Gilles Ben-David

Gilles Ben-David is an Israeli puppeteer and actor who is best known for performing Moishe Oofnik, the Israel version of Oscar the Grouch. He began performing Moishe Oofnik on Rechov Sumsum and reprised the role on Shalom Sesame, Sesame Street Stays Up Late, and more. Gilles would be another puppeteer who can speak fluently in more than two languages, others have included Pier Paquette. Ben-David recently did the grouch on the 2006 revival of Rechov Sumsum and also trained puppeteers for the new season. In addition to the grouch, he also performed Noah on Sippuray Sumsum. According to an interview, Gilles Ben-David got the part of Moishe Oofnik by accident. He stated that a friend was working as production assistant and he asked if he could audition. Outside of Oofnik, his performing career was on the Spitting Image-style series Hartzufim, as well as stage acting, and reciting poems by Jules Verne in French and Hebrew at a conference in 2005. Gilles also appeared in several live-action films, either in English or Hebrew, such as The Ambassador and The Human Shield. Ben-David was paired with Sarai Tzuriel (who performed Kippi Ben Kippod) for many years until 1997 when Sarai was replaced by Guy Friedman. Moishe Oofnik was the only character to appear in almost all Hebrew co-productions of Sesame Street for many years. Gilles Ben-David, you gone from a lack of knowledge about puppetry to a master Israeli puppeteer when you were given the grouch. I hope you are still the character today on Rechov Sumsum, because it'd be great if you are. If ever that series came to an end you will always be known as Moishe Oofnik by fans. Great performing Gilles. Shalom Ben-David!

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