it "Don Music" moments.

[@giggles7179]

Thank you so much for this video. I was the odd child that knew the Muppeteers' names at eight years old. They were my idols. Now, as a gay adult, I not only appreciate the profound effect each of them had in pop culture, but I also recognize what a profound loss it must have been to lose the core member that was openly gay in a difficult time to be one - there was so much homophobia during the earliest days of AIDS. Richard Hunt's voice has seemingly been the one most difficult to replicate in the characters he brought to life; none of them work quite as well since his passing. Sadly, the man underneath them will never be as widely known as those pieces of foam and fabric, but this tribute is a good start.

[@mannering333]

This is the Video that made me subscribe with a smile. Matt, I really believe you should expand this work to a full documentary. The writing structure of your narration as well as your visual storytelling are incredible. If you ever need help with a project I'd be proud to be a part of it. From one artist to another 👏

[@chavesa5]

Thanks for this, but damn I always need a warning when footage from Jim Henson's funeral comes up. That makes me cry every goddamn time. Great video Matt & Crew. Thanks.

[@lanapowell]

Big Bird singing "It's Not That Easy Being Green" T_T

[@ttintagel]

And it’s just a whole other level when you see how strong Richard is being for everyone else when at that point he was probably aware he didn’t have too many years left himself.

[@btrdangerdan2010]

OMG I was crying my eyes out when I watched the memorial part for Jim henson. So bittersweet and touching 😭😭😭

[@user-gr5ps6hq2z]

I grew up watching these shows and they will always hold a special place in my heart, I love them so much that when the 2011 muppet movie came out I brought both my kids to go see it.