A Truly Muppetational Day

 The Knoxville Fanboy Expo really knocked it out of the park this year, and I had an incredible weekend getting to meet some amazing Muppet/Henson veterans such as Bill Barretta, Kirk R. Thatcher, Steve Whitmire, and Kevin Clash, but also one of my favorite comedians, Jon Lovitz. I got spend several minutes with Bill, Kirk, and Steve, not just chatting about Muppet matters, but the art of puppetry in general - these guys really make a longtime fan feel more like an old friend, which were the biggest highlights of my day. Unfortunately, I really didn't get to chat with either Kevin or Jon - their lines were kept moving at all times, but it was still such a treat getting to meet them in person. There were still a number of other icons I would have loved to have met also, including Paul Williams, Anthony Anderson, Jaleel White, and Danny Trejo just to name a few . . . but I ran out of funds (Paul Williams alone was a third of my budget for that day) . . . that, and I couldn't find some of their tables, considering the Fanboy Expo had guests occupying all three floors of the Convention Center this year, and I had never set foot into some of these areas before.

Pepe the King Prawn may be an little asshole (Bill's words, not mine), but Bill Barretta is definitely one of the nicest, friendliest people you could ever meet!

Kirk Thatcher said we were going for a PLANES, TRAINS, AND AUTOMOBILES vibe when posing for our selfie.

Met Steve the first time in 2018. . . .

and again in 2024

I already met Steve Whitmire once before in 2018, but I couldn't resist meeting up with him again this year; still such a great guy. As you can see, I brought my old one-eared Ernie with me again.

Elmo and Splinter almost look like they're trying to photobomb my selfie with Kevin Clash, doesn't it?

Jon Lovitz didn't really seem to appear well that day; I don't know if he was feeling under the weather or what. Still didn't want to pass up the opportunity.

Some of Kevin Clash's disguinished colleagues such as Caroll Spinney, Alan Muraoka, Roscoe Orman, Emilio Delgado, and Bob McGrath had previously signed this mammoth book years before.\

MUPPET TREASURE ISLAND was one of my favorite Muppet movies as a kid (and the first one I saw in theaters), and was one I knew each of the Fanboy Expo's guests had worked on, so I had to have them sign this for me. And yes, Bill Barretta signed it in-character as Clueless Morgan.

All in all, one of the best days of my life, and definitely the highest point of 2024 for me. (I would have worn a Jim Henson t-shirt I have for the occasion, but it was hotternell outside, so I dressed cooly to keep from melting).

Oh, and in case anybody asks, no, those aren't actual Kermit and Elmo puppets at Steve and Kevin's tables, they were replicas that were gifted to them by other fans. Steve said that the Kermit replica was actually pretty close to the real thing in terms of size and construction.

Kevin Clash Scandal **UPDATE AGAIN**

As a puppeteer, one of my own is in trouble, and I wish to express my support, as he faces a scandal that is sure to rock the world, if it hasn't already.

When I got up this morning, I was met with the news of allegations made against Muppeteer Kevin Clash (whom is best known for performing Elmo, on Sesame Street, but also has an array of other characters as well, such as Clifford the Catfish, Polly Lobster, among others) by a young man, who claims that Mr. Clash did some rather unpleasant things to him when he was sixteen years of age (the man is twenty-three now). Needless to say, not only did these allegations spread like wildfire (THANK you, TMZ), but now, the information has some different (and some uncited) sources, that it's hard to tell just what exactly is fact, and what exactly is fiction; one thing that does seem consistently clear throughout all of this, is that Kevin Clash has taken a temporary leave of absense from Sesame Street to sort this situation out.
So far, there really is no evidence from the accuser that justifies his claims, Sesame Workshop has even contacted the accuser more than once, asking for evidence to back up claims, with so far, no response. However, a number of sources quote Kevin as saying that he denies the allegations made against him, but that there was a consensual relationship between the two of them, when the accuser of legal age of adulthood.

In this day and age, it's difficult to determine just what is real and fake, and it certainly is hard for many people, including myself, to believe that any of these claims are true, with some even comparing it to the previously similar allegations made against Michael Jackson. It would be awful if all of this turned out to be true, but even if it isn't, the claims alone are not only hurting Kevin, but they are also hurting Elmo, Sesame Street, and puppeteers in general (considering that there is a stereotype that has been placed on puppeteers that they are pedophiles) - I can't even imagine how parents are reacting to all of this, if they have even heard anything at this point, but I am sure there would be some outrage, to say the least.

Whatever the outcome, myself, and other Muppet Freaks out there, are standing by Kevin, and showing their support during this dark and difficult time. In my opinion, this entire situation sounds less and less believable as more sources report the same story thoughout the day, with different details and citations. Nevertheless, Kevin Clash is a hero of mine, I respect him like crazy, I have trouble believing any of this, so I stand behind him 100%. I hope that this will all blow over soon, and that order will be restored to the world, and of course, everybody's favorite street.

UPDATE November 13, 2012
As it turns out, the accuser who made these allegations against Kevin has now recanted his claims, stating that the relationship was, indeed, consensual - which only goes to prove the one thing that was running through a bunch of people's minds: this character was simply crawling out of the woodwork to try to extort some money from Kevin. Nevertheless, while I am personally glad that these ridiculous allegations are all over, unfortunately, damage has been done, and I know a lot of people will have trouble looking at Kevin, Elmo, and possibly Sesame Street the same way again, however I still stand behind Kevin, and send him my support that he will rise above this scandal, and that time will heal all wounds.

Banner created by, and courtesy of James V. Carroll

UPDATE November 20, 2012
Looks as if this situation has taken a much sadder turn now: in the wake of the scandal, the accuser (who has now been identified as actor/model Sheldon Stevens) is now recanting his recant, saying that he was pressured into doing so, despite standing by his claims, that he is now throwing back out there, and wishing to continue in pressing charges... this, while, at the same time, we now have a devastating blow to contend with: Kevin Clash has resigned from Sesame Street. Sad. Sad, sad, sad. A gifted and talented man's name and reputation forever smeared, the most famous street in the world losing one of it's key fixtures, and now a beloved red monster has lost his best friend.

Child Prodigy Puppeteer

You often hear stories about child prodigies, mostly in the music industry, such as musicians, singers, songwriters, etc... but how often do you hear about child prodigies who are, of all things, puppeteers? And what an amazing story it is: 11-years-old, already has created over twenty different characters, and on top of all that, has been invited by Leslie Cararra-Rudolph and Kevin Clash, to perform in a bit for the upcoming 42nd season of Sesame Street. I really believe Jim Henson would be so proud.

There's even more to the story of Tau Bennett, read more about him and his craft from The Augusta Chronicle:

http://chronicle.augusta.com/news/education/2011-03-18/young-puppeteer-heads-new-york-sesame-street-debut?v=1300491735