Joe Kovacs

Joe Kovacs is a puppeteer, actor, and puppet builder who is known for building puppets at the Henson Company since 2016. Most of the projects he did involve Sesame Street, such as the show itself, one of their specials, and the UK co-production The Furchester Hotel. Joe also did the Henson Alternative film The Happytime Murders, his only film work so far. In 1998 and 1999, Kovacs played the title character of Bear in the Big Blue House for promotional appearances, eventually playing him in the Bear in the Big Blue House Live show to Noel MacNeal's pre-recorded vocal track. Most of the other puppeteers he worked with were stage show performers, with the exception of Doel Martinez, one of the puppeteers for the show called Gina D Kids Club. Outside of the Henson Company, he serves as the performer of Madame, a character originally created by the late Wayland Flowers, for many appearances. Joe Kovacs seems to be doing so well keeping a legendary puppet character alive. Yet I wonder how Madame was turned over to him from Wayland Flowers, either the latter handed her over to the former or an audition did the trick. Apart from playing Madame, his other work includes creating both puppets and costumes for the Center for Puppetry Arts, The Actors Theatre of Louisville, & The Cincinatti Children's Theatre, which I personally think is impressive for one man to work at all of those companies. Let's hope Joe is going to remain a puppet builder at the Henson Company for future Sesame Street projects. Kovacs can also try building puppets for another Henson project while he's there. It's just a thought though, it might not actually happen, but you never know. From performing live stage shows to working in a workshop, this man has what it takes to build and perform puppets. Joe Kovacs, you're doing great with the Henson Company in the workshop, as well as being Madame for many appearances. Keep up the terrific work and maybe someday, you'll become a Muppet performer yourself. You never know when performers will be needed for auditions and training. Keep dreaming Joe. You're a real professional Kovacs!