Fran Brill

Fran Brill is a retired puppeteer, actress, and voice actress who was best known for performing Prairie Dawn and Zoe on Sesame Street, in addition to various others. She also performed with the Muppets many times, on The Muppet Show (pilot and Season 1), The Jim Henson Hour, and a Muppet Direct-to-Video, to name a few. Did you know that Fran was the first female puppeteer hired by Henson himself, outside of his wife Jane Henson? Brill was credited on Sesame Street back in 1970, but wasn't credited on the show again until the 21st season. Her other Henson Company projects included Dog City, The Land of Gortch, and The Great Santa Claus Switch (her first Muppet job). Outside of Sesame Street, she has acted on stage and films, such as Midnight Run and What About Bob?, the latter directed by Frank Oz. In addition to acting, Fran Brill has lent her voice to Courage the Cowardly Dog, Sheep in the Big City, and Doug, not to mention numerous radio and TV commercials. But no matter what show she's on, her most well known work will always be Sesame Street. She retired from performing on the show in 2014 but did make one final appearance on the 50th Anniversary special of the show. Fran's 2 best known characters were recast to Stephanie D'Abruzzo and Jennifer Barnhart respectively. Brill also participated in the film Muppet Guys Talking, which was taped a few years prior to her retirement. She isn't doing anything now because she is currently retired. However she still holds the record of being the first female puppeteer hired by Jim Henson. Fran Brill, you've done wonderful as Prairie Dawn, Zoe, and a whole lot of others. You have definitely earned a well deserved rest after many years of performing. And always remember the friends you made. Great Fran. Happy retirement Brill!