Bruce Schwartz

Bruce Schwartz is a puppeteer and sculptor who is known for doing his bunraku puppetry. He made two guest appearances on The Muppet Show, performing his own puppet segments within the second and fifth season. Bruce has also served as an additional puppeteer on The Muppet Movie, probably his only time in performing Muppet-type puppets. Schwartz was even the focus puppeteer in one of Jim Henson's specials, The World of Puppetry. I don't know why he doesn't cover himself when doing bunraku puppetry as most people who do that kind of puppetry cover themselves completely. Outside of The Muppet Show, he did extensive stage performances throughout the 1980's, using his bunraku style to present Elizabethan-style dramas like She Moved Through the Fair. Bruce also performed with hand puppets in the Portable Puppet Show productions as The Rat of Huge Proportions. What ever happened to Schwartz after the 1980's? It's not like he just disappeared from the world and remained a mystery to others. I've read that he was the first puppeteer to get the MacArthur Foundation Fellowship back in 1985. Apparently, Bruce is another person who tours around the world, most notable Japan. I'm going to assume that was where he got inspired to do bunraku. Schwartz has followed other interests in 1986, but I don't know what those interests are. He must have decided to be a sculptor like Terri Hardin, Ron Mueck, and Artie Esposito. I just hope he remembers how much fun he had working with the Muppets on the show and movie. I also hope that Bruce is still out there doing puppetry or sculpting. Of all of the people who performed with the Muppets and Henson, he's got to be the number one at doing bunraku. Bruce Schwartz, I hope you are alright, wherever you are. You are a pro at doing bunraku only without covering yourself completely. Keep on puppeteering and sculpting and you'll be remembered by the people who've seen you. Excellent bunraku puppetry Bruce Schwartz!