Ben Durocher

Ben Durocher is a puppeteer, suit performer and puppet builder who does Junior Gorg's body in Fraggle Rock: Back to the Rock. He also worked on Sesame Street as a puppet builder and wrangler since the 46th season. I wonder how Ben got the job of working in the NY Creature Shop for the show. Durocher must be glad to perform on-screen for Fraggle Rock in addition to working off-screen. I hope he doesn't get too hot in the suit of Junior Gorg while wearing a radio-controlled head. While he does the body, the face and voice are both provided by Dan Garza. I've read that Ben Durocher has done outside work on the live show Avenue Q as Rod and Princeton, two characters originated by John Tartaglia. I'll bet that he felt especially honored to be photographed next to Kermit the Frog for the 50th Anniversary special of Sesame Street. But if he puppeteered outside of Sesame Street, why doesn't he puppeteer on the show rather than just build and wrangle puppets. Ben was probably not comfortable performing on the show since he would have to crouch below street level to perform. Durocher also performed additional and background characters for Fraggle Rock based on some pictures on social media. At least he worked next to Karen Prell, Donna Kimball, and Frank Meschkuleit, not to mention Tartaglia. In the 2nd season of Fraggle Rock, he performed a Repeatee Bird in an episode, putting him within the Muppet performer category on the Muppet Wiki. Ben Durocher, you did a great job being the body of Junior Gorg for Fraggle Rock and you're also great on Sesame Street. Keep on working in the NY Creature Shop and you'll be remembered always. If ever the Muppets need another builder, I am sure you'll be that person to do so. Until then, just do what you do Ben. Excellent job Durocher!

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