Richard Hunt

Richard Hunt was a puppeteer and director who was best known for performing the original Scooter, Janice, Beaker, and Statler for The Muppets. He also performed on Sesame Street and Fraggle Rock as various characters. I believe Richard's most notable characters were Forgetful Jones, Don Music, Gladys the Cow, and Junior Gorg. Hunt has also performed on Little Muppet Monsters, Puppetman, and The Ghost of Faffner Hall, not to mention three Muppet-type specials. From high-pitched meeps to low-toned mock laughter, he can do almost any voice for anyone. Within the late 1980's, he started directing several projects such as a Fraggle Rock episode, a direct-to-video production called Sing-Along, Dance-Along, Do-Along, and several Sesame Street segments during its 17th season. Other than puppetry, Richard Hunt is known for his accomplished singing voice and backstage personality when not filming. It seems there wasn't anything that could stop him, until 1992. In 1992, he died and most of his characters became silent for many years. Richard's last projects before death included a Muppet direct-to-video, The Muppets Celebrate Jim Henson, and the 23rd season of Sesame Street. It wasn't until the 2000's that other Muppet performers inherited Hunt's characters like Steve Whitmire and David Rudman. Luckily a few characters were taken over after his death like Beaker, Statler, and Sweetums. Now it's worth the wait to see his characters back out there. Richard Hunt, you've been an excellent puppeteer and it's a shame you couldn't direct more. I'll bet right now you are very proud of your friends taking over Scooter, Janice, and others. You're also lucky to have a Spirit Award named after you. You have really brought some humor in the world Richard. Rest in peace Hunt!